What is the biggest medical benefit of home oxygen therapy?

The strongest evidence shows that home oxygen therapy significantly improves survival in patients with chronic severe resting hypoxemia.

Why choose a stationary oxygen concentrator for LTOT?

Stationary concentrators provide continuous oxygen flow, higher reliability, and cost-effective long-term operation — ideal for patients requiring 15 or more hours of oxygen daily.

How Home Oxygen Therapy Can Extend Your Life — Backed by Science and Delivered by Respocare

Matthew Hellyar
Oct 20
5 min read

doctor writing script homecare oxygen therapy

Introduction

At Respocare, we understand that living with a respiratory condition requiring supplemental oxygen brings questions, concerns and the need for reassurance. You want to feel safe, at home, supported — and above all, free to rest easier. That’s why we’re here: from the moment your doctor prescribes home oxygen therapy, through the delivery, installation and ongoing care — we’ve got it all covered. With Respocare by your side, you can focus on living your life, while we handle the logistics and ensure your therapy is efficient, reliable and tailored just for you.

In this blog, we’ll guide you gently through the biggest benefit of home oxygen therapy—backed by solid medical research—and explain why for long-term oxygen use (LTOT) a stationary oxygen concentrator is often the best equipment choice. We’ll show you how we at Respocare make it simple, safe and centred around you, so you can feel confident and comfortable.

Why home oxygen therapy matters

When your body isn’t getting enough oxygen — a condition called hypoxaemia — the impact goes far beyond feeling short of breath. Organs need oxygen to work properly; low levels can lead to fatigue, heart strain, impaired concentration, and over time may contribute to worsening health. Cleveland Clinic+2NCBI+2

Here’s what the research shows:

For patients with chronic, severe resting hypoxaemia — for example with advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) — long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) significantly improves survival. ATS Journals+2PMC+2

One review stated: “The use of LTOT for 15 to 16 h per day (or, better, 24 h per day) is recommended … because this treatment was found to be associated with a lower mortality rate compared to no LTOT.” PMC

For many people, therapy also means less breathlessness, more energy and better sleep. Cleveland Clinic

In short: when prescribed and used correctly, home oxygen can save lives and enhance daily living. And that’s what we at Respocare want you to feel: safe, supported and empowered.

At Respocare, you’re fully supported

Here’s how we make it easy for you:

Assessment & prescription support: We work with your doctor to ensure the correct oxygen level is prescribed for your needs (depending on your blood-oxygen measurements and clinical status). NCBI+1

Equipment delivery & setup: We deliver the unit (stationary concentrator) to your home, install it in the best location, set it up and explain operation in plain language.

Training & safety: We ensure you know how to use your cannula or mask, monitor your oxygen saturation if required, and follow key safety rules (e.g., no smoking near oxygen equipment). nhs.uk +1

Maintenance & monitoring: We schedule follow-up visits or calls to check the equipment, your usage, and how you are feeling — making adjustments as needed.

Portable oxygen support: While your stationary unit provides the major part of your therapy at home, we also assist with portable oxygen solutions when you go out. So you stay independent and mobile.

Our goal: You feel confident. Your oxygen therapy feels seamless. You can breathe easier and live better.

Why a stationary oxygen concentrator is often the best choice for LTOT

For long-term therapy, especially when you’ll be using oxygen for many hours a day (15 h or more), a stationary concentrator offers significant advantages. Here’s why — and how we help you choose and use one.

What is a stationary oxygen concentrator?

A stationary oxygen concentrator is a home device that plugs into mains electricity and continuously draws ambient air, removes nitrogen, and delivers a high-concentration flow of oxygen to you. Cleveland Clinic Unlike refillable cylinders, you don’t run out of oxygen as long as you have power.

Key benefits for LTOT

Continuous, reliable supply: Because it uses ambient air, you’re not dependent on periodic cylinder deliveries; you have oxygen available 24/7. respirehomecare.com +1

Higher flow rates and stability: Stationary units are designed for continuous flow and higher settings, which matter for patients who need oxygen for long periods, including during sleep and normal daily activities. discountmedicalca.com +1

Cost-effectiveness and ease of home integration: Studies say the stationary concentrator “has been the most cost-effective oxygen source for most patients using LTOT” and “very convenient and safe for home use”. journalpulmonology.org +1

Peace of mind and comfort: You don’t need to worry about running out mid-night, or about complex cylinder handling — you have a steady base unit at home.

Integration with portability: While the stationary unit handles your primary oxygen needs at home, the portable system (which we also support) complements it when you go out — giving you full coverage.

Choosing and using your stationary concentrator

Here are some practical tips — and we’ll walk you through them when we install:

Place the unit in a well-ventilated space (not tucked behind furniture).

Ensure power supply stability; if frequent outages occur, consider a backup system (which Respocare can arrange).

Use your prescribed flow rate — we help set this based on your doctor’s prescription.

Keep tubing and cannula comfortable; change as per recommendation.

Safety first: keep the unit away from open flames, avoid smoking near oxygen, ensure smoke detectors are working. nhs.uk

Use the stationary for home hours, and when you plan to go out, pair with a portable system so you maintain your oxygen coverage without interruption.

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With Respocare, you’re not just getting equipment — you’re gaining a partner. We make sure your therapy is medically sound, operationally smooth and tailored to your lifestyle. Whether you’re settling in at home or stepping out to enjoy life, we’re there to support you both with the stationary concentrator and portable options.

Here’s the big reassurance: With consistent, properly prescribed home oxygen therapy for severe hypoxaemia, you can expect improved survival and quality of life. New England Journal of Medicine+1 Knowing that one of the most powerful benefits of your therapy is backed by research helps you relax, live with confidence, and trust that we’re in this together.

If you’re ready to breathe easier, feel safer and regain confidence in your daily life, let’s talk. At Respocare, we’ll assess your needs, help you understand your options, deliver and set up the right stationary oxygen concentrator, equip you for outings, and support you every step of the way. Whether you’re starting LTOT or managing ambulatory oxygen, we’re by your side. Contact us today and take the first step towards a more comfortable, more independent tomorrow.

References

Long-Term Oxygen Therapy for Adults with Chronic Lung Disease: An Official American Thoracic Society Clinical Practice Guideline. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2020;202(10):e121–e141. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.202009-3608ST
Khor YH, Ekström MP. The benefits and drawbacks of home oxygen therapy for COPD: what’s next? European Respiratory Review. 2024;33(191):240022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38984511/
Petty TL. Home oxygen therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A review of the Nocturnal Oxygen Therapy Trial. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 1987;62(12): 159–166. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(12)62339-8/fulltext
Home Oxygen Therapy. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532994/
Long-Term Oxygen Therapy for 24 or 15 Hours per Day in Hypoxemic Patients. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2024;391(8): 771–781. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2402638
Home Oxygen Treatment. National Health Service (NHS UK). Updated 2023. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/home-oxygen-treatment/
Oxygen Therapy: Purpose, Procedure & Risks. Cleveland Clinic. Updated 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23194-oxygen-therapy
Oxygen Concentrators. Cleveland Clinic. Updated 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25183-oxygen-concentrators
Long-Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT) Revisited. Journal of Pulmonology. 2012;18(3):134–141. https://www.journalpulmonology.org/en-long-term-oxygen-therapy-ltot-revisited-articulo-resumen-S0873215912000384
Lacasse Y, et al. Home oxygen for moderate hypoxemia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. 2022;10(8):760–769. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213260022001795

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice.All medical information, statistics, and references cited are based on peer-reviewed studies and authoritative clinical sources; however, individual circumstances vary.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional or your prescribing doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medical treatment — including home oxygen therapy.

Respocare provides home oxygen and respiratory care solutions in accordance with physician prescriptions and current clinical guidelines. We do not diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical consultation.