This guide is written from Healthify’s home oxygen page, Health NZ’s Wellington home oxygen leaflet (issued August 2017, still hosted by Health NZ) and Pharmac’s NIV equipment page (archived). Pharmac’s page now returns “not found”, so we read an archived copy from 13 May 2026. This isn’t medical advice.
Who is funded
- Healthify says home oxygen is a funded service if you meet the eligibility criteria, and you will be reviewed regularly.
- Your oxygen dose is set by a blood-gas test. Don’t change it unless a doctor or the respiratory service tells you to.
- Health NZ’s leaflet says oxygen is not given for breathlessness alone. It is for persistently low blood oxygen from a long-term lung condition.
The 16-hour rule
The Wellington leaflet says long-term oxygen should be used for at least 16 hours in every 24, ideally including a continuous block of 12–14 hours that covers the night. Going out without oxygen occasionally is acceptable.
Smoking
Smokers are not eligible, because of the fire risk. The Wellington leaflet says people who smoke at assessment must prove they have been smoke-free for at least 4 weeks before oxygen is reconsidered. Oxygen is removed immediately if there is evidence of continued smoking. Healthify adds that nobody may smoke or vape near the equipment.
Portable oxygen
If you need oxygen to keep working or studying, Healthify says to discuss portable options with your oxygen service provider; funding varies. Prices for buying a portable concentrator yourself are in oxygen concentrator prices in New Zealand.
Who buys the equipment
Pharmac runs national contracting for non-invasive ventilation equipment, oxygen concentrators and humidifiers bought by Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora. The concentrator you are given usually comes from that contract, not from a shop.
Buying a home concentrator privately
| Concentrator | Price | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| Nidek Lite 5 L | $1,750 + GST | Orange NZ |
| DeVilbiss 5 L Compact | $3,999.99 | Pakuranga Pharmacy |
Prices read on 14 October 2026. Orange NZ shows prices excluding GST.
If the concentrator alarms
Health NZ’s leaflet suggests checking for a power cut, a loose plug, kinked or blocked tubing, and overheating (some rooms are too hot). Wash the two filters weekly in warm soapy water. If you rely on the concentrator, register with your power company; see medically dependent consumers.