Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators - Our Top 5 - AgingInPlace.org (2024)

Home Portable Oxygen Concentrators Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators – Our Top 5

Updated: Apr 06, 2023

Written by:

Ayla Girouard

Medically Reviewed by:

Elizabeth U. Lyda, BS, RRT, Rebecca Tucker, LRT, RRT

9 Sources Cited

AgingInPlace.org keeps our resources free by working as an affiliate partner with some companies mentioned on our site. These partnerships or the commission we may earn do not affect our opinions or evaluations of the products we mention. Our reviews are solely based on our research methodology and from input from our AgingInPlace.org Advisory Board. Learn more about our ad policies.

Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators – O...

Products carousel

Skip the Carousel

700+ Hours of Research

11 Brands Considered

22 Models Considered

5 Models Selected

2 Experts Consulted

If you’ve been diagnosed with an oxygen-dependent condition or gotten a prescription for oxygen, it’s likely that you’ve felt a sudden loss of freedom. Years ago, oxygen therapy meant never straying from an electrical outlet and being attached to large metal tanks or loud and immobile machines at home. Luckily, times have changed, and portable oxygen concentrators are now available to many of the roughly 1.5 million people in the United States who use supplemental oxygen. These small, battery powered medical devices allow you to get the oxygen you need while staying active and mobile.

Choosing the right portable oxygen concentrator depends on a few key factors, including your oxygen needs and specific health concerns. Other considerations include the size and weight of the unit, battery life, and whether you need a continuous flow or pulse unit.

The number of portable oxygen concentrators on the market today is well into double digits and growing every year. Our reviewers have conducted research on over 20 of the most popular models to narrow down the best of the best in portable oxygen concentrators according to our in-depth research methodology. We’ve thoroughly analyzed all of our top picks to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Top 5 Portable Oxygen Concentrators

  • Best Value: Inogen One G5 System
  • Longest Battery Life: CAIRE Freestyle Comfort
  • Best for Travel: Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini
  • Best Continuous Flow Unit: Philips Respironics SimplyGo
  • Best for Active Lifestyles: Inogen One G4 System

Key Takeaways

  • A portable oxygen concentrator can meet the needs of active individuals, travelers, and anyone who wants the freedom of mobility while using supplemental oxygen.
  • The best portable oxygen concentrators combine portability with adequate and efficient oxygen output.
  • Portable oxygen concentrators offer a wide range of options and features, from minimal weight to extended battery life to operation through smart device apps.

What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a compact, portable version of a regular-sized oxygen concentrator. These devices provide oxygen therapy to people with health conditions that cause low oxygen levels in the blood such as COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.

Oxygen concentrators contain compressors, filters, and tubing. A nasal cannula or oxygen mask connects to the device and delivers oxygen to the person who needs it. Note: Oxygen masks should only be used with higher liter flows, such as 5 liters per minute or over as rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide could occur. Concentrators are tankless, so there’s no risk of running out of oxygen. However, as with any piece of technology, these machines can potentially malfunction.

Portable units typically have a rechargeable battery, which allows for use on the go, such as while traveling. Most can be charged via an AC or DC outlet and can operate on direct power while charging the battery to eliminate any potential downtime.

How Oxygen Concentrators Work

To deliver oxygen to you, the devices draw air from the room you’re in and pass it through filters to purify the air. The compressor absorbs nitrogen, leaving behind concentrated oxygen. The nitrogen is then released back into the environment, and the person receives oxygen through a pulse (also called intermittent) flow or continuous flow (depending on the machine) mechanism via a nasal cannula.

Types of Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Portable oxygen concentrators deliver oxygen by either pulse flow or continuous flow. Both methods deliver oxygen to the lungs through inhalation, but each is appropriate for different conditions or situations.

Pulse flow: A pulse device delivers oxygen in bursts, or boluses, when you inhale. Pulse flow oxygen delivery requires a smaller motor, less battery power, and a smaller internal reservoir, allowing pulse flow devices to be incredibly small and efficient. Since pulse flow is generally triggered by inhalation, the user must have strong enough inhalation to trigger delivery. Also, because pulse flow units have generally low maximum oxygen outputs, they aren’t suitable for people who require more than one to two liters of oxygen per minute.

Continuous flow: Most portable units offer only pulse flow delivery, but some are also capable of continuous flow oxygen delivery. Continuous flow devices churn out oxygen at a steady rate regardless of the user’s breathing pattern. Because they need to pump out oxygen continuously, they tend to have larger compressors, which makes them weigh more. Continuous flow delivery is usually indicated for people with weaker respiration, higher oxygen needs, or during sleep when breathing may be unsteady or less efficient.

The Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2022

Here’s a quick overview of the specs for our top portable oxygen concentrator picks.

COMPANYDELIVERY METHODMAXIMUM OUTPUTBATTERY DURATIONNOISE LEVELWEIGHTFAA APPROVED?WARRANTY
Inogen One G5 SystemPulse flow1,260 ml/minUp to 6.5 hours39 decibels4.7 pounds3 years
CAIRE Freestyle ComfortPulse flow1,050 ml/minUp to 8 hours39 decibels 5 pounds3 years
Philips Respironics SimplyGo MiniPulse flow1,000 ml/min6 hours43 decibels5 pounds3 years
Philips Respironics SimplyGoContinuous flow and pulse2,000 ml/min3.4 hours43 decibels at setting 210 pounds2–5 years
Inogen One G4 SystemPulse flow630 ml/min2.5 hours 40 decibels2.8 pounds3 years
COMPANY
Inogen One G5 System
DELIVERY METHODPulse flowMAXIMUM OUTPUT1,260 ml/minBATTERY DURATIONUp to 6.5 hoursNOISE LEVEL39 decibelsWEIGHT4.7 poundsFAA APPROVED?WARRANTY3 years
CAIRE Freestyle Comfort
DELIVERY METHODPulse flowMAXIMUM OUTPUT1,050 ml/minBATTERY DURATIONUp to 8 hoursNOISE LEVEL39 decibels WEIGHT5 poundsFAA APPROVED?WARRANTY3 years
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini
DELIVERY METHODPulse flowMAXIMUM OUTPUT1,000 ml/minBATTERY DURATION6 hoursNOISE LEVEL43 decibelsWEIGHT5 poundsFAA APPROVED?WARRANTY3 years
Philips Respironics SimplyGo
DELIVERY METHODContinuous flow and pulseMAXIMUM OUTPUT2,000 ml/minBATTERY DURATION3.4 hoursNOISE LEVEL43 decibels at setting 2WEIGHT10 poundsFAA APPROVED?WARRANTY2–5 years
Inogen One G4 System
DELIVERY METHODPulse flowMAXIMUM OUTPUT630 ml/minBATTERY DURATION2.5 hours NOISE LEVEL40 decibelsWEIGHT2.8 poundsFAA APPROVED?WARRANTY3 years

NOTE: You may notice that for pulse flow units, their oxygen delivery rate and capacity is measured in milliliters per minute versus liters per minute (LPM). Most prescriptions will be written in LPM, so your physician or oxygen concentrator salesperson will need to translate your prescription to the most appropriate pulse flow setting to meet your oxygen delivery requirement.

BEST VALUE: Inogen One G5 System

Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators - Our Top 5 - AgingInPlace.org (11)

AgingInPlace.org Rating

See Pricing (877) 878-8622

Price: $3,165

Flow Type: Pulse flow

Weight: 4.7 pounds

Battery life: 6.5 hours

Overall, the Inogen One G5 System is an excellent choice for most supplemental oxygen users due to its compact size, above-average battery life, and ease of operation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Six flow settings offer more versatility

  • 6.5 hour battery life

  • Option to purchase lifetime warranty

  • Large, simple display and buttons

Cons

  • Long battery recharge time of four hours

Editor’s Choice

What Is Editor’s Choice?

Our team of editors and writers choose a product from each article that stands out based on our extensive research of the products we review. While it may not always be the highest-scoring product in the lineup, we’ve chosen the product based on its overall value to our audience.

Why We Chose This Product:

The Inogen One G5 doesn’t have the longest battery life, the highest possible oxygen output, or the lightest weight on our list, but it’s very competitive on all points. This model has it all, at a reasonable price, from one of the most trusted names in the oxygen industry.

Why We Chose This Model

We selected the Inogen G5 system as the best value among our POC selections because of its size, battery life, and 24/7 use capability to offer maximum portability for extended periods of time, whether you’re running errands, traveling, or visiting with friends and family. The total unit including the POC and connected battery weighs in at just 4.7 pounds making it one of the lightest on the market.

It’s also pretty quiet at 38 decibels (just above the volume of a whisper), which makes it ideal for use in confined spaces, social settings, or shared travel areas with a lot of people. The Inogen G5 system connects easily to the Inogen Connect app, allowing users to monitor battery life and settings without having to move or see the machine directly—particularly convenient when you’re out and about and don’t want to mess with your concentrator. The G5 comes with a convenient carrying case, and Inogen offers a backpack or rolling cart available for purchase separately to suit your carrying needs and style.

24/7 Capability

Perhaps the most versatile feature of the Inogen G5 system is its 24/7 capability—with access to a power supply this unit can be used around the clock, and it can be used while plugged in without affecting battery recharge. Its maximum oxygen output of 1,260 milliliters accommodates the oxygen requirements of many users with mild to moderate oxygen-dependent conditions. Remaining one of the most trusted and innovative brands in home oxygen therapy, Inogen designed the G5 system to be portable while meeting your oxygen needs anytime, anywhere.

Inogen Reviews

On Trustpilot, Inogen is highly rated as a brand with 4.0/5.0 stars out of more than 2,000 reviews. Inogen has an A+ rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB), but a low consumer rating of 1.36/5.0 stars. However, there are significantly fewer reviews, and most complaints seemed to be about about customer service.

Longest Battery Life: CAIRE Freestyle Comfort

Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators - Our Top 5 - AgingInPlace.org (12)

AgingInPlace.org Rating

See Pricing (877) 878-8622

Price: $3,195

Flow Type: Pulse flow

Weight: 5 pounds

Battery life: 8 hours

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort is a lightweight, quiet, and compact model that outshines competitors with its impressive battery life.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Maximum battery life of eight hours

  • Lightweight at just 5 pounds

  • Quiet operation at 39 decibels

  • Three-year warranty includes full three-year coverage of sieve beds

Cons

  • May not accommodate users requiring higher-volume oxygen

  • Battery recharge time is average at 3.25 hours

Why We Chose This Model

If you’re looking for a portable oxygen concentrator that can keep you mobile for most of the day, the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort is a great pick. This model’s extended battery life offers unmatched freedom for day trips, work, air travel, and more.

For even more unplugged hours, the Freestyle Comfort has an optional double battery available to purchase separately. The double battery provides up to 16 hours of operation on setting “1,” allowing for fully mobile days without the need to charge the unit.

Comfort

Besides maximum battery life, the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort’s other features were designed with activity and mobility in mind. The machine has an ergonomic shape, curved on the inside to hug the body and reduce bumping and rubbing during movement. CAIRE also has a backpack carrier available to keep the Freestyle Comfort secure and completely out of the way for physical activity.

Features

It offers a maximum oxygen output of 1,050 milliliters per minute, which may not be enough for users requiring higher-volume oxygen. This model has a large, easy-to-read display with a colored LCD display and glow-in-the-dark keypad for easy operation in any light. While the interface looks basic, the Freestyle Comfort stands out for its smart technology in addition to its long battery life.The “autoSAT” and “autoDOSE” features enable it to automatically adjust the oxygen delivery to the user’s breathing rate and deliver pulse doses when no breath is detected. CAIRE’s “UltraSense” technology is able to detect even the slightest breath and administer an oxygen dose.

Finally, the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort comes with the ability to connect to MyCAIRE, CAIRE’s telehealth solution for oxygen therapy. The unit can connect to a user’s smartphone or tablet through the MyCAIRE app, securely collecting usage information from the POC for effective remote patient monitoring at all times.

CAIRE Reviews

While the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort doesn’t have many reviews found online, a compilation of reviews displayed on Google shows 3.9/5.0 stars, while on POC retailer site OxygenConcentratorStore.com, the device has 4.8/5.0 stars.

Tip: We do our best to thoroughly analyze product reviews and understand what people are saying about these products online. What we’ve found in our research is that, very often, reviews written about portable oxygen concentrators and other similar medical devices are incorrectly targeted. For example, POC manufacturers sell their products through multiple retailers across the country. When people have an issue or problem with the retailer they purchased from, they may post a review of the manufacturer on Trustpilot or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. This can be confusing and often misrepresents the product itself, so be sure to read reviews critically to be clear about what is really being discussed.

Best for Travel: Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini

Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators - Our Top 5 - AgingInPlace.org (13)

AgingInPlace.org Rating

See Pricing (877) 878-8622

Price: $2,995

Flow Type: Pulse flow

Weight: 5 pounds

Battery life: 6 hours

Overall, the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini is an excellent choice for travelers due to its compact size, above-average battery life, and ease of operation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Five flow settings offer more versatility

  • 6-hour battery life on setting 1

  • Large, basic display and touchscreen operation

Cons

  • Long battery recharge time of four hours

  • Louder than others at 43 decibels

Why We Chose This Model

We selected the Respironics SimplyGo Mini as the best POC for travel because of its size, battery life, and simple operation. The total unit including the POC and connected battery weighs in at just 5 pounds, making it easily portable in its included carrying case, optional backpack, or any other suitable bag you may use while traveling. Although it’s not usually an important point in our ranking and rating of models, the carrying bags from Respironics have a unique brown color and simple but attractive design that makes your oxygen equipment look more stylish than medical—always a plus when traveling, taking photos, or meeting new people.

This model comes with a DC power cable to allow for operating the unit and charging the battery simultaneously, either in a vehicle or airplane with DC charging ports. While many models of similar size have lower maximum oxygen outputs, the SimplyGo Mini has an impressive maximum of 1,000 milliliters per minute. This output capability is able to accommodate a wide variety of supplemental oxygen users, as well as users whose oxygen needs vary according to their activity level. The unit is also built to be durable, and it can easily withstand temperature changes as well as any bumps or vibrations that aren’t uncommon during travel.

Noise Level

One feature that may be a drawback for some is the noise level. This unit is louder than most similar competitors, so we wouldn’t recommend it if you plan to be in very quiet areas or around people who are sleeping. However, the sound is a non-issue in traveling environments. At 43 decibels, the SimplyGo Mini operates at about the sound level of a normal conversation. In areas where there is conversation already, it’s not loud enough to be a distraction, and in a car or airplane it’s not likely to be noticed at all, making it an excellent choice for supplemental oxygen while traveling.

Philips Respironics Reviews

While Philips Respironics has limited reviews across third-party sites, the OxygenConcentratorStore.com shows the SimplyGo Mini has few reviews but a high score with 4.9/5.0 stars. Several reviews have also stated that the Philips SimplyGo and Mini are higher in price than other models.

BEST CONTINUOUS FLOW DEVICE: Philips Respironics SimplyGo

Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators - Our Top 5 - AgingInPlace.org (14)

AgingInPlace.org Rating

See Pricing (877) 878-8622

Price: $3,295

Flow Type: Continuous and pulse flow

Weight: 10 pounds

Battery life: 3.4 hours

This portable oxygen concentrator offers both intermittent flow and continuous flow at nearly half the weight of comparable models.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Light for a continuous flow model (10 pounds)

  • Battery fully recharges in only 2.5 hours

  • Above-average maximum output of 2,000 ml/min

Cons

  • Louder than many other models at 43 decibels

  • More expensive than many pulse-flow-only models

Why We Chose This Model

Many continuous flow units are bulky and cumbersome—even portable ones. The Philips Respironics SimplyGo is a major exception. The battery life is a little limited compared to other continuous flow models at a maximum of 3.4 hours, but the lower battery life is the trade-off for this model’s impressively low weight and enhanced portability. Although the battery doesn’t last as long as others on the market, its quick recharge time gets you back to freedom and mobility in no time.

The SimplyGo is a sleek and attractive model featuring a simple white design and smooth black interface, and it comes with a stylish carrying bag. While the display contributes to the overall look of the unit, it’s noteworthy that the screen and controls aren’t as large and user-friendly as other models.

Construction and Durability

It may not be packed with features, but the SimplyGo is built to last. Its durable construction is designed to withstand daily use and mobility, as is the rolling cart it comes with to make transportation smoother. The cart is built with oversized wheels to keep it steady and stable, while the adjustable handle gives users the ability to attach other accessories like the accessory case and optional humidifier pouch.

Warranty

Respironics is also one of the only portable oxygen concentrator brands offering warranty flexibility. The SimplyGo comes standard with a three-year warranty, but customers have the option to select a two-, three-, or five-year warranty at the time of purchase.

Philips Respironics Reviews

While Philips Respironics has limited reviews across third-party sites, the OxygenConcentratorStore.com shows they have 4.5/5.0 for the SimplyGo. A few complaints about Philips brands include the devices being louder at different modes and the battery life not lasting as long as you shift through the flow modes. Several reviews have also stated that the Philips SimplyGo and Mini are higher in price than other models.

NOTE: If you have a condition that requires higher volume continuous flow, don’t worry! While our “best continuous flow” pick only offers up to 2 liters per minute, you still have options. Our favorite higher-flow model is the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 which has a maximum oxygen output of 3 liters per minute. With higher output generally comes more noise, more weight, and more expense, and these points are why it didn’t quite make our list. Even so, the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 is the best option for portability if you have oxygen needs exceeding 2 liters per minute.

BEST FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES: Inogen One G4 System

Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators - Our Top 5 - AgingInPlace.org (15)

AgingInPlace.org Rating

See Pricing (877) 878-8622

Price: $2,912

Flow Type: Pulse flow

Weight: 2.8 pounds

Battery life: 2.5 hours

This is an ultra-portable device for those with an active lifestyle who want maximum transportability and minimal disruption from their portable oxygen concentrator.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Only 2.8 pounds with a single battery

  • Compact design

  • Basic easy-to-read display and large buttons

Cons

  • Short battery life of 2.5 hours

  • Maximum oxygen output of only 630 ml/min

Why We Chose This Model

The Inogen One G4 portable oxygen concentrator is one of the smallest and lightest models on the market today. Its small size and minimal weight make it easily portable, and its user interface is easy to use even on-the-go. Inogen has active users in mind with this model, offering a variety of carrying options (sold separately) depending on your style of activity and what you find most comfortable. Their options include a carry bag with a handle and optional shoulder strap, a hip bag similar to a traditional waist pack (yes, the unit is that small), and a backpack for more rugged adventures to keep the unit secure, safe, and completely out of the way.

Battery Life

We love this model for its size and weight, but a clear downside is the limited battery life, making it not well suited for travel or extended outings. For a bit more time away from home there is an option to purchase a double battery to extend the maximum operating time to a maximum of five hours. Combined with a battery recharge time of just over three hours, the Inogen One G4’s battery life limits its usage slightly, but we found that its minimal weight and overall portability make up for that.

Oxygen Output

Another important thing to consider is the maximum oxygen output—this unit is definitely designed for more mild conditions with low oxygen requirements, and it may not be the right choice for you if you have a condition that needs higher output during activity.In terms of activity, Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology is ideal as it adjusts oxygen delivery to your breathing rate. This means that whether you’re mid-workout or just relaxing, you will still get the proper volume of oxygen per minute according to your needs and prescription.

Inogen Connect App

We also like that Inogen One G4 is compatible with the Inogen Connect app, allowing active users to monitor battery life, settings, and usage stats through a smartphone or other device without having to access the concentrator itself. Overall, this model is the ideal portable oxygen concentrator for active individuals with relatively low oxygen needs, who are looking for an easy and inconspicuous device to use during activity.

Inogen Reviews

On Trustpilot, Inogen is highly rated as a brand with4.0/5.0 starsout of more than 2,000 reviews. Inogen has anA+ ratingon Better Business Bureau (BBB), but a low consumer rating of 1.36/5.0 stars. However, there are significantly fewer reviews, and most complaints seemed to be about about customer service.

How Much Do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Cost?

Because portable oxygen concentrators are prescription medical devices, not all retailers will make pricing information readily available. Additionally, insurance and other factors may impact the overall cost.

When looking at the cost of each model, the cost can vary with the addition or removal of certain options. For example, many models offer the option to purchase your device with a double size battery as opposed to a single battery, which typically adds a few hundred dollars to the total. Other options may include accessories or upgraded warranty or service plans.

You can also buy or rent these devices used for a fraction of the cost. Used devices are usually refurbished and in excellent working condition, but price and warranty coverage for refurbished models will vary from one retailer to the next. New unit pricing also varies by retailer, but you can expect to pay at least $2,000 for most new portable oxygen concentrators.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Once you receive a prescription from a health care professional, you need to consider oxygen output, weight, flow type, noise levels, battery life, and price while shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator. Also, keep in mind that most insurances will not pay for you to have both a portable concentrator and a stationary concentrator at home.

Oxygen Output

How much oxygen a unit puts out will likely be your primary consideration. The purity of that oxygen is an additional consideration. Your needs will vary depending on your condition and prescription. When discussing your oxygen prescription your health care provider will give you a more specific idea of what to look for.

Most units have multiple settings that allow you to adjust output depending on your needs and prescription as written, and the maximum output varies by model. It’s important to remember that, while continuous flow measurement is clearly stated as liters per minute (LPM), pulse flow settings can represent different flow rates from one model to the next. For example, a pulse flow setting of “3” on one model may not represent the same output volume as the same setting on a different model.

Weight

Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be just that: portable. However, size and weight vary depending on the type of device. Most continuous flow devices, even the portable ones, tend to be heavier, weighing in at around 20 pounds. Pulse flow devices are usually lighter, weighing between 4 and 12 pounds. Some have handy carrying straps.

If you’re in the market for a portable continuous flow unit, it’s worth noting that many feature rolling carts designed for easy transport, like the Philips Respironics SimplyGo. The weight of your portable oxygen concentrator will affect how mobile you can be while carrying it, and a machine that’s too heavy can even cause unnecessary exertion and increase breathing rate and demand for oxygen.

Quick tip: If you plan on traveling with your portable concentrator, make sure that it’s FAA-approved.

Noise Levels

A benefit of portable oxygen concentrators is that they are quieter than their full-size counterparts. Most of them register under 50 decibels, which is quieter than a normal conversation, and a few are even quieter. If you plan to use your portable concentrator to sleep, opt for the quietest unit that still fits your oxygen needs.

Battery Life

Portable oxygen compressors feature rechargeable batteries that allow you to use the units when you’re away from a power source. To choose a model with sufficient battery life, you’ll need to make an honest assessment of your needs and lifestyle.

Models with the longest battery life are great options for people who want to travel, leave home for much of the day, or rely on their portable concentrator as their primary oxygen source at home.

On the other hand, models with shorter battery life are often smaller and lighter as we see with the Inogen One G4 System. These units are a great choice for people who need a compact device for short periods of time and who may frequently return home or elsewhere where charging is easy and accessible.

Units capable of meeting high oxygen needs tend to have less battery life than those with lower oxygen output. Battery life varies depending on use and selected settings, and maximum battery life values reflect use at the lowest settings.

Who Needs a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

The need for supplemental oxygen will be determined by your physician, and there are a number of conditions that are likely to cause low blood oxygen levels. You may already be using oxygen or have recently gotten a new prescription. Conditions that often require oxygen therapy may include:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Severe asthma
  • Sleep apnea
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Heart failure
  • COVID-19

Remember that oxygen concentrators, portable units included, are prescription-only devices. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using this medical device unless your doctor has determined that you need it and has given you a prescription. Using oxygen devices without a prescription can be dangerous—incorrect or excessive use of inhaled oxygen can cause symptoms like nausea, irritability, disorientation, coughing, lung irritation, and potentially cessation of breathing.

Individual oxygen needs, including continuous flow versus pulse flow delivery, will be determined by your physician. Your oxygen prescription, combined with your personal preferences and lifestyle, will help you narrow down which devices are appropriate for you. When you find the right device, a portable oxygen concentrator may help you:

  • Breathe more easily. Oxygen therapy can help decrease shortness of breath and improve your ability to perform daily activities.
  • Have more energy. A portable oxygen concentrator can also reduce fatigue and make it easier to complete daily tasks by increasing your oxygen levels.
  • Maintain your usual lifestyle and activities. Many people with supplemental oxygen needs are capable of maintaining a high level of reasonable activity, and portable oxygen concentrators offer the opportunity and freedom to do so.

“Portable oxygen concentrators are most suitable for conditions that result in low blood oxygen levels. They work by supplementing naturally inhaled air to provide enough gaseous nutrition to vital cells and organs, This can be beneficial for older adults who suffer from ailments like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, with the rising incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and cardiovascular diseases like heart failure among older adults, POCs can be invaluable for individuals within this age group. The elderly body has a generally weaker, slower-responding immune system. Oxygen from a POC can help support some senior patients’ recovery from severe injuries and invasive operations.”

Nancy Mitchell, registered geriatric nurse and contributing writer for AssistedLivingCenter.com.

How to Get a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The first step towards getting a portable oxygen concentrator is talking to your doctor to make sure a portable unit will work for you. Once your doctor confirms that a portable concentrator can meet your needs, he or she will clarify or confirm your oxygen prescription. From there you can start shopping and pick the right portable oxygen concentrator for you and your lifestyle.

Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you choose to purchase your concentrator, you can either begin to research models on your own or consult a retail sales representative to narrow down your options. Once you’ve chosen the model that best suits your needs, you will be required to submit your oxygen prescription. This both confirms that you are a prescribed oxygen user and that the model you’ve chosen can accommodate your oxygen requirements. Once your prescription has been reviewed your insurance or Medicare can be consulted about possible coverage or reimbursement, and your purchase can be finalized.

Renting a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you choose to rent instead of purchasing your concentrator, the procedure will be similar and will involve submitting your prescription prior to receiving your device. Programs like Medicare may cover the rental cost of your POC, particularly if your oxygen needs are temporary due to something like illness or necessary extended travel away from your in-home unit.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator Rating Methodology

When selecting the best portable oxygen concentrators for our list, we took into consideration the following criteria:

  • Portability: We only included actual portable units that feature rechargeable batteries and are easy to carry around. Portable units are typically carried or sometimes wheeled on carts and are lightweight enough that most users can lift or move them without difficulty.
  • Oxygen availability: Everyone’s oxygen needs are different, so we compared each machine’s ability to meet oxygen needs according to pulse flow setting range and maximum continuous flow delivery.
  • Battery life: Besides weight, battery life is the next most important factor affecting portability. Longer battery life is ideal to maximize mobility and freedom from being plugged in while receiving oxygen therapy. Battery life varies by setting and maximum values represent battery life when used at the lowest setting.
  • Battery recharge time: Recharge time affects the user’s overall freedom from being “plugged in,” although not to the same extent as battery life. For those using only one battery, this factor represents how long they have to wait before they can be mobile and “portable” again.

The AgingInPlace.org team researches, analyzes, and tests health products to help older adults make better decisions as they age. For portable oxygen concentrators, we’ve reviewed 11 manufacturers and 22 individual models on the market today to offer you our top picks for the best portable oxygen concentrators in 2022.

To provide the most fair and objective reviews and comparisons, we use a mathematical formula to score each model based on the following considerations:

  • Unit weight
  • Battery life
  • Range of settings
  • Price
  • Battery recharge time
  • Warranty
  • Oxygen delivery method

Our team monitors and regularly updates information to ensure relevance and reliability throughout all of our content. Many products and services featured on AgingInPlace.org will play a crucial role in your daily life. As these products should help enhance aging at home, we work to uncover as much as possible about the products and services we review. We also consult occupational therapists, audiologists, geriatricians, respiratory therapists, professional adult caregivers, and other experts in the field to ensure we’re providing the most accurate, helpful information.

See a full explanation of our research methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 for home use because it offers both pulse and continuous flow settings and a maximum oxygen output of 3,000 milliliters per minute. It’s heavier than pulse flow-only units, but you can easily wheel it around the home thanks to its rolling cart design.

The first step is to talk to a health care professional to determine whether you would benefit from supplemental oxygen. Not everyone needs additional oxygen, but if you do, you’ll need a prescription to get your hands on this type of medical device. Your physician also has to qualify you for oxygen if you want insurance to help cover the cost. Secondly, you need to consider the amount of liter flow that your physician has prescribed. The depth and rate of your breathing are all considerations. Next, you should consider weight, size, battery life, and output. You can also ask your doctor or medical device sales representative for advice.

Next, you should consider weight, size, battery life, and output. You can also ask your doctor or medical device sales representative for advice.

Our high-output portable pick is the InovaLabs ActivOx Pro, which has a maximum output of 4,000 milliliters per minute—comparable to devices twice its size.

If you’re looking for an ultra lightweight model, the Inogen One G4 system is currently the lightest available model at 2.8 pounds with a single battery.

Only a doctor can tell you if you’d benefit from supplemental oxygen. Why choose an oxygen concentrator instead of other oxygen delivery systems? The advantage of concentrators is that there’s no need to buy liquid oxygen canisters and refill the units since they use the air in a room to deliver pure oxygen.

Some people with COVID-19 may benefit from supplemental oxygen, which can be delivered using an oxygen concentrator. However, you shouldn’t use an oxygen concentrator unless prescribed by a doctor.

This will depend on how often you use it, but between four to seven years on average.

You should only use an oxygen concentrator if you have a prescription from a doctor.

An oxygen generator is a large system designed for industrial use, while an oxygen concentrator is intended for personal use.

Pricing is accurate as of June 13, 2022.

  • Was this Article Helpful ?
  • YesNo

WRITTEN BY

AYLA GIROUARD Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Writer

With over six years of clinical experience in long term care and rehabilitation, Ayla is passionate about helping people age safely and with dignity. She is an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), licensed with the State Board of Nursing in Massachusetts, and holds a B.A. in Psychology. Through her education and work she has focused on combining practical health knowledge with the individual needs and desires of older adults to bring the absolute best care and content to patients and readers.

View Author

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY

ELIZABETH U. LYDA, BS, RRT RRT

Elizabeth has been a respiratory therapist since 1983 and remains licensed in the state of New York. Her experience in respiratory care includes routine and critical care in the hospital setting outpatient and at home equipment modalities and management and use of home ventilators, CPAP, BiPAP, apnea monitor, nebulizer, and other respiratory-related equipment.

View Reviewer

REBECCA TUCKER, LRT, RRT LRT, RRT

Rebecca Tucker, LRT, RRT is a registered respiratory therapist and COPD educator with over 40 years of practice in acute, sub acute, and chronic disease management. She has successfully initiated and managed CPAP, BiPAP, oxygen, and noninvasive ventilation programs for numerous entities throughout her career.

View Reviewer

Do you want to cite this page? Use our ready-made cite template.

Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators - Our Top 5 - AgingInPlace.org (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Arline Emard IV

Last Updated:

Views: 5954

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (52 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arline Emard IV

Birthday: 1996-07-10

Address: 8912 Hintz Shore, West Louie, AZ 69363-0747

Phone: +13454700762376

Job: Administration Technician

Hobby: Paintball, Horseback riding, Cycling, Running, Macrame, Playing musical instruments, Soapmaking

Introduction: My name is Arline Emard IV, I am a cheerful, gorgeous, colorful, joyous, excited, super, inquisitive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.