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AirSep Oxygen Concentrators Review
Oct 08, 2024
Fact Checked
Our Reviews Team researched AirSep and its line of portable and stationary oxygen concentrators.
AirSep has a full range of oxygen concentrators, both home and portable models. The designs are easy to use, ranging in size from the incredibly small and portable AirSep Focus to the high-volume stationary AirSep NewLife Intensity 10.
AirSep Corporation is a division of CAIRE, and the company has more than 50 years of experience developing oxygen technology, like the first stationary oxygen concentrator in 1987. AirSep also produced the first portable oxygen concentrator to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, allowing oxygen users to travel by air while receiving the oxygen they need. [1]Caire. Pioneers Of O2 Delivery. Found on the internet at https://www.caireinc.com/providers/one-caire/pioneers-of-o2-delivery/
Our Reviews Team has researched the most popular AirSep oxygen concentrators to help you understand your options and details of the buying process.
Why you can trust our Reviews Team’s 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 and one respiratory therapist
Mystery shopped four brands and five models of portable oxygen concentrators
Reviewed academic research into the efficacy of portable oxygen concentrators
Dimensions: 6.4 inches high x 4.8 inches wide x 2.5 inches deep
Battery life: 1.5 hours per micro battery
Battery charge time: Four hours
Flow type: Pulse
Flow settings: One
Maximum output: 330 milliliters per minute
Noise level: 41 decibels
Warranty: Three years on unit; one year on battery and accessories
Additional information
The AirSep Focus is a convenient, lightweight, and compact portable oxygen concentrator. It weighs less than 2 pounds and is currently the lightest and smallest oxygen concentrator available. Powered by micro batteries, each oxygen concentrator has about 1.5 hours of battery life, and the devices come with two rechargeable batteries. The included carrying bag has space to carry both batteries, offering users up to three hours of battery life, which is comparable to many larger portable concentrators.
The AirSep Focus is great for short trips and outdoor activities as well as air travel since gaining FAA approval for in-flight use. Its small size and lightweight design make it easy to carry on flights, and the quiet operation at 41 decibels, roughly as loud as a refrigerator hum, makes for a discreet experience for you and those around you. [2]
The one downside to the AirSep Focus is its limited oxygen delivery. It has a single setting that provides 330 milliliters of oxygen per minute. If you need higher-flow oxygen, or if you need to be able to adjust the amount of oxygen you’re getting, the Focus is not ideal. AirSep recommends having a backup oxygen device available in case of equipment or power failure.
Dimensions: 8.6 inches high x 6.1 inches wide x 3.6 inches deep
Battery life: 3.5 hours
Battery charge time: Five hours
Flow type: Pulse flow
Flow settings: One to three
Maximum output: 500 milliliters per minute
Noise level: 41 decibels
Warranty: Three years on unit; one year on batteries and accessories
Additional information
Weighing less than 5 pounds, this lightweight device is perfect for people on the go who need a slightly higher oxygen output than the AirSep Focus provides. It features a high-quality matte finish, which is resistant to scratches and dings, so it’s great for outdoor use.
The FreeStyle 3 is designed to handle various conditions, operating smoothly in temperatures up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s FAA-approved, so you can use it during airline flights. You can recharge it at home or in a vehicle with the included AC or DC adapter.
Its UltraSense technology automatically adjusts the oxygen bolus to match your breathing rate, ensuring you meet your oxygen requirements whether you’re active or at rest. This technology also provides oxygen at the beginning of your breath when your body uses it most efficiently. The AirSep FreeStyle 3 has a simple one-button push-start, eliminating the need for confusing menus or programming.
Portable pulse-flow concentrators are not recommended for use while sleeping.
Dimensions: 10.7 inches high x 6.6 inches wide x 4.4 inches deep
Battery life: 2.5 hours
Battery charge time: Five hours
Flow type: Pulse flow
Flow settings: One to five
Maximum output: 1 liter per minute
Noise level: 48 decibels
Warranty: Three years on unit; one year on batteries and accessories
Additional information
The AirSep Freestyle 5 is very similar to the AirSep Freestyle 3. It has the same simple one-touch operation, appearance, and durability, with increased oxygen delivery capability. The Freestyle 5 can offer double the oxygen that the Freestyle 3 does, but with the increased oxygen production comes a bit more weight, shorter battery life, and slightly louder operation. At 48 decibels, this model is about as loud as a running refrigerator.
The FreeStyle 5 delivers powerful and versatile oxygen delivery, offering five settings with a maximum output of 1 liter of oxygen per minute. The AirSep UltraSense technology automatically adjusts the oxygen bolus size according to your breath rate and activity level, so you know you’re getting the right amount of oxygen even while active.
The Freestyle 5 is an option to consider if you want to enjoy the benefits of portability while still having access to up to 1 liter of oxygen per minute. Remember that portable pulse-flow concentrators are not recommended for use while sleeping.
Dimensions: 20 inches high x 14 inches wide x 11.5 inches deep
Battery life: AC power
Battery charge time: N/A
Flow type: Continuous
Flow settings: One to five
Maximum output: 5 liters per minute
Noise level: 40 decibels
Warranty: Three years
Additional information
The AirSep VisionAire 5 is an easy-to-use stationary oxygen concentrator ideal for oxygen therapy in a variety of stationary settings. Its features include a versatile humidifier bottle attachment, low energy usage at just 300 watts, and a simple flow-meter dial for setting adjustments.
The major benefit of the VisionAire 5 is its maximum oxygen delivery. The VisionAire 5 is capable of providing up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute. Additionally, you can use it with up to 50 feet of tubing, which allows you to move about your home without having to take the device with you.
Dimensions: 27.5 inches high x 16.5 inches wide x 14.5 inches deep
Battery life: AC power
Battery charge time: N/A
Flow type: Continuous
Flow settings: Two to 10
Maximum output: 10 liters per minute
Noise level: 55 decibels
Warranty: Three years
Additional information
The AirSep NewLife Intensity 10 is the most powerful AirSep home oxygen concentrator, designed to meet high-flow and high-pressure oxygen requirements. This makes it suitable for people with complex oxygen needs, who require both high oxygen flow and pressure while benefiting from the comfort of using it at home.
The NewLife Intensity 10 features audible alarms to alert you of high and low pressure, low oxygen levels, and power failure. Even though it’s powerful, the NewLife Intensity 10 is relatively compact and manageable compared to similar units. It can easily fit next to your bed or living room chair without taking up much space. The dimensions even allow you to roll it under an average-height table for safe, discreet storage and easy access in your home (although never in an enclosed space as it requires proper air circulation to function properly).
How to pay for AirSep oxygen concentrators
Most retailers will accept cash, credit cards, or insurance for purchasing oxygen concentrators, but you have other options as well that may help you save money, such as:
Retailer financing: Retailers like Oxygen Concentrator Store may offer financing through a third-party bank or lending institution like Affirm. Through Affirm, you can pay for your oxygen concentrator in monthly installments of six, 12, or 24 months. Affirm allows you to check your eligibility before buying without affecting your credit score. Interest applies to most purchases made with Affirm and can range from 0% to 36%.
Health savings account (HSA): An HSA allows you to set aside pre-tax money to use for qualifying health-related expenses. [3]HealthCare.gov. Health Savings Account. Found on the internet at https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/ Oxygen equipment and related supplies are included in the full list of eligible expenses. [4]Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses for Use in Preparing 2022 Returns. Found on the internet at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf
Flexible spending account (FSA): An FSA is an account your employer handles, allowing you to set aside pretax funds for various qualifying expenses. You can use these accounts to reimburse various medical expenses like oxygen concentrators and supplies. Remember, FSAs have an annual limit of $3,050 per employer, which may not fully cover some oxygen concentrator models. [5]HealthCare.gov. People with Coverage through a Job. Found on the internet at https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/
CareCredit:CareCredit is a credit card issued specifically for health care expenses, and oxygen concentrators are qualifying purchases. Eligibility is subject to credit approval, and you can only use CareCredit at participating retailers. If you plan to use this option, confirm that you are shopping with an authorized CareCredit medical equipment supplier.
Rental options: Many medical equipment suppliers offer certain oxygen concentrator models for rental instead of purchase. Rentals are typically priced monthly or weekly. The selection of models available to rent may be more limited than the selection available to purchase. Even so, rental can be a less expensive option, especially if your needs are short-term. Examples of short-term needs are situations like traveling or recovering from a procedure or illness.
Does Medicare cover AirSep oxygen concentrators?
Medicare covers both portable and stationary oxygen concentrators under Medicare Part B. Both devices are considered durable medical equipment. Once your doctor determines that your condition requires oxygen therapy, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of the rental of an oxygen concentrator from a Medicare-approved supplier for 36 months. [6]Medicare. Oxygen Equipment Coverage. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories
After 36 months, your oxygen supplier will continue to provide oxygen equipment and supplies for another 24 months, up to five years. If you still require oxygen therapy after five years, Medicare will begin a new 36-month rental period.
Does insurance cover AirSep oxygen concentrators?
Insurance coverage will vary. Most insurance policies will cover a portion of the cost of continuous flow oxygen concentrators as durable medical equipment with a prescription. [6]Medicare. Oxygen Equipment Coverage. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories If you are unsure of your insurance coverage, we recommend reaching out to your insurance provider.
AirSep warranty and returns
If you purchase your oxygen concentrator new, retailers like Oxygen Concentrator Store honor the original manufacturer’s warranty. For AirSep oxygen concentrators, the manufacturer’s warranty offers three years of coverage on the concentrator unit and one year of coverage for batteries and accessories that come with portable models.
If you purchase an oxygen concentrator model secondhand or refurbished, typically, the manufacturer’s original warranty will no longer apply. In those cases, the retailer you purchase from may offer some coverage. Always ask for details about warranty coverage before purchasing an oxygen concentrator.
After purchasing your oxygen concentrator, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, Oxygen Concentrator Store offers returns or exchanges on eligible units up to 14 days after they’re delivered to you. The customer satisfaction and return policy states that:
You can get a 100% refund up to seven days after receiving your concentrator, excluding shipping.
You are eligible for a full refund from eight to 14 days after receiving your concentrator, except for shipping and a 25% restocking fee.
You must have used your concentrator for less than 10 hours total.
Your concentrator must not have been used around smoke.
No returns or exchanges will be accepted after 14 days from receiving your oxygen concentrator. If you experience any issues with your equipment after this time, contact customer service to find out if the problem may qualify for warranty coverage.
AirSep customer service
You can purchase AirSep oxygen concentrators in many ways, but to ensure reliable customer service, we recommend purchasing from a trusted retailer like the Oxygen Concentrator Store.
Customer service is easily accessible by phone, email address, and live chat, and representatives have been willing to answer any questions our Reviews Team has regarding product facts and features. Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service is available by:
Phone (844-885-9530), available 365 days a year with the following hours:
As of this writing, AirSep Corporation has an A+ rating from the BBB. The site does not have customer reviews or complaints, and AirSep isn’t on Trustpilot.
On retail websites like Oxygen Concentrator Store, AirSep oxygen concentrators have excellent customer reviews. For example, the AirSep focus has a 4.8- out of 5-star rating, with customers mentioning how lightweight, easy-to-use, and portable it is. The Newlife Intensity 10 has nine customer reviews with a perfect 5-star average rating, with customers raving about its quiet operation, easy movement around the home, and excellent customer service.
How we research and evaluate oxygen concentrators
Our Reviews Team consulted with three geriatric care experts and a respiratory therapist to learn more about portable oxygen concentrators 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 portable oxygen concentrator unit:
Cost
Ease of use
Oxygen delivery method
Number of flow settings
Weight
Battery life
Time to recharge battery
Warranty
Availability (all devices available online or in brick-and-mortar stores)
For home oxygen concentrators, we also considered each unit’s maximum oxygen output, power consumption, and oxygen purity. An expert in the field medically reviewed all of our selections to ensure that each brand and model was appropriate for our readers’ needs.
Bottom line
AirSep offers a variety of oxygen concentrator machines. The company has both portable oxygen concentrators and home oxygen concentrators—ranging from small and portable to stationary—and is able to provide up to 10 liters of oxygen per minute. It has positive reviews from customers who praise their AirSep devices for being lightweight and quiet.
Frequently asked questions
AirSep oxygen concentrators range in weight from the small and portable Focus at 1.75 pounds to the advanced high-flow NewLife Intensity at 58 pounds.
Oxygen concentrators can last from four to seven years on average, depending on how they’re used and cared for.
The AirSep Focus portable oxygen concentrator costs $2,695.
Caire. Pioneers of O2 Delivery. Found on the internet at https://www.caireinc.com/providers/one-caire/pioneers-of-o2-delivery/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What Noises Cause Hearing Loss? Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss/causes/index.html
HealthCare.gov. Health Savings Account. Found on the internet at https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/
IRS.gov. Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses for Use in Preparing 2022 Returns. Found on the internet at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf
HealthCare.gov. People With Coverage Through a Job. Found on the internet at https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/
Medicare.gov. Oxygen Equipment Coverage. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories