It is necessary to ensure that the inlet connector of the pressure reducer matches perfectly with the valve interface of your oxygen cylinder.
Common interface standards for medical oxygen cylinders:
G5/8 “(common national/European standard): The standard interface for many medical oxygen cylinders in China and Europe.
American standard thread: such as CGA 870 commonly used in the United States.
Specific types: such as “Bass connector”, etc.
How to confirm: Check the model or thread specification of the existing oxygen cylinder valve, or consult the cylinder supplier. This information must be clearly provided to the pressure regulator supplier when purchasing.
Flow and pressure range
Maximum inlet pressure: must match the working pressure of the oxygen cylinder. The common full pressure of medical oxygen cylinders is 15 MPa (approximately 150 Bar/2200 psi), ensuring that the maximum inlet pressure of the pressure reducer is higher than this value.
Export pressure range: selected according to downstream equipment requirements.
Conventional treatment/emergency: usually within an adjustable range, such as 0.5-7 Bar (approximately 5-100 psi), to meet the needs of face masks, nasal catheters, and respiratory pouches.
Ventilator drive: requires stable and high pressure output, typically a fixed or adjustable output of 4-6 Bar.
Flow output: Select the maximum range of the flow meter according to the treatment needs.
Low flow rate: 0-15 LPM (liters/minute) suitable for regular oxygen inhalation.
High flow: up to 60 LPM or higher, used for high flow oxygen therapy (HFNC) or certain emergency scenarios.
Functional configuration
Pressure gauge:
High pressure gauge: displays the pressure inside the bottle (remaining gas volume). The range should be 0-25 MPa or similar.
Low pressure/flow meter: displays the set output pressure or flow rate. The flow meter may be a float type (rotor flow meter) or pointer type.
Is there a flow meter included
Pressure reducer with flow meter: integrated, convenient for direct adjustment and reading of flow rate.
Pressure reducer without flow meter: only outputs stable pressure, requiring an external separate flow meter or humidification bottle.
Whether to bring a safety valve: It must be configured. Automatically release pressure when the pressure reducing valve fails, protecting downstream pipelines and equipment.
Whether it has a threaded outlet: used to connect humidification bottles or ventilator tubing, commonly using internal cone fittings (such as DISS 1240 standard) or external threaded fittings.
Usage scenarios and additional features
In hospital vs. out of hospital:
In hospital/fixed point: Standard and fully functional models can be selected.
First aid/transportation/home: Compact, lightweight, and durable models should be selected, which may come with protective covers to prevent collisions.
Environmental requirements: If used near the MRI room, models made of non-magnetic/weakly magnetic materials (such as aluminum alloy, specific stainless steel) should be selected.
Selection steps:
Step 1: Confirm the purpose – is it for oxygen inhalation in general wards, driving ICU ventilators, anesthesia machines, ambulance transportation, or home oxygen therapy?
Step 2: Verify the interface – this is the most crucial step. Confirm the exact model and specifications of the oxygen cylinder valve interface.
Step 3: Determine Parameters – Based on downstream equipment, determine the required outlet pressure and maximum flow rate.
Step 4: Inspection and Certification – Verify the medical device registration certificate number and compliance standards on the product packaging or instructions.
Step 5: Evaluate Brand and Quality – Prioritize selecting brands with a good reputation in the medical field. Check the workmanship, materials (brass/stainless steel), pressure gauge accuracy, and knob feel.
Step 6: Confirm accessories – check if necessary sealing gaskets (usually oil free PTFE gaskets) are included, and if separate purchase of flow meters or humidification bottle connectors is required.
Choosing a medical oxygen pressure reducer, safety and compatibility are paramount. It is not a universal accessory, but a critical medical device that concerns the safety of patients’ lives. It is necessary to purchase from legitimate medical equipment suppliers based on the principles of “specialized, matched, certified, and reliable”, and ensure that users have received training on proper operation.