What is Medical Oxygen and Why Do You Need a Prescription for It?

Breathing is something most people don’t think twice about—until it becomes difficult. For those with respiratory conditions, supplemental oxygen can be life-changing. However, not all oxygen is the same. Medical-grade oxygen is a specific type of oxygen that is highly regulated, requires a prescription, and is distinct from the air we breathe. Here’s what you need to know about what makes medical-grade oxygen unique and why it requires a doctor’s approval.

What Is Medical-Grade Oxygen?

Medical-grade oxygen, also known as Oxygen, USP, is oxygen that meets strict purity and safety standards set by regulatory agencies such as the FDA in the United States. The term USP stands for United States Pharmacopeia, which is a national set of guidelines that defines the quality, strength, and purity of medications and health products. For oxygen to be labeled as USP, it must be at least 99.0% pure and free from contaminants and impurities that could be harmful to those using it for medical purposes.

For oxygen concentrators, which extract and purify oxygen from ambient air, purity levels vary slightly due to the process of pressure swing adsorption (PSA). This method allows concentrators to produce oxygen at 93% ± 3% purity, which is still considered medical grade, though it does not meet the USP standard. Despite this, oxygen from concentrators is safe and effective for use in oxygen therapy and is also regulated for medical use.

Unlike industrial or welding oxygen, medical oxygen undergoes rigorous testing and quality control to ensure that it is safe for human inhalation.

Why Does Medical Oxygen Require a Prescription?

Since medical oxygen is classified as a drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. There are several reasons for this requirement:

Proper Dosage and Safety – Oxygen is essential for life, but too much or too little can be harmful. A prescription ensures that patients receive the correct amount tailored to their medical condition.

Underlying Health Conditions – Medical-grade oxygen is prescribed to patients with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or other respiratory disorders. A doctor must evaluate whether oxygen therapy is necessary and beneficial.

Risk of Oxygen Toxicity – Breathing in high levels of oxygen for extended periods without proper monitoring can lead to oxygen toxicity, which can damage the lungs.

Fire Hazards – Oxygen is not flammable, but it supports combustion, meaning that it can make fires burn more intensely. A prescription ensures that patients receive proper safety instructions.

How Is Medical Oxygen Different From Air?

Many people assume that air and oxygen are the same, but they are significantly different in composition and function.

Characteristic

Oxygen, USP (Tanks & Cylinders)

Medical Oxygen (Concentrators)

Air

Composition

At least 99.0% oxygen

93% ± 3% oxygen

21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, other trace gases

Purity

Meets USP standards; free of contaminants

Medical-grade, not USP; free of contaminants

Contains dust, moisture, and other particles

Usage

Prescribed for medical conditions

Prescribed for medical conditions

Naturally occurring and essential for all living beings

Safety Regulations

Highly regulated for medical use

Highly regulated for medical use

No regulations for purity since it is ambient air

While the air we breathe contains oxygen, it is diluted by nitrogen and other gases. Medical-grade oxygen, whether from tanks or concentrators, is purified and concentrated to ensure it meets standards for medical use.

Why It Matters

Understanding the differences between medical-grade oxygen and the air around us is more than just a science lesson—it’s essential for those who rely on oxygen therapy. Whether sourced from a tank as Oxygen, USP, or from a concentrator, medical oxygen must meet purity and safety guidelines to ensure it is both effective and safe. A prescription ensures that patients receive the right amount of oxygen to manage their condition properly. By using oxygen under medical supervision, individuals can improve their quality of life and breathe easier with confidence. If you or a loved one is prescribed oxygen therapy, always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to ensure the best outcomes.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations regarding oxygen therapy.

Posted By Kate Wildenthaler in COPD, Medical Oxygen, Oxygen, Oxygen Therapy, Oxygen Tips

Related Posts

Managing COPD Symptoms in Colder Weather

Living with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can be challenging year-round, but cold weather can exacerbate symptoms. The drop in temperature, dry air, and increased risk of respiratory infections can all make it harder to breathe. Here, we’ll explore tips to manage COPD symptoms during colder months and how oxygen therapy can help keep you comfortable and safe.   How Does Cold Weather Affect COPD? Cold air can irritate the airways, causing them to narrow, which makes it harder to breathe. Additionally, when the air is dry, it can worsen symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Colder temperatures also increase the risk of respiratory infections like the flu or pneumonia, which can cause further complications for those with COPD.   Tips for Managing COPD in the Cold Dress Warmly and Cover Your Face: Keeping your body warm can help reduce stress on your respiratory system. Wear layers and use a scarf to cover your mouth and nose when outside. This

Jan 22, 2025 Posted By Kate Wildenthaler

Understanding COPD and Its Impact on the Cardiovascular System

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects millions of people worldwide, and its impact goes beyond the lungs. This post explores how COPD contributes to heart problems and why managing your condition is essential for heart health.   What Is COPD? COPD is a chronic condition that restricts airflow, causing breathing difficulties. It includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, and mucus production. Key Statistics on COPD More than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and many more may suffer without realizing it. COPD is in the top ten leading causes of death in  the U.S., making awareness and early treatment critical for improving COPD prognosis and overall well-being. How COPD Affects the Cardiovascular System The respiratory and cardiovascular systems work together to deliver oxygen to the body. When COPD limits oxygen intake, the heart works harder, leading to complications like pulmonary hypertension,

Jan 13, 2025 Posted By Kate Wildenthaler

Breathing Techniques to Help Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety can make it hard to breathe, but there are simple breathing exercises that can help calm your mind and body. Whether you experience occasional stress or more persistent anxiety, these techniques are easy to practice anywhere and can make a noticeable difference. Let’s explore how deep breathing can reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being. Why Deep Breathing Helps with Anxiety When you're anxious, your body goes into a "fight or flight" response, which can cause shallow, rapid breathing. This kind of breathing can exacerbate feelings of panic and tension. Learning to control your breath helps reverse this response by activating your parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation. Practicing mindful breathing slows your heart rate and helps you regain control, reducing anxiety and restoring a sense of calm.   5 Effective Breathing Techniques to Reduce Anxiety 4-7-8 Breathing Technique This method helps calm the nervous system quickly. Inhale quietly through

Jan 06, 2025 Posted By Kate Wildenthaler

OxyGo CEO Announced as a winner in 2020 Smart 50 Awards

              Victoria Marquard Schultz/OxyGo Announced as winner in 2020 Smart 50 Awards. The Smart 50 Awards, presented by Smart Business, honor the top 50 executives in the Greater Cleveland region Westlake, OH. – October 30th, 2020 – OxyGo LLC, a leader in lightweight portable oxygen concentrators, announced in a virtual ceremony that Victoria Marquard-Schultz, OxyGo’s CEO, was named a Smart 50 winner by Smart Business Magazine for the second year in a row. The Smart 50 Awards presented by Smart Business honor the top executives of the region’s smartest 50 companies for their ability to effectively build and lead successful organizations. “The only thing better than winning a Smart 50 is winning twice. I am truly honored to be among this prestigious group. With COVID-19 our team and providers have had to find new ways to safely and effectively adapt to an ever-changing world. Receiving this award wouldn’t

Nov 24, 2020 Posted By Brittany Fichter

Most Recent

One Million Lives Touched!

Posted By Dan Carbone
May 21, 2026 Category: General

Did you know that through all of your hard work OxyGo has  helped over one million oxygen patients? Over the course of the last six years, our company has touched over 1,000,000 oxygen patients lives! Whether with an OxyGo unit, one of our accessories, or an Applied Home Healthcare transfilling product - over 1,000,000 oxygen patients have used one of our company's products.   To celebrate this amazing feat, we are going to have a series of celebratory events over the remaining year. To kick off our celebration, we will have a companywide luncheon on June 24th. It will begin at 11:30 AM EST, with a simulcast of a presentation from the former CEO of Inogen and our company leadership. After the presentation we will have box lunches available for team members to enjoy together or socially distanced depending on your vaccination status.   Further celebrations are in the works, but save the date for October 27th for our OxyGo impact awards where we will be recognizing suppliers and having a big celebration to recognize this

2019 Smart 50 Awards (Clone)

Posted By Brittany Fichter
May 21, 2026 Category: News, POC, Award, Ceo, Cleveland, Smart50

Victoria Marquard Schultz/OxyGo Announced as a winner in 2019 Smart 50 Awards

Example Blog Post (Drafts)

Posted By Dan Carbone
May 21, 2026 Category: General

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna

A Note About Accessibility:

This site is under review to determine what aspects of our site do not perform to standards set by the WCAG 2.0 level AA for website accessibility. We are working diligently to bring our site up to this accessibility standard. If you are unable to access any features or content during this review, please contact info@oxygo.life. Your feedback will assist our company in providing the desired information to you via a different method.

©   OxyGo HQ Florida, LLC.   All rights reserved.  Site by Premier Designs.