What to expect from this article
If you’re a medical practitioner, we have a separate buyers guide for you here.
We use Simply O3 in all our education because they produce the best results due to ultra-pure ozone generation and are much easier.
I have a few points that are important and will help you to choose a company. If you don't choose Simply O3, that's ok. My job is just to help you make a decision about implementing ozone.
In the past 9 years I have created over 40 different iterations of laboratory grade ozone generators. All the machines adhere to standards set forward by the International Scientific Committee of Ozone. I have had in-depth conversations with many manufacturers, including the ones that supply the competitors. In addition, I've gained an exhaustive understanding of the industry from business, marketing, and scientific perspectives. I regularly consult with some of the most prestigious scientists and doctors in the industry, both internationally and domestically.
I don't say all this to gloat, but to lay out my qualifications and explain my reasoning.
What is the difference between the companies from the customer's standpoint?
The basics of what to look for in a machine:
The basics of what to look for in a company:
We use Simply O3 - they meet the above criteria plus these additional reasons:
Here is an article on why you don’t want to go with a cheap company (hint they cut safety corners).
Abridged version: buy this kit. For those who want to understand why, keep reading.
The reason the Stratus machines are not recommended for clinics is because the ozonette and Cumulus have more concentrations to choose from. For example, a doctor might want to slowly titrate a patient up in dose. So they need more options to do that. But for home applications or basic therapies, there is no reason to have this added functionality.
Let me explain. Medical grade ozone generators have the ability to change the strength (concentration) of the ozone gas. You need to be able to change the strength of the ozone gas for different therapies.
When you do ozone therapy, most of the gas is oxygen. Only a small portion is ozone (less than 5%). You wouldn’t want 100% ozone gas because it would be too strong.
The strength of ozone gas is measured in gamma AKA micrograms/milliliter (μg/ml). A typical therapeutic dose ranges from 10 - 60 gamma. So depending on the therapy, you need to be able to change the concentration within that 10 - 60 gamma range.
The ozone generator takes pure oxygen and converts into ozone. There are two factors that alter the strength of the ozone gas.
First, is how fast the oxygen is flowing into the device. The slower the flow of the gas, the stronger the ozone gas will be. This is because the oxygen spends a longer period of time in the reaction chamber (where the oxygen is converted into ozone).
Second, is how much energy is going into the reactor. An ozone generator with a dial or digital interface can alter how much energy is being produced. The amount of energy factors into how much of the oxygen is converted into ozone.
Flow rate + amount of energy in the reactor = how much ozone is created.
You don’t need to understand all of this unless you want to. The important thing is that you just follow the instructions when you get a kit. It will tell you exactly what to do. It’s quite simple when you see it.
Most people use a generator that only has an option to change the amount of ozone by altering how fast the gas flows through it.
There is a piece on the oxygen tank called an “oxygen regulator”. It has a simple knob on it that turns. This changes how fast the oxygen flows into the ozone generator. On the machine is a chart that shows you what setting the knob should be turned to.
“Flow of gas” generators are the best for most people for the following:
Examples:
This is what the concentration chart on the Stratus 3.0 looks like. It tells you which setting to select for each concentration of ozone. You change the setting on the oxygen tank to create ozone. For example, setting 1 = 6 gamma.
This is what the regulator looks like. This is where you change the “setting” that is shown on the concentration chart.
It’s worthwhile mentioning that some regulators are different. They typically have fractions. But the Stratus 3.0 was made to be easier because it uses whole numbers to avoid confusion.
The instructions with the generators have their own instructions to walk you through how to do each therapy.
Some ozone therapy machines have a dial to change the strength of the ozone, in addition to the flow of gas described above.
The dial is technically called a potentiometer or rheostat. It’s job is to change how much energy is being applied to the oxygen, thus changing how much ozone is created.
The reason people choose an ozone therapy machine with a dial is because it has more concentrations to choose from. That’s it. This doesn’t matter for ozone therapy at home.
This is only helpful if you’re doing injections or IVs. A practitioner administering knee injections may want to slowly increase the concentration each session. For example, 10 gamma to 13 gamma to 16 gamma to 20 gamma. Same for IV ozone therapy.
Most injection and IV protocols slowly increase the concentration of ozone because starting out too strong can cause discomfort to the patient.
The Cumulus ozone generator is an example of a flow of gas + dial device.
This is an example of what a chart looks like on the Cumulus Ozone Generator:
These devices are the best and easiest. No messing with the oxygen tank or regulator. You just select what you want and it automatically dispenses it.
You don’t need to change the flow rate from the oxygen tank because the machine does it for you once it’s connected.
On the digital interface you select the concentration you want. You can also change the flow rate if you like.
Usually practitioners get these units because of the nice aesthetic look, ease of training staff, easier to use, and reduced amount of time required.
It’s the “I just want the best” machine.
The Cirrus is an example of a digital ozone therapy machine.
For a more in depth look at comparing home therapies, click here to read.
Here is a detail of what therapies can be done with each ozone therapy machine:
The three key treatments to ozone therapy at home are rectal insufflation, ear insufflation, and
ozone water. Most people buy this kit because it comes with the equipment necessary for these
three treatments.
If you’re going to do ozone therapy at home, definitely consider:
As you need, you are able to add other treatments. For example, you don’t need ozone limb
bagging if you don’t have a skin infection on the limb.
All options for ozone therapy require four things:
Essentially, you need to buy an ozone kit that comes with the oxygen tank regulator, medical grade ozone generator, and the accessories. Then get an oxygen tank (more details below).
Here are the accessories required for each home therapy. It’s assuming you have the oxygen tank, oxygen tank regulator, and ozone generator because those are used in every therapy.
Rectal Ozone Insufflation:
Vaginal Ozone Insufflation
Ozone Ear Insufflation Therapy
Ozone Water
Ozone Limb Bagging
Ozone Cupping
Breathing Ozonides
Making Ozone Oil (it’s recommended you buy it because professional grade is stronger)
Ozone Sauna
Nasal Insufflation
To make it easier, there are kits you can buy that come with supplies. Rather than piecing everything together. You can always add stuff if you prefer.
3.0 Home User Kit - $934
3.0 Complete Kit - $1,140 (most people buy this one)
3.0 Gold Kit - $1,364
We have an article here that explains what accessories are required for each therapy.
Medical ozone generators require pure 99.9% oxygen for ozone therapy.
You can’t use room air or oxygen concentrators because it is not pure oxygen and will produce harmful contaminants when put through the ozone generator. Oxygen concentrators do not provide the same level of purity (95% at best) as an oxygen tank (99.9%).
You need to get an oxygen tank locally. You’ll have to go to a local oxygen supplier and pick one up. Search “Airgas”, “Praxair”, or “weld supply shop” near me. Then go to the store and ask for a 40 cubic foot oxygen tank. It costs about $100, weighs 13 pounds and is 18 inches in height. The tank lasts for approximately 6 months, depending on usage. Refills cost around $15. Prices range depending on where you live.
That’s it. It’s just like buying a cup of coffee.
Two types of oxygen tanks
There are two different types of oxygen tanks you can get (540 or 870). Most people choose the 540 oxygen tank because it’s easier to get. There is no difference in purity between the tanks.
870 oxygen tanks require a prescription while 540 oxygen tanks can be easily purchased.
Getting a 540 tank
540 oxygen tanks are very easy to acquire, which is why most people choose 540 oxygen tanks. A typical oxygen tank will cost between $100-$120 and refills cost $20.
It will usually last between 6 to 12 months depending on usage.
To find 540 industrial oxygen (no prescription required) search for Airgas, Praxair, or a
welding supply near you. Go in and ask for a 40cu/ft oxygen tank. They will not
serve you if they believe you are using it for medical purposes.
To get a 540 commercial oxygen tank:
Getting an 870 tank
870 oxygen tanks require a prescription from a doctor. There are more issues acquiring medical oxygen tanks which makes the process difficult. An individual can go to a local medical oxygen supply shop once they acquire a prescription.
To get an 870 medical oxygen tank:
You can find information on the frequency and protocols here (also in the video instructions mentioned above)