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Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2023

We selected our top portable oxygen concentrator picks based on price, weight, battery life, flow type, noise level, and other features.
Sep 12, 2023
Written by: MS, RDN, LDN
Medical Reviewer: PCNP
Reviewed by: BSPharm, MPH, Senior Director, NCOA Center for Healthy Aging
Fact Checked

Our portable oxygen concentrator picks

Key Takeaways

  • A portable oxygen concentrator provides extra oxygen for people with certain medical conditions who want to stay active.
  • The price of portable oxygen concentrators starts at $2,500, but Medicare and private insurance cover part of the cost in some cases.
  • Using a portable oxygen concentrator can help you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle even if you need supplemental oxygen.

A quick look at the best portable oxygen concentrators

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] Fingerman KL et al. Variety is the Spice of Late Life: Social Integration and Daily Activity. The Journals of Gerontology. Jan. 18, 2019. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/75/2/377/5292329 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] Shu CC, et al. The Ability of Physical Activity in Reducing Mortality Risks and Cardiovascular Loading and in Extending Life Expectancy in Patients With COPD. Scientific Reports. Nov. 4, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-00728-2 A portable oxygen machine can help you stay active by providing safe, effective delivery of oxygen while you’re out and about.

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 dug into information on pricing, features, battery life, and more to help you find the best model for you.

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 each oxygen concentrator to give you the most accurate review. To make our selections, we:

  • Engaged in independent research
  • Consulted with geriatric care and respiratory medicine experts
  • Mystery shopped more than 15 brands and 30 models of oxygen machines
  • Surveyed 600 oxygen machine users and caregivers of oxygen machine users
  • 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 geriatric care experts to learn more about portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) and how they can enhance users’ quality of life.

Based on our expert consultations, user survey, and own 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)

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

BrandInogen One G5CAIRE Freestyle ComfortPhilips Respironics SimplyGo MiniInogen One G4O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence
Cost$2,882–$3,586$2,995 $2,595 $2,650–$3,344$2,850
Weight (pounds)*4.7–5.75–65–62.8–3.316.7
Dimensions (width x depth x height, in inches)7.2" x 3.3" x 8.2"7.3" x 3.1" x 10"8.3" x 3.6" x 9.4"5.9" x 2.7" x 7.2"10.9" x 8" x 20.2"
Flow typePulsePulsePulsePulseContinuous
Battery life (hours)†6.5–138–164.5–92.25–51.5–5.25
Battery charging time (hours)*4–83.5–64–83.3–61.5–2.5
Range of flow settings (liters per minute)1–61–51–51–30.5–3 continuous; 0.5–6 pulse
Max oxygen output (liters per minute)1.261.0510.633
Noise level (decibels)†3939434040
FAA approval (permitted on airplanes)YesYesYesYesYes
Warranty (years)33335

* Varies depending on use of single or single and extended battery

† Varies depending on flow setting

Best portable oxygen concentrators in 2023

Best for Air Travel
Why We Chose

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.”

Pros & Cons
Pros Quiet for airplane travel Long battery life (using a double battery), making it a good choice for extended outings and flights Cons Heavier than other units with double battery
Additional Details

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 Federal Aviation Administration (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.

Product availability

In late 2023 or early 2024, Inogen plans to rebrand the One G5 as the Rove 6 in order to comply with European regulations. The product won’t change, but the name will.

Payment options

You can pay for your purchase from the Oxygen Concentrator Store in the following ways: credit card, cash (in store only), CareCredit , PayPal, Affirm.

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

Read our full Inogen review.

Best Overall
Longest Battery Life
Why We Chose

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.

Pros & Cons
Pros Longer battery life than most other portable oxygen concentrators Curved design for ease of carrying Cons More complicated display compared to other models
Additional Details

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.

Keep in mind the Freestyle Comfort 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.

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: Credit card, Cash (in store only), CareCredit, PayPal, Affirm.

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.

Explore more in our full CAIRE review.

Easiest to Use
Why We Chose

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.

Pros & Cons
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 Cons Louder than some other portable oxygen concentrators
Additional Details

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: Credit card, Cash (in store only), CareCredit, PayPal, Affirm.

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.

Read more in our full Philips Respironics review.

Smallest
Why We Chose

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.

Pros & Cons
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 Cons Short battery life Lower oxygen output than many other models
Additional Details

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: Credit card, Cash (in store only), Carecredit, affirm.

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 Battery Life
Why We Chose

The O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence is a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator with versatile power options and oxygen flow settings. It has pulsed and continuous flow oxygen outputs, with a maximum output of 3 liters per minute, the highest among the portable oxygen concentrators in our list. It’s our pick for the best continuous-flow portable oxygen concentrator.

Pros & Cons
Pros Battery life of more than five hours on continuous flow setting 1 Comes with two batteries, AC adapter, and DC adapter Five-year warranty FAA-approved Cons Built-in cart and six-inch wheels could make the concentrator awkward to transport Heaviest portable oxygen concentrator on our list
Additional Details

In this O2 Concepts unit, the battery lasts 5.25 hours on setting 1. On setting 3, it lasts 1.5 hours, the highest setting for portable continuous flow oxygen. The O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence also has an AC/DC adapter that allows you to use it while charging. The DC charger is integrated into the unit, meaning you don’t have an external power cord brick. The custom two-battery configuration lets you remove one battery if you’d like for a more lightweight machine or install both batteries for longer battery power.

This unit is larger and heavier than the other portable oxygen concentrators on our list, at 20 inches in height and nearly 17 pounds in weight, but it does come with wheels and a handle for more convenient transport. For reference, its noise level of 40 decibels is about the same as the hum of a refrigerator or a quiet library. [3] International Noise Awareness Day. Common Noise Levels – How Loud is Too Loud? Found on the internet at https://noiseawareness.org/info-center/common-noise-levels/

Customer service

The O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator is available for purchase from online retailers like the Oxygen Concentrator Store and some local durable medical equipment stores. You can also buy the concentrator from the store in Denver, Colorado.

Payment options

You can pay for this continuous flow oxygen concentrator in the following ways: Cash (in store only), Credit card, CareCredit, PayPal, Affirm.

Oxygen Concentrator Store customer service

All of the brands and models in this review are available through the online retailer Oxygen Concentrator Store. You can contact its customer service department in the following ways:

  • Phone: 844-885-9530, available 365 days a year on the following schedule:
    • 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
  • Email: service@amsrco.com
  • Online chat: On the Oxygen Concentrator Store support page
  • Contact form: Submit an online ticket, and a representative will respond within one business day.

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. 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:

  1. Draws outside air into the unit
  2. Filters the air to remove any contaminants
  3. Compresses the filtered air
  4. 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. [7] American Lung Association. Getting Started with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator. Found on the internet at https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/getting-started-portable-oxygen-concentrator

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.

Traveling Safely with Portable Oxygen

Traveling with an oxygen machine requires careful preparation to ensure your health and safety. Here are condensed tips for different modes of travel:

General Tips:

  • Consult your healthcare provider before traveling to address potential complications.
  • Stay hydrated during your journey, especially on long flights.

Travel Checklist:

  • Ensure necessary certificates/documentation.
  • Contact the travel carrier to understand their policies and make arrangements.
  • Carry a copy of your oxygen prescription and contact info.
  • Bring sufficient battery power, including spares.
  • Pack necessary accessories and adapters.
  • Arrive early for flights.
  • For car travel, have a companion, charge batteries, and avoid extreme temperatures.
  • Secure oxygen equipment while driving.
  • For bus travel, check policies, charge batteries, and pack extra accessories.
  • For train travel, review policies, charge batteries, and carry extra accessories.
  • For cruise travel, arrange equipment rental, review cruise line policies, and keep documentation handy.

What is a continuous flow oxygen concentrator?

Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators offer a consistent flow of oxygen, while pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators provide oxygen every time you inhale, according to an article published in the journal Breathe. [4] Hardavella, G, et al. Oxygen Devices and Delivery Systems. Breathe. 2019. Found on the internet at https://breathe.ersjournals.com/content/15/3/e108 Continuous flow oxygen is often recommended for people who require a high oxygen flow, which is roughly 3 liters per minute or more, according to the American Thoracic Society. [5] Jacobs SS, Krishnan JA. Patients Choose Hypoxemia Over Social Isolation. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. September 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1513/AnnalsATS.202106-676ED Ask your doctor if you would benefit from a high-flow oxygen concentrator.

Most portable oxygen concentrators offer both pulse dose and continuous flow delivery. If your health care provider has recommended a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, you have options.

Table 2 Compare Continous Flow Oxygen Concentrators

O2 Concepts Oxlife IndependenceCAIRE SeQual EclipseRespironics SimplyGo
Cost$2,850 $3,200 $2,500
Weight (pounds)16.718.410
Dimensions (width x depth x height, in inches)10.9” x 8” x 20.2”7.1” x 12.3” x 19.3”10” x 6” x 11.5”
Machine typePortablePortablePortable
Battery life (hours)5.253.72.9
Battery charging time (hours)*1.5–2.51.8–52–3
Range of flow settings (liters per minute)0.5–30.5–30.5–2
Maximum oxygen output (liters per minute)332
Oxygen purity level87–93%87–95%87–96%
Noise level (decibels)404843
Warranty (years)533

* Varies depending on use of single or single and extended battery

How do continuous oxygen concentrators work?

Continuous flow oxygen concentrators deliver the same consistent amount of oxygen. This makes them different from pulse flow oxygen concentrators. Pulse flow concentrators deliver a small dose, or “pulse,” of oxygen every time you take a breath. If your breathing rate increases, a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator will respond with a higher flow rate by delivering more oxygen to meet your body’s needs. Between each inhalation, the machine doesn’t deliver oxygen. A continuous flow oxygen machine will give the same amount of oxygen no matter what—your breathing rate doesn’t affect delivery.

“Pulse flow is best described as drinking water with a straw, where the delivery is more controlled and individualized per need,” explained Danielle Jason, an oxygen specialist, in an article she authored for the Oxygen Concentrator Store. “A continuous flow machine is [more like] drinking water out of a water fountain. When you turn on a water fountain, water streams out at a somewhat steady pace.” [6] Jason D. Pulse vs. Continuous Flow. Oxygen Concentrator Store. May 23, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/pulse-vs-continuous-flow

Continuous flow oxygen delivery is the most common form of oxygen delivery. Home oxygen concentrators offer only continuous flow, while many portable oxygen concentrators may offer the option to choose between pulse or continuous flow oxygen delivery. Currently, there aren’t any POCs that deliver portable oxygen with continuous flow only; POCs are either dual flow or pulse flow only.

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. [8] Annals of the American Thoracic Society. Optimizing Home Oxygen Therapy: an Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Found on the internet at https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201809-627WS

People with a variety of conditions may benefit from supplemental oxygen. According to the American Lung Association, these conditions include: [9] American Lung Association. Oxygen Therapy. Found on the internet at https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy

  • 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). [10] National Institutes of Health. Oxygen Therapy. Found on the internet at https://medlineplus.gov/oxygentherapy.html 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 best portable oxygen concentrators currently on the market can only provide an oxygen output of up to 3 LPM. 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

The best 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: [11] Medicare.gov. Oxygen Equipment and Accessories. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories

  • 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.

Medicare providers may pay for portable oxygen concentrator rentals on a case-by-case basis 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. [12] Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Home Use of Oxygen. Found on the internet at https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx?NCDId=169

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:

  • Tubing, masks, and nasal cannulas (nose tubes)
  • Maintenance and repairs

After you meet your deductible for the year, you will only pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost of those supplies. [11] Medicare.gov. Oxygen Equipment and Accessories. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories

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, concentrator, or CPAP machine. 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 oxygen concentrators.

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

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. [11] Medicare.gov. Oxygen Equipment and Accessories. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories

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. 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.” Consider the O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence for a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator with the option for battery and plug-in power options.

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

Frequently asked questions

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

Sources

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  2. Shu CC, et al. The Ability of Physical Activity in Reducing Mortality Risks and Cardiovascular Loading and in Extending Life Expectancy in Patients With COPD. Scientific Reports. Nov. 4, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-00728-2
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  7. American Lung Association. Getting Started with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator. Found on the internet at https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/getting-started-portable-oxygen-concentrator
  8. Annals of the American Thoracic Society. Optimizing Home Oxygen Therapy: an Official American Thoracic Society Workshop Report. Found on the internet at https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201809-627WS
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  11. Medicare.gov. Oxygen Equipment and Accessories. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories
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