Philips MEDICAL SYSTEMS NEDERLAND BV. Philips medical systems

The 4 Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2023

We selected our top portable oxygen concentrators based on price, weight, battery life, flow type, noise level, and other features.

Written by: Cara Everett. MS, RDN Medically reviewed by: Jenny Sanford. PCNP Reviewed by: Kathleen Cameron. BSPharm, MPH, Senior Director, NCOA Center for Healthy Aging Fact Checked

Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Key Takeaways

If you’ve been prescribed supplemental oxygen by your doctor, using a portable oxygen concentrator, also called a portable oxygen machine, can be a convenient way to meet your oxygen needs while still getting out and doing all the things you enjoy.

It’s important to stay active even if you need extra oxygen. According to research published in the Journals of Gerontology, older adults who are socially active have better physical health and emotional well-being. 1 Also, a 2021 study of more than 32,000 adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or certain types of lung diseases found that those who were physically active had longer lifespans and improved heart rates. 2 A portable oxygen machine can help you stay active by providing safe, effective delivery of oxygen while you’re out and about.

On the other hand, stationary home oxygen concentrators can provide continuous oxygen without needing to recharge any batteries. Most home oxygen machines offer continuous-flow oxygen therapy, meaning the oxygen flows without stopping.

But finding the best portable oxygen concentrator for your needs can be confusing—especially if you’re buying one for the first time. Our Reviews Team researched the top portable oxygen concentrators on the market. We also compared and reviewed the best home oxygen concentrators. We dug into information on pricing, features, battery life, and more to help you find the best model for you.

A quick look at the best home oxygen machines

Why you can trust our expert review

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 1,000 hours carrying out in-depth research on portable oxygen concentrators to give you the most accurate review. To make our selections, we:

• Engaged in independent research
• Consulted with three geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped four brands and five models of portable oxygen concentrators
• Reviewed academic research into the efficacy of portable oxygen concentrators
• Read real reviews from verified customers on trusted third party websites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot

How we chose the best oxygen concentrators

Our Reviews Team consulted with three geriatric care experts to learn more about portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and home oxygen concentrators (HOCs) and how they can enhance users’ quality of life.

Based on our expert consultations and research, we determined the following factors to be important for our readers when shopping for a POC unit:

• Cost
• Ease of use
• Oxygen delivery method
• Number of settings
• Weight
• Battery life
• Time to recharge battery
• Warranty
• Availability (all devices available online or in brick-and-mortar stores)

For HOCs, we also considered each unit’s maximum oxygen output, power consumption, and oxygen purity.

We had all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure that each brand and model is appropriate for our readers’ needs.

Table 1 Comparison of the best portable oxygen concentrators

Weight (with single battery)

Max oxygen output (liters per minute)

FAA approval (permitted on airplanes)

Best portable oxygen concentrators in 2023

Best Battery Life: CAIRE Freestyle Comfort

Pros Longer battery life than most other portable oxygen concentrators Curved design for ease of carrying

• Cost: 2,995
• Weight: 5 pounds with 8-cell battery, 6 pounds with 16-cell battery
• Dimensions: 7.3 inches wide x 3.1 inches deep x 10 inches tall with single battery (11 inches tall with double battery)
• Delivery/flow type: Pulse
• Range of flow settings: 1–5
• Battery life (Setting 1): 8 hours (8-cell battery), 16 hours (16-cell battery)
• Battery charging time: 3.5 hours (8-cell battery), 6 hours (16-cell battery)
• Max oxygen output: 1.05 liters per minute
• Noise level: 39 decibels
• Warranty: 3 years on the concentrator and sieve beds (which extracts the nitrogen from the air), 1 year on battery and accessories
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval: Yes

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort delivers oxygen for up to 16 hours between charges, surpassing most other models on the market. This is why our Reviews Team named it the “Portable Oxygen Concentrator with the Best Battery Life.” If you enjoy long outings, this unit may be a great fit.

Another feature that makes the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort unique is its leading technology. It has ultra-sensitive breath detection, automatically changing the flow to match your breathing rate, which can be helpful during sleep or for people with shallow breathing.

Insights from Sascha Däuber at #ECR2023

Keep in mind the Freestyle Comfort, along with all the models reviewed here, provides only pulse oxygen flow delivery. This means the unit provides a puff of oxygen every time you take a breath, as opposed to units that provide a continuous flow of oxygen. Many stationary home units offer continuous flow or a combination of both methods.

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort comes with the following supplies:

• Portable oxygen concentrator unit
• Wall (AC) charger/power cable
• Car (DC) power cable
• Rechargeable battery
• Carrying bag with padded strap
• Nasal cannula
• User manual

One thing that makes CAIRE stand out from the rest is its Comfort Zone service program. When a member of our Reviews Team called the Oxygen Concentrator Store for more information, we learned that Comfort Zone is included with the purchase of a CAIRE Freestyle Comfort unit at no extra cost. Comfort Zone includes the following features:

• Live online orientation with a CAIRE representative to help you set up your machine
• Customer support seven days a week
• A replacement portable oxygen concentrator sent to your home within two business days if yours malfunctions

The last point is unique among portable oxygen concentrator companies; no other brand we’ve reviewed provides this type of warranty or service.

The Comfort Zone program speaks to CAIRE’s confidence in the quality of its products, and also gives you peace of mind knowing you won’t have to go without your portable oxygen machine for long if you ever run into problems.

Customer service

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can either shop online or at their retail location in Denver.

See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service hours, ways to reach them, and our Reviews Team’s experience with the customer service department.

Payment options

You can pay for your purchase from the Oxygen Concentrator Store in the following ways:

For people who enjoy being out and about and don’t want to worry about changing batteries every few hours, the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort is a good choice. The extra level of customer service available through the Comfort Program also sets this brand apart.

Easiest-to-Use: Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini

Pros One of the most user-friendly portable oxygen concentrators Simple screen with large numbers and pictures for oxygen flow, battery status, and settings Battery is easy to remove for charging

• Cost: 2,595
• Weight: 5 pounds with standard battery, 6 pounds with extended battery
• Dimensions: 8.3 inches wide x 3.6 inches deep x 9.4 inches tall with standard battery (10.2 inches tall with extended battery)
• Delivery/flow type: Pulse
• Range of flow settings: 1–5
• Battery life (Setting 2): 4.5 hours (standard battery), 9 hours (extended battery)
• Battery charging time: 4 hours (standard battery), 8 hours (extended battery)
• Max oxygen output: 1 liter per minute
• Noise level: 43 decibels
• Warranty: 3 years on the concentrator, 1 year on the sieve beds, and 90 days on accessories (extended warranties also available)
• FAA approval: Yes

Philips Respironics has designed a portable oxygen concentrator that is clear and simple in design, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a simplified unit with just a few buttons. For its user-friendly design, the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini earned the title “Easiest-to-Use Portable Oxygen Concentrator” from our Reviews Team. Its screen relies on images and easy-to-follow instructions rather than more complicated buttons, making this unit especially attractive to people using a portable oxygen concentrator for the first time.

While it’s slightly louder than some other models—43 decibels compared to the Invacare Platinum’s 40 decibels—this concentrator may be a great fit if you have trouble reading small numbers or dealing with a device that has a lot of buttons.

The starter package for the SimplyGo Mini comes with the following:

• Portable oxygen concentrator unit
• Wall (AC) charger/power cord
• Car (DC) power cord
• Rechargeable battery
• Carrying bag with padded strap
• Accessory bag
• Mobile cart
• Nasal cannula
• User manual

Customer service

The Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the OxygenConcentratorStore. You can either shop online or at their retail location in Denver.

See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service hours, ways to reach them, and our Reviews Team’s experience with the customer service department.

Payment options

You can pay for your purchase from the Oxygen Concentrator Store in the following ways:

Philips Respironics provides a portable oxygen concentrator that’s a Smart choice if you are new to these devices and would like an oxygen machine that’s simple to set up and use.

If you’re interested in this brand but need continuous flow oxygen, you might want to check into the Philips Respironics SimplyGo. At 10 pounds, it’s heavier than the SimplyGo Mini, but it offers both continuous and pulse flow settings and comes with a rolling cart.

Smallest: Inogen One G4

Pros At 2.8 pounds, this device weighs about 2 pounds less than most other portable units Great for active lifestyles due to its small size and minimal weight

• Cost: 2,650–3,344
• Weight: 2.8 pounds with standard battery, 3.3 pounds with extended battery
• Dimensions: 5.91 inches wide x 2.68 inches deep x 7.2 inches tall with single battery (7.79 inches tall with double battery)
• Delivery/flow type: Pulse
• Range of flow settings: 1–3
• Battery life (Setting 2): 2.25 hours (single battery), 5 hours (double battery)
• Battery charging time: 3.25 hours (single battery), 6 hours (double battery)
• Max oxygen output: 0.63 liters per minute
• Noise level: 40 decibels
• Warranty: 3 years on the concentrator, 1 year on the sieve beds, battery, and accessories (lifetime warranty also available)
• FAA approval: Yes

The Inogen One G4 is smaller and lighter than almost every other portable oxygen concentrator on the market, making it our Reviews Team’s pick for “Smallest Portable Oxygen Concentrator.” If you need supplemental oxygen but enjoy getting out of the house, this model may be just what you’re looking for.

Because it’s so small, the G4 is less powerful than other models, with a maximum oxygen output of only 0.63 liters per minute (LPM), compared to the Respironics SimplyGo Mini with 1 LPM and the Inogen One G5 with 1.26 LPM.

Another consideration is the G4 single battery only lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes (depending on the setting). So if you’re heading out to run more than one quick errand, you’ll want to either have the double battery or bring an extra single battery for backup.

You can also connect the G4 with your smartphone using the free Inogen Connect app. This allows you to check the battery status and change the settings using your phone instead of the concentrator itself.

The Inogen One G4 comes with the following supplies:

• Portable oxygen concentrator unit
• Wall (AC) charger/power cord
• Car (DC) power cord
• Rechargeable battery
• Carrying bag with padded strap
• Nasal cannula
• User manual

Customer service

The Inogen One G4 is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the OxygenConcentratorStore. You can either shop online or at their retail location in Denver.

See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service hours, ways to reach them, and our Reviews Team’s experience with the customer service department.

Payment options

You can pay for your purchase from the Oxygen Concentrator Store in the following ways:

For active people who like to go out with friends and family, the Inogen One G4 could be an excellent option.

Read more about this oxygen concentrator in our detailed Inogen review.

Best for Air Travel: Inogen One G5

Pros Quiet for airplane travel Long battery life (using a double battery), making it a good choice for extended outings and flights

• Cost: 2,882–3,586
• Weight: 4.7 pounds with single battery, 5.7 pounds with double battery
• Dimensions: 7.19 inches wide x 3.26 inches deep x 8.15 inches tall with single battery (9.03 inches tall with double battery)
• Delivery/flow type: Pulse
• Range of flow settings: 1–6
• Battery life (Setting 2): 6.5 hours (single battery), 9 hours (double battery)
• Battery charging time: 4 hours (single battery), 8 hours (double battery)
• Max oxygen output: 1.26 liters per minute
• Noise level: 39 decibels
• Warranty: 3 years on the concentrator, 1 year on the sieve beds, battery, and accessories (lifetime warranty also available)
• FAA approval: Yes

The G5 is Inogen’s newest model. It provides more oxygen output and longer battery life than the G4, which is why we named it “Best for Air Travel.”

In general, the higher the oxygen output and the longer the battery life, the better for air travel. With the double battery, you’ll have up to 13 hours on Setting 1, and nine hours of power on Setting 2.

The Inogen One G5 is also the quietest portable oxygen concentrator on this list, which is helpful for air travel, so you won’t disturb your fellow passengers. And, like all portable oxygen concentrators on this list, the Inogen One G5 is approved for air travel by the FAA.

The Inogen One G5 comes with the following supplies:

• Portable oxygen concentrator unit
• Wall (AC) charger/power cord
• Car (DC) power cord
• Rechargeable battery
• Carrying bag with padded strap
• Nasal cannula
• User manual

The Inogen website also offers a rolling cart for the G5 for 145 that can be helpful when navigating large airports.

You can also connect the G4 with your smartphone using the free Inogen Connect app. This allows you to check the battery life and change the settings using your phone instead of the concentrator itself.

Customer service

The Inogen One G5 is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can either shop online or at their retail location in Denver.

See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service hours, ways to reach them, and our Reviews Team’s experience with the customer service department.

Payment options

You can pay for your purchase from the Oxygen Concentrator Store in the following ways:

For people who like to travel, especially on long flights, the Inogen One G5 could be a great choice.

Home Oxygen Concentrators: Key Takeaways

Table 2 Comparison of the best home oxygen concentrator machines

BrandCostWeightNoise level in decibels (db)Power consumption (watts used per hour)Oxygen purityMaximum oxygen output in liters per minute (LPM)

Best home oxygen concentrators in 2023

Best Value: CAIRE Companion 5 Home Concentrator

Pros Offers a variety of features for a lower cost than other 5-liter models Offers oxygen flow settings in half-liter increments Power-saving technology reduces power consumption when operating at or under 2 liters per minute

Cons May not be ideal for someone who needs multiple hours of oxygen therapy Heavy for a 5-liter home oxygen concentrator Power-saving tech only works at 2 liters or less per minute

Cost: 695 Weight: 36 pounds Dimensions: 12.5 inches wide x 13.5 inches deep x 21.5 inches high Delivery/flow type: Continuous Range of flow settings: 0.5–5 Power consumption: 250–350 watts per hour Max oxygen output: 5 liters per minute Noise level: 50 decibels Warranty: Three years For a comparatively low price of 695, the features of this home oxygen machine may make it a worthy investment. The CAIRE Companion 5 delivers oxygen flow settings in half-liter increments, which allows precise dosing for anyone who only needs a few hours of oxygen therapy a day or overnight. At 50 decibels, the home oxygen concentrator is about the same noise level as a running refrigerator. Another feature is the power-saving autoFLOW technology. This reduces the machine’s power consumption from 350 watts to approximately 250 watts. This feature only works when the home oxygen concentrator is operating at or under 2 liters per minute. The machine is also 36 pounds, which is the heaviest 5-liter model on our list. Although it may be difficult to lift, it is equipped with wheels to make transport easier.

Customer service

The CAIRE Companion 5 Home Concentrator is available for purchase from medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can shop online or at its retail location in Denver, Colorado. You can also check with your local durable medical equipment store for availability or ask your doctor where to order a home oxygen concentrator. See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service hours, ways you can reach them, and our experience with its customer service department.

Payment options

This product is not available to rent.

Most Energy-Efficient: Inogen At Home 5L Concentrator

Pros Uses 275 watts of electricity, the lowest amount of electricity on this list Easy-to-use, three-button control panel Lightweight at 18 pounds

Cons Lacks wheels Includes two columns that must be replaced when the machine alerts you Most expensive of the 5-liter options on this list

Cost: 1,645 Weight: 18 pounds Dimensions: 13 inches wide x 7 inches deep x 16.5 inches high Delivery/flow type: Continuous Range of flow settings: 1–5 Power consumption: 275 watts Max oxygen output: 5 liters per minute Noise level: 40 decibels on flow setting 2 Warranty: Three years The Inogen At Home 5 Concentrator uses a maximum of 275 watts of power, making it the most energy-efficient option on our list. Although the CAIRE Companion 5 has the ability to operate at 250 watts, that’s only when it utilizes its power-saving technology. The Inogen At Home 5 never uses more than 275 watts of power, regardless of which setting you use, which could help you keep electricity costs down. This model is also small and lightweight at only 18 pounds and 16 inches tall, making it a good minimalist option for those who would like to save on space. But since it lacks wheels, you have to lift the concentrator when you want to move it. Also, the model has two sieve bed columns that you’ll need to replace every 18 months to two years to maximize the unit’s life. Its sieve beds convert air with low oxygen levels into medical-grade oxygen. Replacement sieve beds cost 160 and can be done by yourself at home.

Customer service

The Inogen At Home 5 Home Concentrator is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can shop online or at its retail location in Denver, Colorado. See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service hours, ways you can reach them, and our experience with their customer service department.

Payment options

This product is not available to rent.

Quietest: Respironics EverFlo Home Concentrator

Cost: 795 Weight: 31 pounds Dimensions: 15 inches wide x 9.5 inches deep x 23 inches high Delivery/flow type: Continuous Range of flow settings: 0.5–5 Power consumption: 350 watts Max oxygen output: 5 liters per minute Noise level: Between 40 and 45 decibels on all settings Warranty: Three years The Respironics EverFlo home oxygen concentrator is the most consistently quiet 5-liter model on our list. It operates at between 40 and 45 decibels on all settings, which is about the same amount of noise you would hear in a library. 2 It’s also easy to use with a simple control panel and a power switch. It has only two filters: a microdisk filter that only needs to be replaced if deemed necessary during routine maintenance procedures and a compressor intake filter that needs replacing every two years. Some other home oxygen machines have filters that require weekly cleaning or replacing, making this machine especially low-maintenance in comparison.

Customer service

The Respironics EverFlo Concentrator is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can shop online or at its retail location in Denver, Colorado. See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service hours, ways you can reach them, and our experience with their customer service department.

Best 10-Liter Unit: AirSep Newlife Intensity 10 Home Concentrator

Cost: 1,895 Weight: 58 pounds Dimensions: 16.5 inches wide x 14.5 inches deep x 27.5 inches high Delivery/flow type: Continuous Range of flow settings: 2–10 Power consumption: 590 watts Max oxygen output: 10 liters per minute Noise level: 55 decibels Warranty: Three years If your prescription for home oxygen therapy requires high-volume or high-pressure oxygen, a 10-liter home oxygen system may be the best choice for you. We selected the AirSep Newlife Intensity 10 as our best 10-liter option for its average oxygen purity rating of 93% and air pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (psi), which is twice as much as most oxygen machines. It can also support nebulizers and venturi masks. The machine is never louder than 55 decibels, which is the equivalent of the sound from an electric toothbrush. 3 At 27.5 inches tall and 16.5 inches wide, it has the ability to neatly fit next to a couch or bedside table. One downside to this unit is its weight—at 58 pounds, it would be difficult to move from place to place as it lacks wheels. It also uses the most electricity out of all the units on this list.

Customer service

The AirSep Newlife Intensity 10 Home Concentrator is available for purchase from local medical equipment suppliers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can shop online or at its retail location in Denver, Colorado. See below for details on Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service hours, ways you can reach them, and our experience with their customer service department.

Payment options

This product is not available to rent.

Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service

• 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT Monday through Friday
• 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT Saturday
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT Sunday

The Oxygen Concentrator Store website also has a detailed product support page with information on cleaning, maintenance, and use of portable oxygen concentrators.

Our Reviews Team’s customer service experience

A member of our Reviews Team called the Oxygen Concentrator Store to learn more information about all of the brands and models in this list. It took less than 30 seconds to get a representative on the line, and he was friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about every model we asked about.

He shared that all of the portable oxygen machines sold through Oxygen Concentrator Store come with a free seven-day trial period. If you find the unit you’ve purchased has mechanical problems, is hard to use, or just isn’t a good fit for you, simply call the store to receive a shipping label. Then you can send the unit back (at your own cost) and exchange it for a different one.

Shipping takes about three to five business days, but Oxygen Concentrator Store also offers two-day and overnight shipping.

After sharing details of the various models over the phone, the representative offered to email the information as well and gave us his direct phone number for any future questions.

He also said even if we didn’t buy a unit from Oxygen Concentrator Store, he would be happy to answer questions and provide help in the future. We were very pleased with the customer service experience; it felt like we were learning about portable oxygen concentrators rather than enduring a high-pressure sales call.

What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a machine that concentrates oxygen from the air we breathe. It uses pumps, electricity, and filters to increase the amount of oxygen in the air from 21% to 90% or higher. 12 Portable oxygen concentrators are powered by a rechargeable battery and can be taken with you to provide mobile oxygen on-the-go, whereas home oxygen concentrators need to be plugged into a power outlet and are meant for use in the home.

How does an oxygen concentrator work?

Oxygen concentrators convert outside air into almost pure oxygen with the following steps:

• Draws outside air into the unit
• Filters the air to remove any contaminants
• Compresses the filtered air
• Passes the filtered and compressed air through a sieve bed that extracts the nitrogen

The resulting air is about 95% oxygen, which flows from the machine through tubing connected to the machine on one end and to a nasal cannula or oxygen face mask on the other end.

For more information, the American Lung Association has a webpage with helpful videos showing how to use a portable oxygen concentrator. 3

Oxygen delivery/flow types

Portable oxygen concentrators deliver either a continuous flow of oxygen, measured in liters per minute (LPM), or a pulse flow (also called intermittent flow). Pulse flow delivery systems produce a puff of oxygen every time you breathe.

Some concentrators can deliver oxygen by either pulse or continuous flow, depending on the setting you choose. Other devices only provide one type of flow. For example, most portable concentrators (including all of the models in this review) offer only pulse flow settings.

ⓘ	It’s important to know which type of flow you need and the amount of oxygen (in LPM) your prescription is written for when buying a portable oxygen machine. If you’re unsure of these details, check with your health care provider.

Who should use a portable oxygen concentrator?

If you need supplemental oxygen (also known as oxygen therapy), you’re not alone. The American Thoracic Society estimates 1.5 million adults in the United States use oxygen therapy. 4

People with a variety of conditions may benefit from supplemental oxygen. According to the American Lung Association, these conditions include: 5

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Pneumonia
• Severe asthma
• Cystic fibrosis
• Sleep apnea
• Anemia

When your body is not getting enough oxygen, you might feel confused, weak, tired, or breathless. Low oxygen levels can also cause other health problems over time, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 6 Supplemental oxygen can help relieve these symptoms and improve your overall health.

If you have a diagnosed need for extra oxygen but don’t want to be tied to a stationary, in-home oxygen unit, you may enjoy the independence and freedom a portable oxygen concentrator can give you. Being able to go out with friends and family, travel, and/or enjoy activities outside of the house are all possible with portable oxygen concentrators.

Because portable units are designed to be lightweight, they aren’t as powerful as stationary, home oxygen machines. As a result, the portable oxygen concentrators currently on the market can only provide an oxygen output of up to 3 LPMs. If your prescription is written for more than this amount, a portable unit won’t meet your needs, so you’ll need to look for an in-home oxygen system instead.

Many portable oxygen concentrators weigh fewer than five pounds and can be worn as a shoulder bag or backpack, allowing you to do all of your normal activities while getting the oxygen you need. Heavier oxygen machines—like the Inogen One G5 with a double battery—can also be strapped onto a mobile cart and rolled like a suitcase.

What to look for in a portable oxygen concentrator

Portable oxygen concentrators vary in their maximum amount of oxygen output (measured in liters per minute), type of oxygen flow (continuous or pulse), weight, noise level, battery life, and warranty. You’ll need to think about each factor as you’re deciding which model is the best for your needs.

Current oxygen needs

Your oxygen needs are the first place to start when shopping for portable oxygen concentrators. Check your prescription to see what your doctor has written for oxygen amount and type of flow.

Future oxygen needs

It’s also a good idea to think about your future oxygen needs. You may only need one LPM now, but if you have a chronic disease like COPD, you may want to choose an oxygen concentrator that’s best for COPD, with a maximum output that’s above your current needs. This way you won’t need to replace your concentrator with a more powerful one if your oxygen needs increase.

Battery life

Before narrowing down your choices, consider how long you’ll need to use your portable oxygen concentrator when you leave the house. Do you only go out to run quick errands, or do you enjoy spending full days out of the house? Do you enjoy traveling? These are all factors that will affect which battery-operated concentrator is the best fit for you.

Warranty length and type of coverage

Warranties vary among manufacturers of portable oxygen concentrators, both in terms of length and what they cover. One thing to ask about is when the warranty starts. Some companies begin their warranty on the date the unit is put on a store’s shelves (whether brick-and-mortar or online), not when it arrives at your house.

For example, if a portable oxygen concentrator has been sitting on the shelf for three months before you buy it, you may have lost three months of your warranty. Other companies don’t start the warranty period until you purchase the unit, and this is obviously better for you as the customer.

How much do portable oxygen concentrators cost?

Portable oxygen concentrators cost between 4,000 and 4,500 from the manufacturer, although you can often find them in the range of 2,500 to 4,000 from online retailers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store and others. Used portable oxygen concentrators are even less expensive, at a cost of 800 to 2,000.

Online retailers like the Oxygen Concentrator Store may have financing and “buy now, pay later” payment options through services like CareCredit, PayPal, or Affirm that allow you to finance your portable oxygen concentrator purchase and pay it off over time.

Does Medicare cover portable oxygen concentrators?

Oxygen concentrators are considered durable medical equipment (DME) ⓘ Medical equipment expected to last at least three years, prescribed for in-home use for a medical reason and as such they’re covered under Medicare Part B if certain criteria for medical necessity are met. Medicare will cover the cost of renting oxygen equipment and accessories under the following conditions: 7

• You have a prescription from a doctor listing your need for supplemental oxygen (either a specific medical condition or a statement that oxygen therapy may improve your health)

• You have been diagnosed with low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) through a test conducted by your doctor or other health care provider (not an oxygen equipment supplier)
• Other measures to raise your blood oxygen levels haven’t been successful

Your doctor will be required to complete paperwork and provide documentation on the medical necessity of a portable oxygen concentrator. If you have questions about this requirement, your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (or SHIP), can help. You can find your local SHIP counselor at www.shiphelp.org.

It’s more common for Medicare to cover the rental of in-home oxygen units rather than portable oxygen concentrators. Medicare providers may pay for portable oxygen concentrator rentals on a case-by-case basis, though, if they decide it would be beneficial for you either as a sole source of oxygen or as a supplement to an in-home unit. 8

Keep in mind Medicare will not cover the purchase of a portable oxygen concentrator, only the rental. See Medicare.gov for more information.

If you purchase a portable oxygen concentrator, Medicare will help pay for certain types of oxygen-related supplies and services such as:

After you meet your deductible for the year, you will only pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost of those supplies. 9

Oxygen Concentrator Store does not bill Medicare directly, so that’s something you’ll have to handle.

Does insurance cover portable oxygen concentrators?

Some private insurance companies will pay for part or all of the costs of oxygen concentrators, but plans vary quite a bit. Contact your insurance provider to see what your plan covers.

You can also use NCOA’s Benefits CheckUp tool to see what other discounts and savings you qualify for.

How to save money on oxygen machines

If you are in need of supplemental oxygen, also called oxygen therapy, you may be concerned about the expense of owning and using an oxygen tank or concentrator. Thankfully, you can save money on these units in a variety of ways.

Buy a used oxygen concentrator

If you can’t afford to purchase a new oxygen concentrator, consider looking for a used one from your local DME provider. They typically run between 800 and 2,000, which is about a third of the cost of new units. Oxygen Concentrator Store also sells used portable and home oxygen concentrators.

Used portable oxygen concentrators start at 995, which can be a third of the cost of new units. Used home oxygen concentrator units start at 350.

Christopher Norman, a New York-based nurse practitioner who specializes in geriatric care (the care of older adults) and holistic health, gave the following tips for people thinking about buying a used portable oxygen concentrator. “As with anything you might buy, I would always advise asking about the equipment’s history. Was it maintained appropriately [and] cleaned regularly (oil-based cleaners can gum up the works, whereas water-based cleaners are usually safe); what kind of environment was it maintained in (smoking household, lots of pets, etc.); has it ever been serviced and by whom; and what is its purchase history (maybe you’re actually getting it third or fourth hand)? I would advise a person to never buy used tubing (the nasal cannula) or used filters due to risk for infection or other transmissible illness concerns,” said Norman.

Rent an oxygen concentrator instead of buying one

Some people need supplemental oxygen and already have an in-home unit, but they may want to rent a portable oxygen concentrator for an upcoming trip or other time away from home. Or you may want to rent a unit for a few weeks to see if it’s a good fit for your needs.

While renting may not be a good choice if you have a long-term requirement for oxygen therapy, it could be a great fit for someone who needs an oxygen concentrator temporarily. This may include people who are recovering from COVID-19, pneumonia, or another short-term respiratory illness.

Not all oxygen concentrators are available to lease, but certain models are. For example, the Oxygen Concentrator Store offers Inogen and Respironics units for rental starting at 210 per week.

Renting can save you thousands of dollars up front, especially considering Medicare Part B will pay for the rental of oxygen concentrators—as well as some other types of oxygen equipment.

Talking to your doctor about how long you’ll need to use supplemental oxygen can help you decide whether it’s best to rent or buy an oxygen machine.

How long do portable oxygen concentrators last?

Most concentrators last three to five years before needing to be replaced.

Bottom line

Supplemental oxygen is sometimes necessary for relieving symptoms of a respiratory or cardiac disease and improving a person’s quality of life. If you are facing the need for oxygen therapy, know that it doesn’t mean your normal activities have to end!

For those who value ease of use, we rated Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini as “Easiest to Use.” If you’re looking for a POC that’s easy to carry, we selected the Inogen One G4 as “Smallest Portable Oxygen Concentrator.” If you’re a frequent flier, the Inogen One G5, which we ranked as “Best for Air Travel”, may be a good choice. And lastly, for those who want to ensure their POC can function as long as possible between charges, we chose the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort as “Best Battery Life.”

You can—and should—continue to enjoy outings with your family and friends, and a portable oxygen concentrator will go a long way in helping you do that.

For home oxygen machines, the best model for your needs will depend on a variety of factors. The CAIRE Companion 5 had the best value for its features. The Inogen At Home 5L is the most energy-efficient machine on our list. If you’re noise-conscious, consider the Philips Respironics EverFlo that had the quietest operation on all settings. The AirSep Newlife Intensity 10 was our choice for the best home oxygen concentrator with a maximum output of 10 LPM.

Frequently asked questions

How much do portable oxygen concentrators cost?

In general, portable oxygen concentrators cost between 4,000 and 4,500 from the manufacturer, although you can often find them in the range of 1,500 to 3,500 from online retailers such as the Oxygen Concentrator Store and others.

Used portable oxygen concentrators are even cheaper, at a cost of 800 to 2,000. Online retailers like the Oxygen Concentrator Store may also offer financing options through services like Affirm, Care Credit, and PayPal.

Do I need a prescription for a portable oxygen concentrator?

Yes, you will need a prescription to rent or buy a portable oxygen concentrator. Your doctor or other health care provider must diagnose your need for supplemental oxygen and determine what your oxygen requirements are. Oxygen is considered a medical substance and can cause health problems if used incorrectly.

How long will a portable oxygen concentrator last?

With regular cleaning and maintenance, portable oxygen concentrators last three to five years before needing to be replaced. You can find out how to clean your machine by looking in the user’s manual or calling the company’s customer service department.

What type of portable oxygen concentrator is best?

Portable oxygen concentrators are not one size fits all. Your oxygen needs, lifestyle, and budget will all affect which device is the best choice for you. A few of the most reliable portable oxygen concentrators that have received the best customer reviews include the Inogen One G4 and G5, and the Invacare Platinum.

How do I choose a good portable oxygen concentrator?

Factors to consider when shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator include:

You can also read customer reviews on websites such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and TrustPilot. You can also simply ask your health care provider for recommendations.

Are portable oxygen concentrators effective?

Yes, portable oxygen concentrators are effective at delivering almost pure oxygen to people whose blood levels of oxygen are too low.

Which size of portable oxygen concentrator is the best?

This depends on how long you’ll want the battery to last before it needs to be recharged (which is affected by the size of the battery), the weight you’re comfortable carrying, and the amount of oxygen you need. In general, the more powerful a unit is, the larger and heavier it will be.

What are the different types of portable oxygen concentrators?

Portable oxygen concentrators deliver either a continuous flow of oxygen, measured in liters per minute (LPM), or a pulse flow. Pulse flow delivery systems produce a puff of oxygen every time you breathe.

Most portable oxygen concentrators are the pulse flow variety, but there are some portable units (such as the Philips Respironics SimplyGo) that offer both continuous and pulse flow settings.

Can I travel with a portable oxygen concentrator?

Yes, portable oxygen concentrators are ideal for travel. If you like to take road trips or flights, you may want to consider a lightweight unit such as the Inogen One G4 reviewed here. All of the models in this review have been approved by the FAA to carry onto an aircraft and use while in-flight. 10

Can you get too much oxygen from an oxygen concentrator?

Yes, it is possible to get too much oxygen from a concentrator or other oxygen delivery system. Geriatric nurse practitioner Christopher Norman shared his expertise regarding this important point of oxygen therapy: “As I tell everyone, oxygen is a medication—it’s only available with a prescription, and there’s good reason for this. Just like any medication (over-the-counter or otherwise), too much can be harmful, too little is unlikely to be beneficial, and making adjustments with the amount is often best done with the help of someone knowledgeable (a health care provider, respiratory therapist, or other appropriate professional). Knowing how to properly use your supplemental oxygen equipment is crucial to successful use of this medication,” said Norman.

It’s a good idea to bring your new portable oxygen concentrator to your next doctor appointment to make sure the device is appropriate, working properly, and the settings are correct.

What’s the difference between a 5-liter and a 10-liter oxygen machine?

The main difference is the amount of oxygen the two machines can deliver per minute. If an oxygen concentrator is labeled as a 5-liter model, it can deliver between 2 to 5 liters of oxygen per minute. If it is a 10-liter model, it can deliver anywhere from 2 to 10 liters of oxygen per minute. For reference, the average lung capacity of a healthy adult male is about 6 liters. 3 If someone needs high-volume or high-pressure oxygen therapy, their doctor may prescribe a 10-liter oxygen concentrator instead of a 5-liter machine.

How do I practice oxygen safety at home?

The American Lung Association recommends the following tips for staying safe while using a home oxygen machine: 3

• Don’t smoke near your home oxygen equipment, including tanks or concentrators. Don’t allow others to smoke near you and your machine.
• Don’t use electrical appliances, such as electric razors or hair dryers, while wearing oxygen.
• If you use an oxygen concentrator while sleeping, switch to 100% cotton bedding. Cotton is less likely to cause static electricity.
• Avoid aerosol sprays, such as hair sprays or air fresheners. Aerosols are very flammable.
• Don’t use petroleum, oil-based products, isopropyl alcohol, or vapor rubs. Look for water-based products instead.
• Keep your oxygen concentrator several inches away from curtains and walls. Don’t place anything over it, such as jackets, blankets, or towels.
• Don’t plug anything else into the same outlet as your concentrator, and don’t plug in your home oxygen unit with an extension cord.
• Have a working fire extinguisher and smoke alarms.

What’s the best home oxygen machine for COPD?

The American Lung Association states that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 12.5 million people in the United States. 4 COPD damages the lungs’ airways, affecting the amount of air the lungs can bring in. Less air in the lungs means less oxygen to the rest of the body’s tissues, which is why home oxygen therapy is sometimes part of a COPD treatment plan. Treatment plans will be unique to each person. If your provider has recommended a home oxygen unit for your COPD, they will have the best knowledge of your health concerns, needs, and goals and be able to provide the most accurate recommendation.

How many hours do home oxygen concentrators last?

A home oxygen concentrator can deliver oxygen as long as it is plugged into an electrical outlet and powered on. A home oxygen concentrator is not the same as oxygen tanks for home use, which are filled with compressed oxygen and need to be refilled or replaced when the oxygen runs out.

How long oxygen tanks last depends on the flow rate and the type of tank. For example, an “E” oxygen tank set to deliver oxygen at 2 liters per minute will last about five to six hours, according to the Oxygen Concentrator Store. 5

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

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Philips Medical Systems Stations Rely on AirLink Gateways to Remotely Manage Medical Systems

Philips Medical Systems, a global leader in healthcare, is committed to providing innovative technology and services that enable health care providers to achieve clinical excellence. The healthcare business is a division of Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands, which is one of the world’s largest electronics companies with 160,900 employees in over 60 countries.

Reliable conectivity for vehicle-based mobile imaging centres.

• Improved patient care by increasing equipment uptime through preventative maintenance and remote issue diagnosis made possible by remote monitoring of machines.
• Minimized potential revenue loss to the mobile customers due to downtime.
• Improved overall customer satisfaction through proactive system checks.
• Increased efficiency by tracking mobile systems using GPS technology.
• Enhanced productivity to both customers and Philips Customer Service organization.

Introduction

In response to customer demand for more strategic and efficient customer support, Philips Medical Systems recently established a new North American Mobile Enterprises department. Taking advantage of the startup mentality bred by a fresh opportunity, the Mobile Enterprises department immediately began creating their vision for an innovative mobile medical program. The team’s mission is to provide optimal patient care through increased efficiencies and improved service to their partners and customers.

Challenge

One of the Mobile Enterprise team’s key initiatives is running mobile imaging centers, which provide use of diagnostic imaging equipment to markets that cannot support purchase and maintenance of fixed imaging equipment. This diagnostic imaging equipment includes MR (magnetic resonance), CT (computed tomography), nuclear medicine and cardiovascular systems. The key markets supported by the Mobile Enterprise team include rural communities, multi-location medical facilities and prisons.

Mobile imaging centers consist of 18-wheel trailers outfitted with Philips imaging equipment and third party drivers and medical staff. These centers have tight schedules and are always in-use or in-transit to a facility, with most centers staying in one location for only a single day. Any downtime of the imaging equipment results in a loss of patient service and revenue for the healthcare provider. Philips needed to find a way to proactively monitor their medical equipment to prevent downtime and to diagnose and fix issues remotely to avoid sending field engineers on-location for repairs.

“For Philips, it’s all about patient care, efficiency and productivity,” explained Ketan Shah, senior manager, Mobile Enterprise in Philips Medical Systems’ Imaging division. “By maximizing our ability to service our customers, the result is improved patient care and customer satisfaction.”

Solution

Philips’ Mobile Enterprise, in collaboration with partner Astral Communications, developed a wireless-specific solution to complement their existing proprietary remote monitoring solution. Further, Astral Communications, an advanced communications systems provider, is continuing to work with Philips to develop a wireless telemetry solution using the Sierra Wireless AirLink communications gateway.

The wireless solution is helping Philips to improve efficiencies and patient care in many ways. Historically, Philips’ engineers have been able to connect to a secure remote services network to diagnose system “wellness” of diagnostic imaging systems. However, this has not been the case for their mobile imaging centers, to which service technicians had no remote access. Since deploying the AirLink gateways, engineers can monitor and maintain these mobile imaging centers in near real-time. This not only allows the techs at the call center to troubleshoot and fix imaging equipment remotely, but it significantly decreases the frequency and duration of trips required by field service engineers to complete on-site repairs. The gateways’ persistent network connectivity provides extensive remote management and configuration capabilities, enabling Philips to monitor and control their network of mobile devices from one central location. For instance, Philips was able to solve the issue of continually re-setting a troublesome router by controlling relays through the management tool, enabling Philips to remotely reset the router as often as necessary.

Because the mobile imaging centers predominantly serve rural communities, they are frequently in locations that are 3-4 hours from the nearest Philips field engineer. Due to the time required for travel, diagnostics and eventual repair, a customer’s imaging equipment could be down for a significant amount of time.

Utilizing the AirLink gateway, Philips engineers located in the company call center will have the ability to monitor, troubleshoot and fix problems remotely, minimizing the need for travel by a field service engineer. In certain situations, the call center will be able to diagnose issues as the field service engineer is en route to the remote location. When the engineer arrives at the mobile imaging center, the problem may already be diagnosed, saving valuable resolution time.

Additionally, with the AirLink GPS feature, the location of mobile imaging centers can easily be tracked. In the past, locating mobile systems in real-time was a challenge for Philips, requiring people throughout the organization to spend significant time and effort. With the GPS feature, tracking is a real-time, systems-driven process that improves the efficiency in overall service delivery.

Wireless connectivity enabled by the AirLink gateways provides the opportunity to reduce downtime from days to just hours or even minutes. Since any equipment downtime results in lost revenue, the wireless solution provides an immediate ROI. The current average reimbursement rate for a diagnostic imaging scan is significant. Assuming an average of 10 patients receiving scans each day, the customer could lose a considerable amount of revenue when a machine is down for just one day. Remote monitoring and repair minimizes revenue stream loss and ensures that at-risk patients have the opportunity to use the imaging equipment during the limited time that it is in their area.

Philips is taking a phased approach to their wireless solution. While currently putting in the structural foundation of remote management and tracking solution, Philips is also planning for an AVL (automatic vehicle location) application and vehicle telemetry functionality. With the AVL web interface, Philips and their customers will be able to track the location of the mobile imaging centers online.

Results

According to customer feedback, Philips’ Mobile Enterprise solution is the first-of-its-kind in the industry. With a successfully completed pilot, Philips is currently rolling out this technology solution to their mobiles across North America. Furthermore, Philips is committed to evolving the solution to remain on the cutting edge. Philips is confident that success with their telemetry application will translate to remote monitoring and control applications in other Philips’ fixed equipment locations.

Philips Medical Systems’ remote monitoring and tracking solution utilizing the Sierra Wireless AirLink gateways was deployed to produce the following benefits:

• Improved patient care by increasing equipment uptime through preventative maintenance and remote issue diagnosis made possible by remote monitoring of machines
• Minimized potential revenue loss to the mobile customers due to downtime
• Improved overall customer satisfaction through proactive system checks
• Increased efficiency by tracking mobile systems using GPS technology
• Enhanced productivity to both customers and Philips Customer Service organization

Philips Respironics Oxygen Concentrators Review

Commissions we earn from partner links on this page do not affect our opinions or evaluations. Our editorial content is based on thorough research and guidance from the Forbes Health Advisory Board.

Our Verdict

Philips Respironics is a global company offering oxygen concentrators for home use or on-the-go in both continuous flow and pulse-flow oxygen delivery models.

Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

Philips Respironics Simply Go Mini Portable Concentrator

• Easy-to-use readable LDC user screen
• Five pulse dose settings
• Lightweight and easy to carry at only 5 pounds
• Rugged, impact-resistant design
• Standard battery for battery duration up to 4.5 hours extended battery for battery duration up to 9 hours

Key Features

• Available models offer continuous flow, pulse-flow oxygen delivery or both
• Philips Respironics portable, on-the-go oxygen concentrators are lightweight, weighing up to 10 pounds with the battery installed, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved for air travel, though the company advises confirming with airlines ahead of travel.
• Philips oxygen concentrators offer multiple setting options and easy-to-read LCD control panels

Philips Respironics—a subsidiary of Royal Philips, which was founded in the 1890s and headquartered in the Netherlands—manufactures sleep and respiratory care products for sleep apnea management, noninvasive ventilation, respiratory drug delivery and oxygen therapy. In 2021, Philips scored 90 out of 100 in SP Global Ratings’ assessment of its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, targets and performance [1] Philips again receives high SP gGlobal Ratings evaluation for its ESG practices. Philips. Accessed 4/3/23

In 2021, Philips Respironics voluntarily recalled some of their ventilators, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines, due to health concerns about the foam used to muffle sound in the devices. In a follow-up inspection of Philips factories after the recall, the FDA requested that Philips retain an independent laboratory to do additional safety testing on the silicone-based foam.

• Devices are quiet, with decibel levels similar to average room noise
• Long battery life of on-the-go devices offer increased mobility
• Philips portable oxygen concentrators are FAA-approved for use on airplanes.
• Device cost can be expensive
• Batteries for portable models can be expensive (400 to 600) and need replacing every three years
• Some online reviewers report receiving an error message with some of SimplyGo’s alarms

How It Works

Philips has a 40-year history of producing oxygen concentrators and develops products that cater to a variety of oxygen needs.

Home oxygen concentrators are prescribed to people who need constant oxygen while they’re at home and/or asleep, due to conditions like chronic lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or pulmonary or cystic fibrosis, says Tejaswini Kulkarni, M.D., director of the Interstitial Lung Disease program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and vice-chair of the Interstitial Lung Disease section with the American College of Chest Physicians.

Oxygen concentrators take air from their surroundings, extract oxygen and filter out nitrogen to produce purified oxygen for the patient to breathe, says Dr. Kulkarni. Prescriptions for oxygen concentrators are based on specific tests that assess oxygen needs, such as a six-minute walk test or nocturnal oximetry, which measures oxygen saturation in the body while a person sleeps.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stipulates that home oxygen concentrators cannot be sold or used without a prescription, meaning that oxygen concentrators sold online without a prescription are not FDA-approved. Someone using an oxygen concentrator without a prescription could be getting more oxygen than their body needs, which can cause oxygen toxicity, according to the FDA.

Philips Respironics offers several models of oxygen concentrators for both home and on-the-go use.

Millennium M10: This stationary device for home use is available in models with or without an oxygen purity indicator. The device weighs 53 pounds and delivers oxygen through a continuous flow, outputting up to 10 liters of oxygen per minute. The oxygen concentrator runs on electricity, meaning battery life isn’t a concern, and includes a one-year standard warranty and two-year option for users who prefer extended coverage. The decibel level for the M10 varies from 42 decibel to 49.8 decibels depending on the model, according to a company spokesperson.

The Death of Europe’s Last Electronics Giant

EverFlo: Also intended for home use, this device weighs 31 pounds and runs off AC power to deliver a continuous flow of oxygen. The device delivers up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute, though that amount is reduced to 3 liters per minute when the device is connected to the UltraFill Oxygen Filling Station (a high-capacity home filling station.) This oxygen concentrator offers a 3-year limited warranty.

SimplyGo: Intended for on-the-go use, this portable oxygen concentrator weighs 10 pounds with the battery installed and runs on a lithium ion battery. The device delivers oxygen via pulse dose with a battery life of 3 hours, or continuous flow with a battery life of.9 hours. A sleep mode setting is also available, and this concentrator is approved for travel by the FAA.

Two-, three- and five-year warranties are available for this device, which also includes a carrying case, accessory bag, mobile cart, power cords, user manual and one rechargeable lithium ion battery.

SimplyGo Mini: This portable oxygen concentrator weighs 5 pounds with its standard battery, 6 pounds with its extended battery. The battery life lasts up to 4.5 hours with the regular battery, while the extended battery offers a nine-hour charge. This device delivers oxygen through pulse-flow only and is FAA approved for use during travel. A two-, three- or five-year warranty is available, and the device also includes a one standard rechargeable lithium ion battery, power cords, a carry case, accessory bag and a user manual.

The Cost

Philips Respironics doesn’t sell oxygen concentrators directly to consumers, and the company doesn’t provide pricing information on its website or over the phone. However, a Philips Respironics customer service representative can direct customers to a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier in their area who can supply pricing information.

As an example, a Philips Respironics-referred DME supplier in Saint Petersburg, Florida, shares the following for Philips oxygen concentrators:

Typically, Medicare will cover 80% of an oxygen concentrator rental fee under Part B (after the deductible is met, says Mike Hess, a respiratory therapist and oxygen therapy advocate in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

“There is a three-year rental period, then a two-year period where users don’t have to pay the fee,” says Hess. “But suppliers must still provide service and supplies (such as tubing and nasal cannulas).”

After five years, the oxygen therapy user may choose to keep their current equipment and take on any potential service charges and supply fees or start a new cycle of rental and service with new equipment, adds Hess.

Private insurance companies are likely to cover doctor-prescribed oxygen concentrators as a medical necessity. Philips Respironics provides some guidance on its website for how to pay for oxygen concentrators, including applying for Care Credit, which offers a line of credit to eligible individuals.

Explore Concentrators Available On Oxygen Concentrator Store

What Experts Say

An individual’s doctor can discuss their lifestyle and current oxygen needs to determine how many liters of oxygen and the type of flow rate they may need during exertion, rest and during sleep, says Dr. Kulkarni. A person’s needs determine if a pulse-flow oxygen or continuous flow oxygen delivery is the best method.

Consumers should test oxygen concentrators before making a purchase. It’s important to test an oxygen concentrator while being active as well, to make sure it can keep up with their oxygen needs, says Hess.

Philips Respironics oxygen concentrators are easy to operate, says Nick Vannatta, lead oxygen specialist for American Medical Sales and Rentals in Centennial, Colorado.

“There are three buttons on the portables and on home models, there’s an ‘on’ switch and a dial,” he says, referring to the units’ streamlined design. “They’re purposely designed to be user-friendly since the target market typically has vision problems [in some cases] and might have some frailty in their hands.”

Battery life in portable Philips Respironics oxygen concentrators depends on the user’s oxygen needs, says Vannatta, as a compressors life is generally between five and seven years. Vannatta recommends consumers ask about the cost of accessories for each machine. Batteries for portable machines can cost several hundred dollars and may only last a few years, he adds.

In general, there isn’t a great deal of differentiation between different brands of oxygen concentrators due to the limited number of manufacturers, says Vannatta, who suggests obtaining servicing information for a device before making a purchase.

Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Concentrator

• Intuitive, user-friendly screen
• Attractive, lightweight and sleek design that weighs around 10 pounds
• Pulse Dose and Continuous Flow (up to 2 LPM) options
• Easy to remove, rechargeable/replaceable battery which can supply oxygen for up to 3.4 hours on a pulse dose setting