If you have a medical condition like COPD, emphysema, or heart failure, maintaining healthy oxygen levels is essential, and that could require using an oxygen concentrator. Thankfully, today’s devices are a far cry from the bulky oxygen tanks of the past. Modern home and portable oxygen concentrators are sleeker, more powerful, and don’t require constant refills.
But with so many models, features, and brands available, finding the right oxygen concentrator can be overwhelming. Whether you need a device for home use or something portable, this guide will walk you through what to look for to ensure you choose the one that best meets your needs.
Here’s exactly what to look for when shopping for an oxygen concentrator, along with tips on how to choose the device that’s right for you.
Home vs. portable oxygen concentrators
When choosing an oxygen concentrator, the first decision you will have to make is whether to purchase a home or a portable machine. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, mobility, and oxygen needs.
Home oxygen concentrators
Home oxygen concentrators (HOCs) are powerful stationary devices that plug into electrical outlets and typically deliver a continuous flow of oxygen. They’re ideal for those with higher oxygen requirements or who spend most of their time at home. These units can be large and heavy, but most include wheels and handles to help you move them from room to room.
Here are some key considerations when choosing a home oxygen concentrator:
- Outlet pressure: Outlet pressure is most often measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Oxygen concentrators with a higher psi, such as the CAIRE NewLife Intensity, can support longer tubing, which can be handy if you want to move from room to room in your home without pulling the unit behind you. Some units with a higher psi can also support multiple users.
- Maneuverability: Some devices, like the OxyGo OxyHome, feature four wheels that keep the oxygen concentrator upright. Others, like the CAIRE Eclipse 5, can be tilted and pulled behind you like a rolling suitcase. This style is ideal for those who want to be able to walk around the house with their oxygen concentrator.
- Humidifier compatibility: Many home units support humidifier bottles, but not all include them. Check for a humidifier bottle attachment point, and verify which accessories are included or need to be purchased separately.
Portable oxygen concentrators
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are designed to go with you wherever you go. They are lightweight and battery-powered, allowing you to get the oxygen you need both at home and while out and about. POCs are typically less powerful than HOCs, with most offering pulse doses of oxygen rather than a continuous flow, making them better suited for those with low or moderate oxygen needs.
Here are some key features and functions to consider if you’re shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator:
- Battery life: Look for models with a battery life that will suit your routine, activities, and oxygen needs, keeping in mind that battery life is shorter at higher oxygen settings. Devices like the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort offer extended batteries that last up to 16 hours.
- Carrying options: Most units come with a basic shoulder bag, but depending on your activity level and style preferences, you may be able to upgrade to backpacks, hip bags, or tote-style carriers from the manufacturer or a third-party seller like O2Totes.
- FAA approval: If you plan to fly, make sure the unit is FAA-approved for air travel. Most top-rated POCs are, but always double-check.
Oxygen needs
Choosing the right oxygen concentrator also requires knowing your oxygen needs and whether the device you choose can suit your prescription. Using a device that delivers too little or too much oxygen can be dangerous, and using oxygen when you don’t need it can be bad for your health. Breathing concentrated oxygen can result in long-term lung damage if you don’t require supplemental oxygen or you have your oxygen concentrator set on a higher setting than you need. Be sure to follow your doctor’s guidance carefully.
Here are some factors to consider regarding oxygen delivery:
- Flow rate: The flow rate refers to how much oxygen in liters per minute (LPM) the device delivers. Portable oxygen concentrators typically deliver 0.5 to 3 LPM, depending on the model. Home oxygen concentrators typically range between 0.5 and 3 LPM, but many go up to 5 LPM, with some high-capacity models, like the CAIRE New Life Intensity, reaching up to 10 LPM.
- Oxygen delivery mode: Most portable oxygen concentrators feature a pulse-dose delivery system, in which oxygen is delivered in a burst, or bolus, each time you inhale. The amount of oxygen delivered in each bolus can vary depending on your setting and breathing rate. Continuous-flow oxygen delivery is common in home oxygen concentrators. Oxygen flows through the cannula at all times, even when you exhale. This is ideal for users with higher oxygen needs, but it can be uncomfortable for some users due to the constant air flow. Some models, like the Oxlife Independence from O2 Concepts, offer both continuous-flow and pulse-dose settings.
- Oxygen purity: Most concentrators deliver oxygen at around 90% purity, but this can vary with flow rate. For example, the HACENOR HOC-02 maintains 93% at a flow rate of 1 LPM but drops to 30% at 9 LPM. It could be a good choice for those with low oxygen needs, but it’s not an ideal choice for those with higher needs.
- Future oxygen needs: You should also consider how long you’ll use the device as well as future oxygen needs. For example, if you’re recovering from an illness and will use the device only temporarily, a less-powerful model with a one-year warranty might suffice. On the other hand, if you have a progressive illness and anticipate needing more oxygen in the future, you may want a device with higher continuous-flow settings and a longer or lifetime warranty.
Budget
Oxygen concentrator prices can vary widely, so it’s important to know how much you can spend. Focus on finding a device that meets your prescribed oxygen needs without paying extra for features you don’t require.
If you’re on a fixed income, explore financing options. Many retailers offer monthly payment plans to make the cost more manageable.
You can also save some money by purchasing a used machine. Look for units that are certified refurbished. Renting is an affordable solution if you need the machine only temporarily or want to try a machine before buying it.
Specifications
When comparing oxygen concentrators, you may want to consider specs like size, weight, appearance, and more. Here are some items to keep in mind.
Size and weight
Oxygen concentrators come in a wide variety of sizes and weights that suit different needs and lifestyles.
- Ultra-light portable models are perfect for active lifestyles like hiking or biking. Consider the Inogen One G4, which weighs just 2.7 lbs and can fit in your hand.
- Larger portable units, such as the O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence (which weighs 16.7 pounds), have wheels and handles for easier transport and support those with higher oxygen needs.
- Transportable home units like the CAIRE Eclipse 5 (18.4 pounds) offer continuous flow and mobility, ideal for those with higher oxygen needs but who enjoy walks.
- Compact home oxygen concentrators like the Inogen At Home (7″ × 13″ × 16.5″) are easier to lift or fit in tight spaces compared to bulkier models.
- If you need a larger stationary unit, size may not matter, but you may want to consider a device with wheels, like the OxyGo OxyHome, so you can easily move it from room to room. You might also think about choosing the CAIRE NewLife Intensity, which supports up to 200 feet of cannula tubing, allowing you to move around your home without pulling the machine with you.
Appearance
You may also want to consider the appearance of your device and/or carrying bag. Some oxygen concentrators look like medical equipment, which can be off-putting. Others, like the OxyGo OxyHome, feature a sleek look designed to blend in a little better into its surroundings. Stylish carrying bags, like the one included with the Philips SimplyGo Mini, offer a more discreet option for portable units.
Sound level
Most modern concentrators operate quietly, but noise levels vary. Most machines range between 40 and 50 dBA, which is about the same as a quiet library or moderate rainfall, with higher sound levels for higher settings. Quieter models, like the Belluscura X-PLOR (39 dBA on setting 2), are ideal for night use or quiet environments. More powerful units, like the CAIRE New Life Intensity, are louder (55 dBA) but can deliver up to 10 LPM.
Power draw
For home oxygen concentrators, machines that require more power can cost more to operate, which can come as an unpleasant surprise. In general, the higher the flow rate, the higher the power consumption, but there are some energy-efficient units. For example, the Inogen At Home can deliver up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute on a continuous-flow setting, but it uses only 100 watts of power on setting 2, which is the same as a standard 100-watt light bulb.
Ease of use
When choosing an oxygen concentrator, ease of use is a key factor, especially if you’ll be operating it independently. From controls to maintenance, the design should suit your abilities and preferences.
Display and controls
Oxygen concentrators can vary widely when it comes to display screens and controls. It’s important to choose a machine with an interface that will be easy for you to use. Some feature LCD screens with buttons, while others use indicator lights or manual knobs to adjust flow via a ball in a flow meter. This is an intuitive way to adjust the flow rate but can be challenging for those with limited fine motor skills. Be sure to choose a machine with a display and controls that work for you.
Alarms and alerts
Alarm systems differ across models. Some use a combination of light and sounds that require referencing the manual, while others display clear messages on an LCD or touchscreen, like the Philips SimplyGo Mini. If nighttime use is a concern, consider a model with minimal or no audible alarms, such as the HACENOR HOC-02.
Maintenance requirements
All oxygen concentrators require some upkeep, but the amount varies. You’ll want to choose a machine with maintenance requirements that you can handle. For example, sieve beds, which filter nitrogen from the air, require periodic replacement. The sieve beds of portable O2 concentrators need to be replaced more often than those of home oxygen concentrators due to their smaller size and exposure to more varied environments. In addition, some models, like the Inogen One G4, have sieve beds that users can easily replace, while others, like the O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence, require a certified maintenance technician.
App connectivity
Some oxygen concentrators offer added convenience by connecting to mobile apps for manuals, service requests, and usage tracking. While common in portable units, it’s less typical in home models. Exceptions include the CAIRE Eclipse 5, which supports app integration.
Manufacturer and vendor support
The level of support you receive from the manufacturer or seller can make a big difference in your overall experience with an oxygen concentrator. Reliable warranties, responsive customer service, and accessible resources can help you troubleshoot issues and keep your machine running smoothly. Consider the following factors when choosing an oxygen concentrator.
Warranties
You should always review the warranty before purchasing. Three-year warranties are relatively common, but you can also find machines with one-year warranties, like the HACENOR HOC-02, and five-year warranties, like the O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence. In some cases, you can upgrade to an extended or a lifetime warranty for an additional fee. Some parts, like sieve beds or batteries, may come with separate warranties.
Customer service and online resources
Customer support can be an important factor, especially when setting up your machine or troubleshooting issues. Look for companies that offer direct access to knowledgeable representatives and robust online resources. You should also look for detailed guides on setup, cartridge replacement, app use, and more.
Find the right oxygen concentrator for you
Choosing an oxygen concentrator can seem daunting, but with all the options and features available today, you can find one that suits your needs, preferences, and budget. Understanding the factors above will help you make a confident, informed decision. Ultimately, the best oxygen concentrator is the one that supports your independence, comfort, and peace of mind. Take your time to consider what you need, and narrow down your choices so you get the right device for you.
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