Why you need oxygen for ozone therapy and how to get it
What to expect in this article:
- Why do I need an oxygen tank?
- What are the different types of oxygen tanks?
- How do I get an oxygen tank?
- What are oxygen regulators and why are they needed?
- What if I’m having a tough time getting oxygen?
Why do I need oxygen for ozone therapy?
Pure oxygen from a tank is required for any ozone that goes into your body. For those methods you cannot use room air or an oxygen concentrator. Here’s why.
Room air is a paltry 21% oxygen, and even the best oxygen concentrators only get up to 95% oxygen (although some advertise otherwise). The additional 5% contains nitrogen, argon, and other molecules. These non-oxygen gasses create harmful contaminants when they pass through an ozone generator.
Can you use an oxygen concentrator with an ozone generator?
Not for anything that goes into your body. A concentrator pulls oxygen out of room air and tops out around 90–95% oxygen. The rest is mostly argon and nitrogen, and nitrogen passing through an ozone generator forms nitrogen oxides, which you don't want in your blood, rectum, ears or sinuses.
Which oxygen source works depends on the method:
- Rectal, ear and vaginal insufflation: medical oxygen tank only. No concentrator.
- Limb bagging: medical oxygen tank. A concentrator is not allowed.
- Cupping: medical oxygen tank. A concentrator is not recommended.
- IV ozone / MAH: medical oxygen only, always.
- Making ozone oil: a concentrator is fine.
- Ozone saunas: a concentrator is fine.
- Making ozone water: a concentrator or a tank. Room air is acceptable for ozone water only, but it makes weaker ozone water. For stronger water, use a concentrator or an oxygen tank.
If you are still choosing equipment, see how to choose an ozone therapy machine for home.
What type of oxygen tank do I need?
First, there are two different types of oxygen tanks you can get for ozone therapy, 540 or 870. Both usually hold high-purity oxygen (99% or better). The number refers to the valve fitting, not the purity, so ask the supplier for the purity.
Almost everyone gets the 540 because it’s easier to get.
The 870 oxygen tanks require a prescription from a doctor.
However, if you are a medical practitioner, you can use your license to get an 870 tank. And it’s mandatory that you do so if you are administering ozone therapy to patients.
The primary difference between the tanks is the fitting on top of them that accepts an oxygen tank regulator. The oxygen tank regulator is what changes the flow of gas into the generator, thereby changing the strength of the ozone.
A 540 oxygen tank accepts a 540 regulator. An 870 tank accepts an 870 regulator. Easy enough?
Price, size, and how long they last
| Size | Oxygen | Height | Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| B (M6) | 6 cu ft 170 L | 11.8 in 300 mm | 3.21 in 81.4 mm |
| C (M9) | 9 cu ft 255 L | 10.9 in 277 mm | 4.38 in 111.3 mm |
| D | 15 cu ft 425 L | 16.7 in 424 mm | 4.38 in 111.3 mm |
| E | 24 cu ft 680 L | 25.4 in 645 mm | 4.38 in 111.3 mm |
| F (sold as “Size 40”) Recommended | 40 cu ft (Airgas: 41) | 17.4 in 442 mm | 6.73 in 172 mm |
| M60 | 60 cu ft 1,699 L | 23.1 in 587 mm | 7.25 in 184.2 mm |
| M90 | 90 cu ft 2,549 L | 32.7 in 830 mm | 7.25 in 184.2 mm |
| Oxygen source by method. Medical oxygen tank: rectal, ear and vaginal insufflation, limb bagging, cupping and IV ozone / MAH. A concentrator is fine for ozone oil, ozone water and saunas. Room air works for ozone water only, and makes weaker water. | |||
Sources: Catalina Cylinders, Medical Aluminum Cylinders specifications (B = M6, C = M9, D = MD, E = ME, M60, M90; height is the length Catalina lists). Size F: Airgas OX 40, Size 40 steel cylinder (about 41 cu ft, O.D. 6.73 in, length 17.4 in; Airgas lists it as industrial grade). Cross-checks: Airgas Size D (about 15 cu ft, O.D. 4.4 in, 16.5 in) and Size E (about 24 cu ft, O.D. 4.4 in, 25.13 in) match Catalina MD and ME; General Air lists the 40 cu ft oxygen cylinder as #6 (7 in diameter, 18 in long). The letter names (B, C, F) come from the size chart this table replaces; suppliers also call the same cylinders M-numbers, Size 40 or #6, so ask for a 40 cubic foot tank. Capacities and lengths vary a little by maker and material.
If you’re getting an oxygen tank for ozone therapy, a 40 cubic foot tank is the size we recommend (the 40 cubic foot size in the table above). It lasts a good while between refills and is still easy to move around.
540 tanks will have different names for the same size depending on where you go. F, R, CF, etc. Just ask for a 40 cubic foot tank. This generally costs about $100–$150. Then, a refill will cost around $15.
Depending on what you’re doing, a tank will typically last 6 months to a year with regular use. Just don’t forget to turn it off after each therapy.
870 tanks are usually given in “D” or “E” size. These typically cost $100–$150 and refills are around $20. However, it can be a hassle to get an 870 oxygen tank because they usually want to “rent” them. If you’re going to do ozone therapy indefinitely, it’s better to buy one.
How do I get an oxygen tank?
First decide what you’re going to use it for. Home users generally go with the 540 tank. Medical practitioners are required to use the 870 tank.
Getting a 540 tank
To get a 540 oxygen tank (recommended), you will need to find a local oxygen supplier.
Google the following to find the closest one to you:
- “Airgas near me”
- “Praxair near me”
- “Weld supply shop near me”
Then go in and ask for a 40 cubic foot oxygen tank. They won’t serve you if they think you’re going to use it for medical purposes because they will be liable.
Getting an oxygen tank:
- Google “Airgas near me”, “Praxair near me” or “Weld supply shop near me”.
- Go in and ask for a 40 cubic foot oxygen tank.
Getting an 870 medical oxygen tank
You need a prescription from a doctor for an 870 tank.
Doctors often prescribe oxygen tanks for migraines. This also cuts a lot of bureaucracy with the oxygen supplier. They want to bill insurance because they make more money. Getting a prescription for migraines cuts most of that.
- Get a prescription
- Google “medical oxygen supply near me”.
- Give them the prescription
What are oxygen regulators and why are they needed?
Oxygen tanks don’t come with a built in way to dispense the oxygen. That’s what oxygen tank regulators are for — they attach to the tank and allow you to dispense oxygen at your desired speed via a control knob.
A 540 oxygen regulator will fit onto a 540 tank. An 870 oxygen regulator will fit onto an 870 tank. You can’t mix and match, sorry.
The regulator typically comes with your ozone kit
You don’t need to buy an oxygen regulator separately — most times, it will come with your ozone machine kit. When you buy the kit, make sure to select either 540 or 870 depending on the tank you are getting.
DON’T use a regulator from anyone other than your ozone therapy supplier for the following reasons:
- Regulators are often calibrated to the machine
- Ozone therapy suppliers usually have custom made regulators for their machines. The regulator from an alternate supplier won’t usually work.
If you got the wrong regulator, just contact your ozone therapy supplier and ask for an exchange. Some companies offer free exchanges.
What if I’m having a tough time getting oxygen?
- Call or email your provider.
- If you decided on an 870 tank, consider trying to get a 540 tank instead.
- Try a different location.
Once your oxygen is set up, the free home ozone guide walks through the main methods, and each protocol page (for example, rectal ozone) gives the dosing.
Frequently asked questions
Why is pure oxygen required for ozone therapy?
Pure medical oxygen (≈99.9%) is required because room air and typical oxygen concentrators contain nitrogen, argon and other gases that form harmful contaminants when passed through an ozone generator. Only high-purity oxygen produces safe therapeutic ozone for body applications. A concentrator is fine for ozone oil, water and saunas, and room air works for ozone water only, though it makes weaker ozone water.
What types of oxygen tanks are commonly used for ozone therapy?
Two common tank fittings are 540 and 870. Both can contain 99.9% oxygen; 540 tanks (40 cu ft size) are easiest for home users to source, while 870 tanks often require a prescription and are standard for licensed practitioners.
How do I obtain an oxygen tank for home ozone therapy?
For 540 tanks, contact local oxygen or industrial gas suppliers and request a 40 cu ft oxygen tank. For 870 tanks you typically need a doctor's prescription which you provide to a medical oxygen supplier to obtain the tank.
What are oxygen regulators and why are they necessary?
Oxygen regulators attach to tanks and control flow rate into the ozone generator; flow rate determines ozone concentration. Regulators are fitted to tank type (540 vs 870) and are usually included with ozone equipment kits.
What if I’m having trouble sourcing oxygen locally?
Contact multiple local suppliers, consider switching from an 870 to a 540 tank if appropriate, ask your ozone equipment vendor for supplier recommendations, or request guidance from medical gas suppliers about legal and logistical options.
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