Oxygen therapy can feel like a major life change. But needing oxygen does not mean giving up your independence, your dignity, or the life you enjoy.
For many people, being told that they need supplemental oxygen can be an emotional experience.
The first reaction may be fear.
Fear of becoming dependent on a machine.
Fear of what other people will think.
Fear of being seen as “sick.”
Fear that life will suddenly become smaller.
And sometimes, the oxygen equipment itself can feel intimidating.
A concentrator sitting beside your bed. Tubing running through your home. A nasal cannula resting beneath your nose. Or the thought of taking oxygen with you when you leave the house.
At The Oxygen Company, we understand that starting oxygen therapy is about much more than choosing an oxygen concentrator.
It is about helping you understand what oxygen therapy means for your life—and helping you feel confident using it.
Oxygen Therapy Doesn’t Define You
One of the biggest fears we hear is:
“Does needing oxygen mean I’m getting worse?”
Not necessarily.
Oxygen therapy is a treatment prescribed to help people whose blood oxygen levels are too low. Depending on the individual’s medical condition, oxygen may be prescribed for use during certain activities, while sleeping, or throughout the day.
Needing supplemental oxygen is not a measure of your worth, your strength or your ability to live a meaningful life.
It is simply one of the tools that may help support your breathing and your overall wellbeing.
Think of oxygen equipment as a medical aid—not a definition of who you are.
The Fear of Becoming Dependent on Oxygen
Many people worry that once they start oxygen therapy, they will become “addicted” to oxygen.
This is an understandable concern, but medically prescribed oxygen is not an addictive substance.
If your healthcare professional has determined that you require supplemental oxygen, using it as prescribed is intended to provide your body with the oxygen it needs.
The goal is not to make you dependent.
The goal is to support your body when it needs additional oxygen.
It is important, however, to follow your healthcare professional’s instructions carefully. Oxygen flow rates should not be changed simply because you feel better or worse without first discussing the change with your doctor or respiratory specialist.
“I Don’t Want a Big Oxygen Machine in My House”
This is another very common concern.
People sometimes imagine oxygen therapy as being permanently connected to a large, noisy machine.
Modern oxygen equipment can be considerably more convenient than many people expect.
For home oxygen therapy, devices such as the DeVilbiss 5 Litre Home Oxygen Concentrator, OxyPure 5 Litre Home Oxygen Concentrator, and DeVilbiss Compact 10 Litre Home Oxygen Concentrator can provide continuous-flow oxygen without requiring traditional oxygen cylinders to be constantly refilled.
The right device depends on your prescribed oxygen flow rate and individual medical requirements.
For people who require higher oxygen flow rates, a 10-litre concentrator may be appropriate when prescribed by a healthcare professional.
Oxygen Therapy Doesn’t Have to Mean Staying at Home
Perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about oxygen therapy is that you have to stop going out.
That simply isn’t the case for everyone.
Portable oxygen concentrators are specifically designed to make oxygen therapy more compatible with an active lifestyle.
Depending on your prescription and the equipment selected, a portable oxygen concentrator may allow you to:
- Visit family and friends
- Go shopping
- Attend appointments
- Spend time outdoors
- Travel
- Continue with hobbies and everyday activities
- Maintain greater independence
The Inogen Rove 6, OxLife Independence 6L, and DeVilbiss iGo2 are examples of portable oxygen solutions available through The Oxygen Company.
The right portable oxygen concentrator depends on factors such as your prescribed oxygen delivery method, flow requirements, battery requirements and lifestyle.
“People Will Know I’m Sick”
This fear can be surprisingly powerful.
For some people, the most difficult part of oxygen therapy isn’t the physical equipment—it is being seen using it.
You may worry that people will stare.
You may worry that friends will treat you differently.
You may worry that using oxygen makes your illness more visible.
But needing oxygen is nothing to be ashamed of.
Millions of people around the world use supplemental oxygen as part of their medical care.
Your oxygen concentrator does not tell the world who you are.
It tells the world that you are taking care of yourself.
There is strength in recognising when you need support.
Oxygen Is a Tool, Not a Failure
One of the most important things we want people to understand is this:
Using oxygen is not failing.
If your lungs are struggling to provide your body with enough oxygen, using supplemental oxygen isn’t giving up.
It is taking action.
Just as someone may use glasses to improve their vision, a hearing aid to improve hearing, or a walking aid to improve mobility, prescribed oxygen can be another tool used to support your health and quality of life.
Your oxygen equipment is there to help you—not to take away from you.
You Don’t Have to Figure Everything Out on Your Own
The first few days with oxygen therapy can involve a lot of questions.
How do I use the machine?
What flow rate should I use?
How do I clean the equipment?
How do I position the tubing?
Can I sleep with it?
Can I leave the house?
How long will a portable battery last?
What happens if there is a power failure?
These are all reasonable questions.
At The Oxygen Company, we believe that supplying an oxygen concentrator is only part of our responsibility.
Understanding the equipment is just as important.
Our approach is centred around providing practical guidance and helping customers become comfortable with their oxygen equipment.
We supply oxygen therapy equipment throughout South Africa, including home oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, medical oxygen cylinders and oxygen accessories.
Choosing the Right Oxygen Concentrator
There isn’t one oxygen concentrator that is best for everyone.
The correct equipment depends on your medical prescription, oxygen flow requirements, whether you need continuous flow or pulse-dose oxygen, your mobility needs and how you intend to use the equipment.
For Home Oxygen Therapy
Home oxygen concentrators are designed to provide oxygen continuously while connected to a mains power supply.
Options available from The Oxygen Company include:
DeVilbiss 5 Litre Home Oxygen Concentrator
A practical home oxygen solution for people prescribed up to 5 LPM continuous-flow oxygen.
OxyPure 5 Litre Home Oxygen Concentrator
A compact stationary concentrator designed to provide up to 5 LPM continuous-flow oxygen.
DeVilbiss Compact 10 Litre Home Oxygen Concentrator
Designed for patients requiring higher oxygen flow rates, with continuous-flow delivery of up to 10 LPM.
For Greater Mobility
Portable oxygen concentrators can provide a greater degree of freedom for people who need oxygen while away from home.
Options include:
- Inogen Rove 6 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
- OxLife Independence 6L Portable Oxygen Concentrator
- DeVilbiss iGo2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Portable oxygen concentrators vary significantly in their oxygen delivery systems, battery performance and operating modes, so it is important to choose equipment that is appropriate for your prescribed therapy.
What About the Cost of Oxygen Therapy?
Another source of anxiety can be the financial commitment.
The good news is that there are different oxygen therapy options available at different price points.
For example, The Oxygen Company’s current range includes home oxygen concentrators from approximately R14,000, while portable oxygen concentrators can range from approximately R39,500 and upwards, depending on the model and configuration.
We also offer oxygen equipment rentals, which can be an option for people who require oxygen equipment temporarily or would prefer to rent before making a purchase.
The most affordable option isn’t necessarily the best option.
The right equipment is the equipment that matches your medical prescription, lifestyle and practical needs.
Don’t Let Fear Make the Decision for You
If your doctor has recommended oxygen therapy and you’re frightened about starting, give yourself permission to feel that way.
You don’t have to love the idea immediately.
You don’t have to feel comfortable on the first day.
You don’t have to know everything about oxygen therapy before you begin.
Start with questions.
Learn how your equipment works.
Understand why your doctor prescribed oxygen.
Try the equipment in the comfort of your home.
And give yourself time to adjust.
What initially feels unfamiliar can eventually become simply another part of your routine.
Oxygen Therapy Can Become Part of Life—Without Becoming Your Whole Life
This is perhaps the most important message from The Oxygen Company:
Oxygen therapy can be part of your life without becoming your entire life.
You are still you.
You can still laugh.
You can still spend time with the people you love.
You can still pursue your interests.
You can still make plans.
You can still travel when medically appropriate.
You can still enjoy the things that matter to you.
Your oxygen concentrator is a piece of medical equipment.
It is not the story of your life.
A Final Word From The Oxygen Company
If you are frightened about starting oxygen therapy, you’re not alone.
The fear of dependence, the visibility of oxygen equipment, concerns about mobility and the uncertainty of learning something new can all feel overwhelming.
But needing oxygen does not mean that your independence has ended.
It means your body may need additional support—and there is absolutely no shame in accepting that support.
At The Oxygen Company, our goal isn’t simply to sell oxygen equipment.
Our goal is to help people breathe easier, understand their equipment and feel confident about their oxygen therapy journey.
Whether you are looking for a 5-litre or 10-litre home oxygen concentrator, a portable oxygen concentrator, an oxygen cylinder, oxygen accessories or an oxygen equipment rental, we’re here to help you understand your options.
If you’re unsure what type of oxygen equipment is appropriate for your needs, speak to your healthcare professional first and then contact The Oxygen Company. We’ll help you understand the equipment options available and find a practical solution based on your prescription and lifestyle.
Your Oxygen Journey Doesn’t Have to Be a Journey of Fear.
It can be a journey towards greater confidence, independence and peace of mind.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not replace the advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your doctor, pulmonologist, respiratory therapist or other qualified healthcare professional.
Oxygen therapy should only be used when prescribed or recommended by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. Do not change your prescribed oxygen flow rate or discontinue oxygen therapy without first consulting your healthcare professional.
