How to Rent Oxygen Equipment for Home Use: A Complete Guide
If you or a loved one has been prescribed supplemental oxygen, one of the first questions you may have is: How do I rent oxygen equipment for home use?
Whether you need oxygen temporarily after a hospital stay, during recovery, while visiting family, or because you’re traveling away from home, renting oxygen equipment can be a convenient alternative to purchasing equipment outright.
But getting started can sometimes feel confusing. You may have questions about which oxygen concentrator you need, whether you need a prescription, what documents are required, how much an oxygen rental costs, how delivery works, and what happens when the rental period ends.
At Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical, we help customers arrange oxygen equipment rentals for a variety of situations, including home use, hospital discharge, domestic travel, cruises, resorts, and temporary relocation.
This guide walks you through the oxygen rental process from start to finish.
What Is an Oxygen Equipment Rental?
An oxygen equipment rental allows you to use oxygen equipment for a specified period without purchasing the equipment.
Renting can be particularly helpful when your need for supplemental oxygen is temporary or when you need equipment for a specific trip or situation.
For example, you may need an oxygen concentrator while recovering at home after a hospitalization. You may also need a portable oxygen concentrator while traveling or visiting family.
Instead of purchasing equipment that you may only use for a limited time, an oxygen rental can provide flexibility.
Depending on your needs and prescription, rental equipment may include:
- Home oxygen concentrators
- Portable oxygen concentrators
- Batteries
- Battery chargers
- AC and DC power supplies
- Carrying cases
- Nasal cannulas
- Oxygen tubing
- Other necessary accessories
The equipment available to you will depend on your oxygen requirements and the type of rental you need.
Can You Rent an Oxygen Concentrator for Home Use?
Yes. Oxygen concentrators may be available for home rental depending on your oxygen requirements, location, and rental provider.
A home oxygen rental can be useful for people who need supplemental oxygen for a temporary period.
Some common situations include:
- Recovery after a hospitalization
- Temporary illness or recovery
- Short-term oxygen therapy
- Waiting for permanent equipment
- Temporary relocation
- Visiting family
- Extended stays away from home
- Needing temporary backup equipment
Before renting an oxygen concentrator, it’s important to understand your prescribed oxygen requirements.
The goal isn’t simply to find the smallest, lightest, or least expensive oxygen concentrator.
The equipment needs to be appropriate for your prescribed oxygen therapy.
What Types of Oxygen Equipment Can You Rent?
There are several different types of oxygen equipment, and the right option depends on your prescription and how you plan to use it.
Home Oxygen Concentrators
A stationary oxygen concentrator is designed primarily for use in the home.
It takes in room air and concentrates oxygen for delivery through oxygen tubing and a nasal cannula.
Home oxygen concentrators are generally designed to remain in one location and operate using household electricity.
They may be useful for people who:
- Spend most of their time at home
- Need oxygen for extended periods
- Need temporary oxygen following hospital discharge
- Are recovering from an illness
- Need supplemental oxygen during a temporary period
If you need oxygen at home but don’t expect to need the equipment permanently, a home oxygen rental may be worth considering.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator Rentals
Portable oxygen concentrators, commonly called POCs, are designed to provide greater mobility.
Instead of relying solely on a stationary machine, a portable oxygen concentrator allows an eligible user to take oxygen equipment outside the home.
Depending on the model, a portable oxygen concentrator may provide:
- Pulse-dose oxygen
- Continuous-flow oxygen
- Or both
Portable oxygen concentrators can be useful for:
- Going to appointments
- Visiting family
- Domestic vacations
- Hotel stays
- Resort vacations
- Cruises
- Temporary relocation
However, not every portable oxygen concentrator is appropriate for every oxygen prescription.
Your healthcare provider should determine your oxygen requirements, and your equipment provider can help identify equipment that meets those requirements.
Continuous Flow vs. Pulse Dose Oxygen
Understanding oxygen delivery is important when selecting an oxygen concentrator.
What Is Continuous-Flow Oxygen?
Continuous-flow oxygen delivers oxygen continuously through the cannula at the prescribed flow rate.
Some stationary home oxygen concentrators provide continuous flow, while certain portable oxygen concentrators also offer continuous-flow settings.
If your prescription requires continuous flow, the equipment you rent must be capable of providing the prescribed setting.
What Is Pulse-Dose Oxygen?
Pulse-dose oxygen delivers oxygen when the device detects an inhalation.
This type of oxygen delivery is commonly found on portable oxygen concentrators.
Pulse-dose systems can help conserve battery power and make portable oxygen therapy more practical.
However, pulse-dose settings and continuous-flow settings are not interchangeable.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding your prescribed oxygen delivery.
How to Rent Oxygen Equipment for Home Use
The process of renting oxygen equipment can be relatively simple when you know what information you’ll need.
Step 1: Talk to Your Healthcare Provider
Start by discussing your oxygen needs with your healthcare provider.
Your provider determines whether you need supplemental oxygen and what your prescribed oxygen requirements are.
Your prescription may specify:
- Oxygen flow rate
- Continuous-flow oxygen
- Pulse-dose oxygen
- When oxygen should be used
- Whether oxygen is needed during sleep
- Whether oxygen is needed during activity
Your equipment should be selected based on those requirements.
Do not change your prescribed oxygen flow rate without speaking with your healthcare provider.
Step 2: Determine How Long You’ll Need the Equipment
Think about how long you expect to need the oxygen equipment.
You may need a rental for:
- A few days
- One week
- Several weeks
- One month
- A temporary recovery period
- A vacation
- A cruise
- A temporary relocation
You don’t always have to know the exact length of time before contacting an oxygen rental company.
If you’re unsure how long you’ll need oxygen, let the rental provider know. They can explain the available rental options and what happens if you need to extend your rental.
Step 3: Gather the Documents and Information You Need
One of the most common questions people have is:
“What documents do I need to rent an oxygen concentrator?”
The exact requirements can vary depending on the equipment and rental situation.
However, having your oxygen prescription information and basic rental details ready can help make the process easier.
Do I Need an Oxygen Prescription?
For medical oxygen rentals, you may need a current prescription or prescription information from your healthcare provider.
Your prescription may include:
- Patient name
- Prescribed oxygen flow rate
- Continuous-flow or pulse-dose requirements
- When oxygen should be used
- Healthcare provider information
- Date of the prescription
Your prescription is important because the oxygen equipment needs to match your prescribed oxygen therapy.
Healthcare Provider Information
It is helpful to have your healthcare provider’s contact information available.
This may include:
- Provider’s name
- Medical office
- Phone number
- Fax number, if applicable
If prescription information needs to be confirmed, having this information available can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Rental and Delivery Information
You’ll also need basic information about your rental.
This may include:
- Rental start date
- Expected rental end date
- Delivery address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Intended use of the equipment
If you’re arranging the rental for someone else, have the patient’s information available when you contact the rental provider.
What If I Don’t Have a Copy of My Prescription?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a physical copy of your prescription readily available.
Contact your healthcare provider’s office and ask how you can obtain your current oxygen prescription or the information needed for your rental.
If you’re arranging a rental through Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical, our team can explain what information is needed for your particular situation.
Do I Need My Entire Medical Record?
Generally, you do not need to provide your entire medical history simply to arrange an oxygen equipment rental.
The information required will depend on the equipment and rental situation.
If additional documentation is needed, your oxygen equipment provider can explain what is required.
Do I Need to Provide Identification?
Requirements vary by provider and rental situation.
Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical will let you know what information is required to process your rental.
As a general rule, only provide sensitive personal information through an appropriate, secure process and only when it is necessary.
What If I Need Oxygen After a Hospital Discharge?
Hospital discharge is one situation where planning ahead can be especially important.
If your healthcare provider has prescribed oxygen for use at home after leaving the hospital, try to arrange your equipment before discharge whenever possible.
Have the following information ready:
- Oxygen prescription
- Prescribed flow rate
- Healthcare provider information
- Hospital discharge date
- Home delivery address
- Expected rental period
A family member or caregiver may be able to help coordinate the rental if the patient is still in the hospital or unable to make arrangements independently.
The goal is to make sure the appropriate equipment is arranged for the transition from hospital to home.
Step 4: Find an Oxygen Rental Company
Once you know your oxygen requirements, look for an experienced oxygen equipment provider that offers the type of rental you need.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Before renting, consider asking:
- Do you offer home oxygen rentals?
- Do you offer portable oxygen concentrator rentals?
- Do you offer short-term rentals?
- Can you ship equipment to my home?
- Can equipment be delivered to a hotel or resort?
- Do you offer hospital discharge rentals?
- Do you offer cruise oxygen rentals?
- What equipment is included?
- Are batteries included?
- Are chargers included?
- What happens if equipment stops working?
- What are the return requirements?
- Can I extend my rental if I need the equipment longer?
Understanding the rental terms before ordering can help prevent surprises.
Step 5: Choose the Right Oxygen Equipment
Once your prescription and rental requirements are established, you’ll need to select the appropriate equipment.
Your intended use matters.
If you’re primarily at home
A stationary home oxygen concentrator may be appropriate.
If you need mobility
A portable oxygen concentrator may provide greater freedom.
If you’re traveling
A portable oxygen concentrator may be a convenient option, depending on your prescription and travel plans.
If you’re recovering temporarily
A home oxygen rental may allow you to use the equipment for the period you need it without purchasing a machine outright.
The right equipment isn’t necessarily the most expensive or most compact.
Your oxygen prescription should come first.
Step 6: Arrange Delivery
Once your rental has been arranged, your equipment can be shipped or delivered according to your rental agreement.
For home rentals, this typically means having the equipment sent to your residence.
For travel rentals, equipment may be arranged for delivery to an appropriate destination.
If you’re traveling, confirm:
- Delivery date
- Delivery address
- Expected arrival
- Rental start date
- Return instructions
- Emergency or customer service contact information
If you’re relying on the equipment for a trip, don’t wait until the last minute.
Give yourself enough time to receive the equipment and become comfortable operating it.
Step 7: Learn How to Use Your Oxygen Equipment
Before relying on your oxygen equipment, make sure you understand how it works.
You should know how to:
- Turn the concentrator on and off
- Connect your nasal cannula
- Use the prescribed setting
- Connect the correct power supply
- Charge portable batteries
- Recognize basic alarms
- Clean the equipment as instructed
- Contact your rental provider if you have a problem
If you’re renting a portable oxygen concentrator for travel, spend some time using it before your trip so you’re familiar with its controls, battery operation, and accessories.
Step 8: Return Your Oxygen Equipment
When your rental period ends, follow the rental company’s return instructions.
If you’re shipping the equipment back, proper packaging is important.
Whenever possible, keep the original box and packaging materials during your rental.
At Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical, customers receive instructions for returning rental equipment.
If you need to keep the equipment longer than originally planned, contact the rental company before your rental period ends rather than simply keeping the equipment without notifying them.
Our Oxygen Rental Services
At Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical, we provide oxygen rental solutions for a variety of temporary and travel-related situations.
Our goal is to make obtaining oxygen equipment more convenient while helping customers find an option that fits their prescribed oxygen needs.
Home Oxygen Rentals
If you need supplemental oxygen at home temporarily, a home oxygen concentrator rental may be an option.
This can be helpful during recovery, following a hospital discharge, or during another temporary period when oxygen has been prescribed.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator Rentals
If you need to remain mobile while using oxygen, a portable oxygen concentrator rental may provide greater flexibility.
Portable oxygen concentrators can be particularly useful for eligible customers who need oxygen while away from home.
Hospital Discharge Rentals
If you’re leaving the hospital with a new oxygen prescription, we can help with eligible rental arrangements.
Planning ahead can make the transition home easier.
If possible, begin arranging your equipment before your discharge date.
Domestic Travel Oxygen Rentals
Traveling within the United States?
A domestic oxygen rental can be a convenient option if you need supplemental oxygen away from home.
Instead of transporting your own equipment, you may be able to arrange for a portable oxygen concentrator to be available at your destination.
Cruise Oxygen Rentals
Taking a cruise while using supplemental oxygen?
Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical offers oxygen rental solutions for eligible cruise travelers.
Because cruise lines have their own policies and requirements regarding oxygen equipment, always check with your cruise line before departure.
Resort Oxygen Rentals
A vacation doesn’t have to mean leaving your oxygen needs behind.
For eligible customers, we can help arrange oxygen equipment for certain resort stays.
Having your equipment arranged before you arrive can provide greater peace of mind.
Temporary Relocation and One-Way Rentals
Sometimes you need oxygen equipment somewhere other than your permanent home.
You may be temporarily relocating, staying with family, or traveling one way to another location.
Depending on the circumstances, a one-way or temporary oxygen rental may be available.
What Does an Oxygen Rental Cost?
Oxygen rental prices vary depending on several factors.
The total cost may depend on:
- Type of oxygen concentrator
- Equipment model
- Length of rental
- Delivery destination
- Shipping
- Return shipping
- Batteries
- Accessories
- Additional rental days
When comparing oxygen rental companies, ask about the total cost of the rental.
Don’t look only at the advertised base rental rate.
Ask whether shipping, batteries, chargers, carrying cases, and other accessories are included.
Is It Better to Rent or Buy an Oxygen Concentrator?
There isn’t one answer for everyone.
The right choice depends largely on how long you expect to need the equipment and how you plan to use it.
Renting May Make Sense If You:
- Need oxygen temporarily
- Are recovering from an illness
- Are leaving the hospital
- Need equipment for a vacation
- Are visiting family
- Are temporarily relocating
- Need equipment for a cruise
- Don’t want to purchase equipment for short-term use
Buying May Make Sense If You:
- Expect to need oxygen long-term
- Frequently use a portable oxygen concentrator
- Want to own your equipment
- Travel regularly
- Want equipment available whenever you need it
If you’re uncertain, discuss your expected oxygen needs with your healthcare provider and compare the costs and benefits of renting versus purchasing.
Can I Rent Oxygen Equipment for a Vacation?
Yes. Oxygen rentals can be useful for eligible domestic travelers.
Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical provides rental solutions for customers traveling within the United States.
A rental may allow you to have equipment waiting at your destination rather than transporting your own equipment.
Before traveling, make sure you understand:
- Where your equipment will be delivered
- When it will arrive
- How long the rental lasts
- How you’ll return it
- Whether you need batteries
- How you’ll recharge the equipment
Can I Take a Rented Portable Oxygen Concentrator on an Airplane?
Some portable oxygen concentrators are approved for use during air travel, but airline policies and requirements vary.
Before your flight, confirm the airline’s current requirements.
Depending on the airline and your circumstances, you may need to consider:
- Approved POC models
- Battery requirements
- Required battery reserve
- Airline notification
- Documentation
- Whether the equipment can be used during the flight
Don’t wait until the day of your flight to figure this out.
How Many POC Batteries Do I Need for a Flight?
Battery requirements depend on several factors, including your portable oxygen concentrator, prescribed setting, flight length, and airline requirements.
Your battery planning should account for the entire time you’ll need to rely on battery power.
Before flying, make sure your batteries are fully charged and understand how long they’re expected to last under your prescribed settings.
It’s also a good idea to have a plan for charging batteries during your trip.
What Accessories Do I Need With My Oxygen Rental?
Depending on your equipment, you may need additional accessories.
Common oxygen accessories include:
- Nasal cannulas
- Oxygen tubing
- AC power supplies
- DC power supplies
- Portable batteries
- Battery chargers
- Carrying bags
- Carts
Ask your rental provider exactly what comes with your equipment.
This is particularly important when renting a portable oxygen concentrator for travel.
Oxygen Safety at Home
Oxygen therapy can be safely used at home when proper precautions are followed.
One of the most important safety rules is to keep oxygen away from smoking and open flames.
Never smoke around oxygen equipment.
Keep oxygen away from:
- Cigarettes
- Candles
- Fireplaces
- Gas stoves
- Grills
- Lighters
- Other ignition sources
Oxygen tubing can also create a tripping hazard.
Keep tubing organized and avoid placing it across busy walkways whenever possible.
If your oxygen concentrator relies on electricity, ask your equipment provider about appropriate backup options in the event of a power outage.
Don’t Change Your Oxygen Flow Rate on Your Own
Your oxygen prescription is determined by your healthcare provider.
If you feel that your oxygen needs have changed, contact your healthcare provider.
Do not simply increase or decrease your oxygen flow rate without medical guidance.
Your oxygen equipment provider can help with equipment questions, but your healthcare provider is responsible for determining your medical oxygen requirements.
What Should I Have Ready Before Calling an Oxygen Rental Company?
You don’t need to have every detail figured out before contacting a rental provider.
However, having the following information available can make the process easier:
Your oxygen information
Know your prescribed flow rate and whether you use continuous flow or pulse dose.
Your prescription
Have a current prescription or prescription information available if required.
Your rental dates
Know approximately when you need the equipment and how long you expect to use it.
Your location
Have the delivery address available.
Your travel plans
If you’re traveling, have your destination, hotel, resort, cruise, or other travel information ready.
Your contact information
Have your phone number and email address available so the rental provider can communicate with you about the rental.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxygen Equipment Rentals
How do I rent oxygen equipment for home use?
Start by discussing your oxygen needs with your healthcare provider. Then contact an oxygen equipment rental company, provide the necessary prescription information, select appropriate equipment, arrange delivery, and follow the rental provider’s instructions.
What documents do I need to rent an oxygen concentrator?
Requirements vary, but you may need a current oxygen prescription or prescription information, healthcare provider information, rental dates, delivery information, and basic contact and billing information.
Do I need a prescription to rent oxygen equipment?
Medical oxygen equipment may require a prescription. Requirements can vary depending on the equipment and applicable regulations.
Do I need my entire medical record?
Generally, you do not need to provide your entire medical record simply to arrange an oxygen equipment rental. Your rental provider can tell you what documentation is required for your specific situation.
What if I don’t have a copy of my prescription?
Contact your healthcare provider’s office to request your current prescription or prescription information. Your oxygen rental provider can also explain what documentation is needed.
Can I rent an oxygen concentrator for one week?
Short-term oxygen rentals may be available depending on the provider and equipment.
Can I rent oxygen equipment after a hospital discharge?
Yes. An oxygen rental can be an option for eligible patients who need temporary equipment after leaving the hospital.
Can I rent a portable oxygen concentrator?
Yes. Portable oxygen concentrators may be available for rental depending on your prescription, destination, rental period, and equipment availability.
Can I rent oxygen equipment for a vacation?
Yes. Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical offers rental solutions for eligible domestic travelers.
Can I rent oxygen for a cruise?
Yes. We offer oxygen rental solutions for eligible cruise travelers. Always check your cruise line’s current oxygen requirements before traveling.
Can I rent oxygen equipment for a hotel or resort?
Depending on the destination and rental arrangement, oxygen equipment may be available for delivery to a hotel or resort.
Can I rent oxygen equipment for a temporary move?
Depending on the circumstances, temporary or one-way rental options may be available.
How long can I rent an oxygen concentrator?
Rental periods vary depending on the equipment and provider. Rentals may be available for short-term and extended periods.
Is renting cheaper than buying an oxygen concentrator?
It depends on how long you need the equipment. Renting can be practical for temporary needs, while purchasing may make more sense for long-term use.
Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator at home?
A portable oxygen concentrator can be used at home when it is appropriate for your prescription and the device’s intended use.
Can I sleep with an oxygen concentrator?
Some oxygen concentrators can be used during sleep, but whether you should use oxygen while sleeping depends on your healthcare provider’s instructions and your prescribed oxygen needs.
Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator on an airplane?
Some portable oxygen concentrators are approved for air travel. Airline policies vary, so confirm the current requirements with your airline before your flight.
What happens if I need my rental longer than expected?
Contact your oxygen rental provider before your rental period ends. Depending on equipment availability and the rental agreement, your rental may be extendable.
Get Started With an Oxygen Rental
Whether you need oxygen equipment for home use, recovery after a hospital stay, a domestic vacation, a cruise, a resort stay, or temporary relocation, renting can provide a flexible way to access the equipment you need without purchasing it outright.
The process starts with understanding your oxygen prescription and determining what type of equipment fits your situation.
At Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical, we provide oxygen rental solutions for eligible customers throughout a variety of temporary and travel situations.
With more than 36 years of experience, our team understands that arranging oxygen equipment can feel stressful. We’re here to make the process as straightforward as possible.
If you’re not sure what equipment you need or what documentation is required, contact us and we’ll help you understand the next steps.
Ready to Rent Oxygen Equipment?
Call Travel Oxygen by Liberty Medical at 800-375-6060 to discuss your oxygen rental needs.
From home oxygen rentals to portable oxygen concentrators for domestic travel, we’re here to help you find an oxygen equipment solution that fits your situation.
More peace. More freedom. More happiness.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Oxygen therapy should be used only as directed by your healthcare provider. Always follow your healthcare provider’s prescription and the manufacturer’s instructions for your oxygen equipment.
