Respiratory equipment is unforgiving of guesswork: the difference between "setting 2" on one device and "2 liters per minute" on another can be the difference between a patient who is comfortable and one who is under-oxygenated. Whether you are outfitting a clinic, stocking a crash setup, or supporting a patient at home, matching oxygen and aerosol equipment to the actual prescription is what keeps therapy safe and effective.
This guide explains continuous-flow vs. pulse-dose oxygen, how to read flow rates, and how to choose nebulizers, cannulas, and masks for clinics and home care.
Continuous flow vs. pulse dose
The two ways oxygen reaches a patient behave very differently:
- Continuous flow runs oxygen constantly through the cannula or mask, measured in LPM. It is the right choice for patients with higher demand, those who need oxygen during sleep, and any prescription written in LPM. Stationary concentrators typically deliver an adjustable constant flow.
- Pulse dose releases a measured bolus timed to each inhalation, conserving oxygen and enabling smaller, lighter portable units. Most portable concentrators are pulse dose.
Reading flow rates
Continuous-flow prescriptions are written in liters per minute — the machine holds that constant rate. Pulse-dose output is defined by bolus size (milliliters per breath) at each setting, not LPM, so the two are not interchangeable on paper. When a patient needs a specific continuous LPM (for example, during sleep or at higher demand), do not substitute a pulse-only device without clinician direction.
Delivery interfaces: cannulas and masks
- Nasal cannula: lightweight prongs for low-to-moderate continuous flow; comfortable for extended use.
- Simple & medium-concentration masks: higher delivery than a cannula for patients who need more.
- Non-rebreather (high-concentration) masks: a reservoir bag delivers the highest oxygen fraction for acute needs.
Keep a range of interfaces on hand so you can match the device to the flow and the clinical situation.
Aerosol therapy: choosing a nebulizer
Nebulizers turn liquid medication into an inhalable mist for airway conditions like asthma and COPD. Compressor (jet) nebulizers are the dependable clinic and home standard; small-volume nebulizer cups deliver a single treatment; pediatric-friendly designs improve adherence for children. Match the nebulizer and cup to the medication and patient, and stock spare tubing and cups as consumables.
Selection checklist
- Confirm the prescription: mode (continuous vs. pulse) and exact flow.
- Choose the oxygen source (stationary vs. portable) to match demand and mobility.
- Stock the right interfaces: cannulas plus medium- and high-concentration masks.
- Add aerosol therapy gear where airway meds are used, with spare cups/tubing.
- Keep consumables on a par-level reorder so therapy never pauses.
Representative options at Mediplies
Mediplies stocks a broad respiratory & O2 range. Build your delivery kit from the oxygen therapy line — including high-concentration non-rebreather O2 masks for acute needs — and cover airway meds with compressor nebulizers from the aerosol therapy category.
Common mistakes to avoid
Respiratory equipment errors can have real clinical consequences — watch for these:
- Treating a pulse setting like an LPM value. "Setting 2" is not 2 LPM, and settings differ between brands; always match the prescribed mode and flow, not just a number.
- Substituting a portable pulse unit for a continuous-flow need. Patients who need a specific continuous LPM — for example during sleep — should not be switched to pulse-only without clinician direction.
- Stocking one interface. Keep cannulas plus medium- and high-concentration masks so you can match delivery to the clinical situation.
- Letting consumables run out. Tubing, cannulas, and nebulizer cups are single-use; put them on a par-level reorder so therapy never pauses.
- Skipping humidification where needed. Higher flows can dry airways; plan for humidification when appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Is pulse dose the same as continuous flow?
No. Continuous flow delivers a constant LPM; pulse dose delivers a bolus per breath. A pulse "setting" does not equal an LPM value, and settings vary by brand — match the prescription exactly.
When do I need a non-rebreather mask?
Non-rebreather (high-concentration) masks deliver the highest oxygen fraction for acute, high-demand situations, whereas a nasal cannula suits lower continuous flows and long-term comfort.
What nebulizer should a clinic stock?
A compressor (jet) nebulizer is the dependable standard for clinics and homes; add pediatric designs and keep spare cups and tubing as consumables.
Shop related products
Browse respiratory & O2, oxygen therapy, and aerosol therapy equipment at Mediplies — supplier-direct pricing, fast free shipping, and PO & net terms for facilities. Need help building a respiratory kit? Talk to a Mediplies specialist.
This is equipment-selection guidance, not medical advice. Oxygen is a prescribed therapy — confirm the mode, flow, and device with the ordering clinician and follow manufacturer instructions.
