Applied is one of the leading medical oxygen regulator suppliers in the home healthcare industry and here are some important questions you should consider before purchasing a medical regulator.

Why is it important that I sell quality regulators?

A quality regulator delivers the proper prescription of oxygen specified by the healthcare professional, which benefits providers and ultimately patients. Some medical regulator suppliers, like Applied, engineer and do final testing of regulators in the U.S. to ensure regulator quality and dependability.

Remember, price is not as important as quality. The price difference between a quality regulator and a poor quality regulator is usually only $1 or $2, but poor quality regulators have hidden costs. Besides not delivering the correct prescribed dosage, poor quality regulators can leak at a patient’s home and cause additional costs because of pick up and replacement from the patient. Poor quality regulators can even be hazardous from leaks, failure to provide the proper prescription, equipment failures, and more—putting the provider's reputation at risk.

How can I determine the quality of a medical oxygen regulator?

First, purchase medical devices such as medical oxygen regulators only from a quality, established, and qualified supplier. This ensures if you have a question or a problem you can get answers and solutions.

Do medical regulators require periodic testing?

Yes, under Compressed Gas Association (CGA) standard E-7, 2006, titled Medical Gas Pressure Regulators, Flowmeters, and Orifice Flow Selectors, medical oxygen regulators should be tested at a maximum of 5 year intervals or more frequently if needed to ensure safety. When inspections are performed, they shall include evaluation of damage, material degradation due to aging, contamination, wear, performance, calibration, etc. Inspections should be performed by the manufacturer’s authorized agent or the device manufacturer.

Can I repair or modify a medical oxygen regulator?

No, there are no user repairs or modifications permitted on medical oxygen regulators. Medical oxygen regulators are precision devices which control oxygen pressures up to 2,000 and even 3,000 psig and regulate this pressure to allow patients to receive the proper prescription of oxygen. If a medical oxygen regulator requires a repair or modification contact the supplier, do not attempt to repair or modify it!