An oxygen concentrator pulls in room air, filters out nitrogen and delivers concentrated oxygen continuously — so unlike a cylinder it never needs refilling, only power. Families usually need one when a patient is discharged still requiring oxygen support, or during a chronic respiratory illness. Varolyn rents concentrators across Bangalore and sets them up at home, alongside the rest of our medical equipment on rent.
A prescription comes first
If a patient's oxygen requirement is unclear or changing rapidly, that is a hospital question, not a rental question. Call 108 or go to the nearest hospital if someone is acutely breathless.
Which concentrator suits the prescription
- 5 litre stationary — the common choice for home oxygen at lower flow rates. Sits in one room and runs continuously.
- 10 litre stationary — for higher prescribed flow rates, or where oxygen is being delivered through certain devices that need more flow.
- Portable concentrator — battery powered and light enough to carry, for a patient who needs oxygen while moving around or travelling to appointments. Flow capacity is lower than a stationary unit.
Some patients need both — a stationary unit at home and a portable one for hospital visits. We can supply a nebuliser on rent at the same time where one has been prescribed.
What you need at home
- A dedicated power point. A concentrator runs continuously and draws steady power; it should not share an overloaded extension board.
- Backup for power cuts. Ask about battery backup or a cylinder as standby if the patient is oxygen-dependent — this is the single most important question and the one families forget.
- Space and airflow. The unit needs clearance around it to draw air and should not sit boxed into a cupboard.
- Distance from open flame. No smoking, no lit lamps or stoves near the unit or tubing.
Our team sets the unit up, sets the prescribed flow, and shows whoever is caring for the patient how to check it. Humidifier bottles and nasal cannulas are provided with the machine. We also rent BiPAP and CPAP machines where the doctor has prescribed one.
Oxygen with nursing support
Where a patient is on oxygen at home, someone usually needs to monitor saturation, watch for breathlessness and keep the equipment clean. Varolyn can arrange a home nurse alongside the concentrator, or full ICU-level care at home where the patient needs continuous monitoring. Oxygen at home can also be arranged as part of palliative care at home.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription to rent an oxygen concentrator?
Yes. Oxygen is a prescribed therapy — the flow rate in litres per minute and whether it is needed continuously or only at night must be set by the treating doctor. Please have the prescription or hospital discharge summary available when you call, so the right machine is matched to it.
What is the difference between a 5 litre and 10 litre concentrator?
The number is the maximum oxygen flow the machine can deliver per minute. A 5 litre unit covers most home oxygen prescriptions. A 10 litre unit is needed for higher prescribed flow rates or certain delivery devices. Your doctor's prescription determines which one you need.
What happens during a power cut?
A concentrator needs mains power to run, so backup matters if the patient is oxygen-dependent. Ask us about battery backup or keeping a cylinder as standby when you book — it is the most important practical question and the one most families only think of afterwards.
Can I use a concentrator instead of oxygen cylinders?
In most home situations yes, and it avoids the refilling that cylinders need — a concentrator makes oxygen from room air and only needs electricity. Cylinders are still useful as backup during power cuts and for short trips.
Do you deliver and set up the concentrator?
Yes. We deliver across Bangalore, set the unit up in the room where it will be used, set the prescribed flow rate, and show the family how to check and clean it. Humidifier bottle and nasal cannula are supplied with the machine.
Need an oxygen concentrator at home?
Have the doctor's prescribed flow rate to hand and we will match the right unit, deliver it and set it up.