Oxygen Cylinders at Home: What Every Patient Must Know to Stay Safe, Informed, and Prepared

Matthew Hellyar
Jul 21
4 min read

When you’re prescribed oxygen therapy, your first concern is likely breathing easier—anytime, anywhere. And for many patients, oxygen cylinders are the most critical part of that plan. These dependable, high-pressure systems don’t rely on electricity, offer portable options, and can deliver high-flow oxygen when it’s needed most

But with this powerful tool comes responsibility. Oxygen cylinders need to be understood, handled with care, and managed correctly. In this guide, we break down everything homecare patients need to know: what cylinders do, why they’re tested, how to use them safely, and—most importantly—how Respocare helps you get the most out of your oxygen therapy,

Why Oxygen Cylinders Are Still So Important Today

While oxygen concentrators are widely used for home therapy, oxygen cylinders offer unmatched reliability—especially during power outages or in high-flow therapy. They’re a core part of any complete homecare oxygen plan.

Cylinders are also essential as a backup. No matter what device you use for your primary oxygen delivery, having at least one filled cylinder ready at all times is not optional—it’s a life-saving necessity.

They provide:

Instant oxygen access during emergencies
High-flow support for patients with advanced respiratory conditions
Reliable oxygen delivery when power is unavailable or equipment fails

That’s why Respocare ensures every enrolled patient receives a properly sized backup cylinder, tailored to their flow rate and clinical needs.

Safety First: Why Oxygen Cylinders Are So Heavily Tested

Oxygen cylinders are high-pressure devices containing 99% pure medical oxygen, which significantly increases the risk of combustion if mishandled. For this reason, they’re subject to some of the most stringent testing in the medical industry.

At Respocare, we ensure that every cylinder:

Is hydrostatically tested every five years to check for structural integrity
Goes through oxygen cleaning, removing flammable residues that could ignite
Undergoes visual inspection for cracks, valve damage, or wear before each refill

We don’t take shortcuts—our cylinders follow regulations set out by the Department of Transportation (DOT), South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

As a result, you get peace of mind knowing your oxygen delivery system is safe, clean, and reliable.

Understanding Your Cylinder Options: Sizing That Fits Your Life

One of the most important aspects of oxygen therapy is choosing the right cylinder size. A cylinder that’s too small may require frequent changes, while one that’s too large can be difficult to move or store.

At Respocare, we offer a medically optimized selection of M-series oxygen cylinders, each suited for specific patient needs—whether you're active, home-bound, or require a high-flow setup. Here's an overview of the most commonly used sizes:

Cylinder	Approx. Volume (L)	Portable?	Ideal For
MD	~415	Yes	Light outings, errands
ME	~680	Yes	Daily use, short travel, backup
M42	~1,200	Semi-portable	Overnight use, moderate activity
M60	~1,700	No	Home-based or high-flow therapy

Each patient’s flow rate and therapy duration can vary significantly. That’s why cylinder selection is always tailored to your prescription, mobility level, and home setup.

Want to compare full specifications?

You can download our Metric Cylinder Size Table at

where you’ll find technical details including oxygen capacity, dimensions, and usage guidelines. This tool is especially helpful for caregivers and patients planning home oxygen logistics.

What You’re Really Paying For: Why Oxygen Refills Are Strictly Regulated

Oxygen cylinders can only be refilled in licensed, certified environments that meet both medical and safety standards.

That means not all providers—or even all cylinders—are equal.

Respocare does not refill cylinders not owned by us or supply cylinders to individuals outside our homecare program. This isn’t to limit access—it’s to ensure safety and legal compliance.

Here’s why:

Medical oxygen is a pharmaceutical product, requiring proper chain of custody
Refilling procedures are governed by OHSA and SAHPRA, and only certified handlers can fill and deliver medical-grade oxygen
External cylinders may not meet our safety and hygiene protocols

By limiting refills to Respocare-issued equipment, we ensure every cylinder is safe, inspected, and fully traceable—protecting you from unnecessary risk.

Oxygen Safety Tips Every Patient Must Follow

Because oxygen supports combustion, patients and caregivers must follow strict usage guidelines to avoid dangerous situations.

Your Oxygen Safety Checklist:

✅ Store cylinders upright, secured to prevent tipping
✅ Keep away from heat, flames, and electrical sparks
✅ Never use petroleum-based products near oxygen
✅ Do not smoke or allow smoking in oxygen areas
✅ Do not attempt to repair or refill cylinders yourself

Our clinical team provides training during setup and is available to review safety protocols during check-ins or support calls.

Why Patients Trust Respocare

Choosing a provider isn’t just about the equipment—it’s about knowing you’re cared for. At Respocare, we provide much more than oxygen. We deliver expertise, safety, and long-term support to help you stay well and independent at home.

When you join Respocare’s Advanced Homecare Oxygen Program, you receive:

Professional home delivery and installation
Ongoing support and clinical education
24/7 backup access and emergency cylinders
Regular safety inspections and compliance checks
Direct help navigating medical aid and authorisations

Whether you're managing a chronic respiratory condition or recovering after hospitalization, we’re with you every breath of the way.