Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators (2024)

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1

9.9

EXCELLENT

Inogen One G5

  • Up to 6.5 hours of battery life and 6 settings
  • Lightweight design weighing under 5 pounds
  • Capable of 24/7 oxygen delivery

9.9

EXCELLENT

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2

9.8

EXCELLENT

Caire Freestyle Comfort

  • 8-hour standard battery life on a single battery
  • Lightweight design weighing around 5 pounds
  • Curved design hugs the body for enhanced comfort

9.8

EXCELLENT

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3

9.7

VERY GOOD

Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini

  • Up to 4.5 hours of battery life
  • Lightweight design weighing around 5 pounds
  • Lightweight yet powerful portable design

9.7

VERY GOOD

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4

9.7

VERY GOOD

Philips Respironics SimplyGo

  • Up to 3 hours of battery life
  • Lightest continuous unit at just 10 pounds
  • Pulse dose and continuous flow

9.7

VERY GOOD

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Inogen One G4

  • Up to 2.25 hours of battery life
  • Ultra-lightweight design weighing under 3 pounds
  • Smallest, quietest unit from the number-one brand

9.6

VERY GOOD

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6

9.4

VERY GOOD

Caire SeQual Eclipse 5

  • Up to 5 hours of battery life
  • 18.4 pounds, includes mobile cart
  • Most powerful pulse and continuous flow unit

9.4

VERY GOOD

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What Is an Oxygen Concentrator?

Portable oxygen concentrators are battery-operated devices that provide supplemental oxygen to people who “require greater oxygen concentrations than the levels of ambient air,” says Sanul Corrielus, M.D., a board-certified cardiologist based in Philadelphia. “Oxygen concentrators draw oxygen from your immediate environment,” he adds, meaning they don’t require refillable oxygen canisters or tanks, which makes maintenance and upkeep easy.

How Does a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Work?

A portable oxygen concentrator, sometimes called a POC, is similar to a home oxygen concentrator (OC) but more mobile, says Corrielus. These devices are small enough to carry, which makes them ideal for travel, and some are approved for use on airlines.

According to Corrielus, here’s how an oxygen concentrator works:

  • The device draws in air from your surrounding environment.
  • Air is compressed inside the device.
  • Nitrogen is filtered out of the air.
  • Pure oxygen is inhaled through a nasal tube (cannula) or mask.

Types of Oxygen Concentrators

There are two types of oxygen concentrators: stationary oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators.

Stationary oxygen concentrators, or home concentrators, tend to provide continuous oxygen flow at larger volumes than portable machines. They’re also significantly larger than most portable options, typically weighing between about 30 and 55 pounds. These models often feature handles for easy rolling or moving from one location to another in a person’s home.

Portable oxygen concentratorsprovide individuals who need supplemental oxygen outside of their home with a much more lightweight and mobile solution. They deliver oxygen in the same way stationary oxygen concentrators do, but they tend to push lower volumes of oxygen comparatively. Most of these devices use rechargeable lithium ion batteries instead of relying on a wall adapter, so they also require frequent recharging.

Deciding which option works best for you ultimately depends on your lifestyle and supplemental oxygen needs. A stationary concentrator provides a higher oxygen output often at a lower cost while portable devices are smaller and travel-friendly. Work with your health care professional to determine which oxygen concentrator would make the most sense for you.

How to Use an Oxygen Concentrator

Portable oxygen concentrators are powered via a rechargeable battery that connects to the bottom of the concentrator. How long the battery lasts varies depending on the speed at which the user breathes (breaths per minute) and their required oxygen flow rate.

To use a portable oxygen concentrator, begin by attaching the nasal cannula (the device that helps deliver the oxygen to the nose) and turning on the device. Adjust the oxygen flow settings based on your health care provider’s prescription. Make a habit of checking the display screen to confirm adequate battery life before use, and carry an extra battery when you’re planning on being away from home (or an electrical outlet for charging) for an extended period of time.

Clean a portable oxygen concentrator using a mild dish soap and water, taking care to keep water away from the nasal cannula tubing. The cannula tubing should be replaced every two to four weeks, or sooner if it becomes damaged.

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Why Would Someone Need a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

Anyone with a condition that may cause alow blood oxygen level(hypoxia) may benefit from supplemental oxygen, says Bacheler. Such conditions can includeanemia,asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer,heartfailure and congenital heart disease.

Features to Look for When Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

There are numerous features to consider when choosing a portable oxygen concentrator, but there are a few particularly important details to think about when browsing your options.

Oxygen Delivery Modes

While stationary oxygen concentrators deliver a continuous flow of oxygen, portable oxygen concentrators can either provide a continuous flow or a pulse mode, explains Bacheler. Pulse mode portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) can only be used by those using nasal cannulas who have enough breathing power to trigger the device to deliver a pulse of oxygen. People with tracheostomies (a surgical opening in the neck into the trachea) or very poor breathing ability need a continuous flow POC. Some portable oxygen machines feature both pulse dose and continuous flow settings.

It’s also important to consider the amount of oxygen needed, says Bacheler. Pulse mode POCs can typically deliver 1 to 6 liters of oxygen per minute, though some small ones are limited to 3 liters per minute. Continuous flow POCs can only provide 1 to 3 liters of oxygen per minute.

Battery Life

Batteries on pulse mode POC devices have a much longer life than those on continuous flow concentrators, according to Bacheler.

All portable concentrators have a car charger, he notes, but airplanes don’t “have enough power to operate a POC, so the user needs to have enough batteries to operate the POC for the duration of a flight.” Many airlines require passengers to have enough battery life for 150% of a planned flight time as a safety precaution to avoid emergencies. If you use a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, that could mean traveling with an additional 20 to 30 pounds of batteries, says Bacheler.

Size and Weight

Portable oxygen concentrators range in weight from about 5 to 20 pounds, says Bacheler. Smaller concentrators have a lower oxygen capacity, so it’s usually best to opt for a larger device if you need a lot of supplemental oxygen. Consider how often you travel and what size would best fit your lifestyle. If you frequently fly on airplanes, make sure the device you’re considering is approved for air travel before you purchase it.

Benefits of Using a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you require supplemental oxygen but want to lead a more active lifestyle, a portable oxygen concentrator provides the flexibility and mobility needed to breathe comfortably while away from home. Some models can provide individuals with as much as 12 hours of continuous oxygen, making it possible for people who use supplemental oxygen to travel or partake in more remote activities without worrying about running out of oxygen. They’re also lightweight for easy carrying, and many models are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved for airplane travel.

How Much Do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Cost?

Portable oxygen concentrators tend to cost around $2,500, but there are models that are both more affordable and more expensive. Data compiled by the Forbes Health editorial team suggests that prices tend to range from about $700 to $3,500, depending on the manufacturer and model. Many oxygen concentrators are available for rent as well, significantly reducing the cost for those who don’t want to buy a device outright.

Does Medicare Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

Medicare Part Boften helps cover the cost of renting oxygen equipment, such as portable concentrators. However, you must meet the following conditions:

  • A doctor must confirm you have severe lung disease or don’t get enough oxygen on your own.
  • An oxygen concentrator might help improve your health.
  • Other measures to improve your oxygen intake have already failed.

If you already own a portable oxygen concentrator, Medicare does help pay for supplies and for the delivery of oxygen.

Does Insurance Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

Many private insurers cover portable oxygen concentrators, too, but it depends on the details of your specific plan. For instance, the Inogen One Oxygen Concentrator is covered by “many private insurance plans” at little or no cost, though copayments and deductibles may apply. Contact your insurance provider to find out exactly how much is covered.

What Is the Best Affordable Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

Ultimately, the best affordable portable oxygen concentrator for you is the one that can deliver the supplemental oxygen you need, works for your particular lifestyle and accommodates your personal budget. If your health care provider prescribed supplemental oxygen as part of your care plan, speak with them about affordable device options, including rental opportunities, that can meet your health needs effectively. Also reach out to your health care provider to learn whether your plan covers more costs of oxygen concentrators made and supported by certain manufacturers.

Where to Buy the Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator

You typically need a prescription for supplemental oxygen from your health care provider to purchase or rent an oxygen concentrator. Once these needs are established, it’s best to ask your health care provider and health insurance provider where they recommend sourcing a device from to keep costs manageable. Based on this information, you can consider a number of online medical supply companies, as well as those with brick-and-mortar locations near you.

Sources

References

  • Hardavella G, Karampinis I, Frille A, et al.. Oxygen devices and delivery systems. Breathe. 2019;15(3):e108–e116.
  • Oxygen Therapy: Getting Started with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator. American Lung Association. Accessed 11/30/2022.
  • Your Oxygen Equipment. UCSF Health. Accessed 11/30/2022.
  • Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrator Review 2022. National Council on Aging. Accessed 11/30/2022.
  • Oxygen equipment & accessories. Medicare.gov. Accessed 11/30/2022.
  • Home vs Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Oxygen Plus. Accessed 11/30/2022.
  • Using Oxygen at Home. American Lung Association. Accessed 11/30/2022.

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The content on this page has been created independently from the Forbes Health Editorial team. We earn a commission from offers on this page, which influences which offers are displayed and how and where the offers appear, including, for example, the offers’ ratings and the order in which they appear. In addition to commission, we may also consider a brand's popularity and its overall reputation in determining a score for a product, service or brand. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not include all brands, products or services available in the market, and we cannot guarantee that all information provided is complete and accurate at the time of publication.

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