What is Oxygen Therapy?
Oxygen therapy is a treatment that gives your body extra oxygen when your lungs can’t get enough from the air on their own. Many people use it for a short time during an illness, while others may need it long‑term to help them breathe more comfortably.
Oxygen therapy—sometimes called supplemental oxygen—provides purified oxygen through a device such as a mask, nasal tubing, etc. from a machine (concentrator) or a portable oxygen tank. It helps raise the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream so your organs and tissues can work the way they should.
Even though the air around us contains oxygen, it’s only about 20%. For people with certain health conditions, that amount isn’t always enough and they may need more. Oxygen therapy helps fill that gap.
Why Is Oxygen Therapy Used?
Your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy if your oxygen levels are too low, whether due to lung disease, heart conditions, or muscle weakness affecting breathing. Common reasons include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Severe respiratory infections (including complications from COVID‑19)
- Other conditions that make breathing difficult or reduce blood oxygen
Low oxygen levels may cause shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, or confusion. Supplemental oxygen helps relieve these symptoms and supports long‑term health.
Benefits of Oxygen Therapy
Oxygen therapy can:
- Reduce shortness of breath
- Improve sleep and energy levels
- Support heart and brain function
- Make daily activities—like walking or talking—feel easier
- Help your body recover from illness or manage long‑term conditions
Many people find that once their oxygen levels improve, they feel more alert and more able to enjoy everyday life.
How Do I Know If I Need Oxygen?
How the process works
- Speak with your doctor if you experience symptoms of low oxygen or have a diagnosed lung/heart condition.
- If you’re in the hospital, your care team will complete the necessary testing and send us your results. We will arrange your home oxygen setup.
- If you’re at home, your doctor can request an assessment. Our healthcare professionals will visit your home to perform a test, review your results, and determine next steps.
- Official test results are required to qualify for government funding in Ontario.
- Oxygen can be delivered in different ways depending on your needs. Some need oxygen only at night or during activity, while others require continuous use. Your healthcare provider will prescribe what is right for you.
Referring a patient for Oxygen Therapy? Click here for referral forms.
Living Well With Oxygen Therapy
Starting oxygen therapy can feel like a big adjustment, but modern equipment is lighter, quieter, and much more portable, making it easier to stay active and independent.
If you have any questions, your healthcare team and our healthcare team are here to help guide you every step of the way.
Funding Options
Patients in Ontario may qualify for government funding through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).
Contact us at 1-888-337-6111 to speak to a Resolve Oxygen Clinician about funding eligibility or email us at [email protected] to learn more about how you may qualify.
Oxygen Equipment Options
Stationary oxygen concentrators
(for home use)
Portable oxygen concentrators
(for travel; FAA‑approved for air travel)
Oxygen cylinders in various sizes
(for travel and emergency use)
We will also assess the appropriate interface for oxygen delivery, whether it is tubing, nasal prongs (which are tubes that sit in your nostrils) or masks (if appropriate)
How do we know what equipment is right for you?
Our healthcare professionals will evaluate your needs and verify your ability to tolerate the equipment. We will also assess your oxygen levels and requirements to recommend the most suitable equipment for you.
Traveling With Oxygen
Using oxygen doesn’t mean giving up travel. At Resolve, we aim to ensure you can maintain your lifestyle especially if you enjoy travelling away from home.
When making travel plans, whether in Canada or outside of Canada, please make sure to notify us a minimum of 4 weeks in advance of your travel dates.
Important travel guidelines
- Airlines and cruise lines require medical forms. Contact their medical desk before booking.
- We only carry FAA‑approved portable oxygen concentrators.
- Bring a copy of your oxygen prescription along with documentation.
- A letter approving travel by an oxygen health care professional will be provided to you for the airline.
- Oxygen devices, like CPAP machines, do not count as a carry‑on.
- Identify local oxygen vendors at your destination as a backup as we may not be able to service you if it is outside of our service area.
Complete Respiratory Care- GTA
(Ph) 905-532-9539 or 1-888-337-0611
Fax: 905-532-9540
For Hamilton – 1-905-532-9539
24 Viceroy Road
L4K 2L9, Concord
Complete Respiratory Care – Alliston
(Ph) 705-434-0084 or 1-855-440-3300
Fax: 705-434-0085
106 Victoria Street West
L9R 0S8, Alliston
Complete Respiratory Care – Collingwood
(Ph) 705-444-3300 or 1-855-440-3300
Fax: 705-444-3303
275 First Street
L9Y 1A8, Collingwood
CRC – Carleton Place, Orleans, Winchester (Ottawa Region)
(Ph) 613-253-2000 or 1-866-665-2111
Fax: 613-253-2050
12028 Dawley Drive
K0C 2K0, Winchester
Patient Resources
Oxygen Safety
- Refer to the Patient OxygenHandbook for detailed safety instructions and best practices.
- Home Oxygen Therapy Policy and Administration Manual
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I qualify for home oxygen in Ontario?
An assessment is required by one of our healthcare clinicians or by a healthcare professional at a hospital. Please call us at (905) 532-9539 if you live the GTA (dial 1 before the number if outside the GTA) or email us at [email protected] for more details.
Is oxygen therapy safe?
Oxygen therapy is safe when used within the parameters outlined by a healthcare professional.
Patients using oxygen therapy MUST NOT smoke cigarettes or other, under any circumstances,
as this poses a serious risk to themselves and those around them.
Can you travel with oxygen concentrators?
You may travel with your portable oxygen concentrator, provided the unit meets your clinical needs. Consult with your Resolve oxygen clinician to better understand your personal requirements.
Stationary concentrators are larger, and more difficult to travel with. For local travel (for example, visiting family for extended periods), speak with your Resolve healthcare clinician to determine the most appropriate option. However, if a portable oxygen concentrator can support your nighttime needs, you may travel with the unit without issue.
What is the difference between a portable concentrator and a tank?
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a device that draws oxygen from the surrounding air and delivers it to you. It operates on a rechargeable battery, allowing you to use it while you’re out and about. The unit can be recharged by plugging it into a standard wall outlet or your vehicle.
An oxygen cylinder (tank) is a metal container that holds a fixed supply of oxygen. Once the oxygen is depleted, the tank cannot be used until it is refilled. When a tank becomes empty, you must switch to a full one to continue receiving oxygen.
Does OHIP cover Oxygen Therapy?
Yes, OHIP covers Oxygen therapy through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). To receive ADP Funding, you must fall within the set ADP guidelines. Call 1 888 337 0611 to speak to a Resolve Oxygen Clinician or email at [email protected] to find out more.
Can I use oxygen with my CPAP machine?
Yes, supplemental oxygen can be used with your CPAP machine. To do this, we can connect the oxygen concentrator to your CPAP machine with a special adapter.