Table 2. Comparison of the characteristics of oxygen cylinders and oxygen concentrators^a.

Characteristics		Cylinders		Concentrators
Capital cost		High when regulator and flowmeter costs included		High
Running cost		High, particularly if leakage is significant		Low if power is inexpensive
				High if power is expensive
Ease of use		Some training required		Considerable training required
Reliability		Good		Good on selected models
Physical robustness		Good		Fair
Regular maintenance		Needed		Needed
Technical repairs		Needed (e.g. for regulators, to minimize leakage)		Needed (maintenance staff require specialized training)
Electricity		Not needed		Needed
Continuity of oxygen delivery		Liable to run out		Good as long as power is available
Portability		Poor for large cylinders		Good
Supply system		Transport needed Ordering needed		Transport not needed
				Ordering not needed

^a Table adapted from the WHO Acute Respiratory Infections Programme oxygen handbook.¹⁹