Drive DeVilbiss Oxygen Concentrator Review

Oct 12, 2023
Fact Checked
An in-depth review of the portable and home oxygen concentrator models offered by Drive DeVilbiss.
Written By: Ayla Girouard, LPN
Medical Reviewer: Elizabeth U. Lyda, RRT
Reviewed by: Donya Currie, MA, Senior Editor, NCOA
Drive Devilbiss
  • Portable and home concentrators
  • Options for up to 10 liters per minute
  • $995–$2,500 for most popular models

Drive DeVilbiss: Key Takeaways

Drive DeVilbiss offers a range of both portable oxygen concentrators and home oxygen concentrators with pulse flow and continuous flow options with up to 10 liters per minute. Originally an inventor of aerosol oxygen delivery systems, Allen DeVilbiss, MD, founded the company in 1890. Over the years, DeVilbiss became an international manufacturer of durable medical equipment that includes oxygen concentrators and supplies. [1]Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare. Our Story. Found on the internet at https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/about-us Drive Medical acquired DeVilbiss in 2015, combining to form Drive DeVilbiss Medical as it is today. [2]Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare. Drive Medical Acquires DeVilbiss Healthcare, Creating a Worldwide Leader in Respiratory, Sleep and Durable Medical Products. Found on the internet at http://media.drivemedical.com/press-release-devilbiss.html

Our Reviews Team researched all of the oxygen concentrator models from Drive DeVilbiss to help you understand the differences, functions, and features.

Table 1, Comparison of Drive DeVilbiss oxygen concentrators, as of August 2023

ModeliGO2 portable concentratorCompact 525 5-liter concentratorCompact 1025 10-liter concentrator
Price$2,500 $995 $1,000
Flow typePulseContinuousContinuous
Maximum output (milliliters per minute)1,0145,00010,000
Weight (pounds)53642
Dimensions in inches (L x W x H)8.3 x 3.5 x 8.413.5 x 12 x 24.513.5 x 12 x 24.5
Noise level (decibels)*374869
Battery life3.5 hoursAC powerAC power

*30 decibels is about the loudness of a whisper, 50 decibels is about the loudness of a moderate rainfall, and 70 decibels is about the loudness of a vacuum cleaner.

drive devilbiss iGo2

The iGO2 is the most compact and portable oxygen concentrator from Drive DeVilbiss. This portable oxygen concentrator is designed for portable use only and is not to be used while sleeping. It’s an auto-adjusting portable concentrator that uses SmartDose conserver technology that allows the iGO2 to automatically adjust to your breathing rate. This technology helps ensure that you get the right amount of oxygen during activity. When your breathing rate increases, it will deliver your oxygen dose more rapidly to keep your oxygen level stable.

This portable concentrator is also made with a rubberized casing to make it durable and resistant to bumps, scratches, or other damage. It features a longer nipple adapter, where your tubing connects to the machine, to allow for more movement without your cannula tubing kinking and blocking oxygen flow.

The large LCD control panel is angled to make it clearly visible from most positions without having to bend down or adjust the concentrator’s location. The control panel displays alerts along with an audible alert tone and detected warnings for:

A standout feature of any portable concentrator is its battery life. Lasting three and a half hours, the DriveDeVilbiss iGO2 makes it easier to enjoy mobility and activity rather than worry about battery life. Drive DeVilbiss has maximized the portability of the iGO2 with the following features:

Drive DeVilbiss Compact 525 5-Liter

devilbiss 525

The Compact 525 5-liter concentrator from Drive DeVilbiss is a stationary home concentrator model for users with mild to moderate continuous flow oxygen needs. Designed for safe, extended pulse use at home, the model includes an oxygen sensing device (OSD) to monitor outgoing oxygen levels continuously. This model also features “turn-down” technology, which reduces stress on internal components and reduces power consumption. Turn-down technology and the OSD work together by closely monitoring oxygen output and allowing the machine to operate on lower power when set below 2.5 liters per minute.

We appreciated the commitment to safety with this model, especially with the slanted, unique Drive DeVilbiss display for visibility from many angles. The display shows safety alerts for:

All the alerts have audible alarms when triggered. The Compact 525 also has a lockable flow meter, meaning you can lock the flow-setting dial to keep settings unchanged in the event of an accidental bump. A recessed humidifier bottle compartment protects users who need humidification, protecting the bottle and reducing its risk of getting knocked off or dislodged.

Drive DeVilbiss Compact 1025 10-Liter

devilbiss 10L

The Drive DeVilbiss Compact 1025 10-liter oxygen concentrator is the brand’s highest-flow concentrator. This model is designed for patients with higher oxygen requirements and provides oxygen flow between 2 and 10 liters per minute. The DeVilbiss Compact 1025 is not appropriate for users who typically use less than 2 liters per minute (2 LPM) of oxygen.

Like the Compact 525, this concentrator is equipped with the DeVilbiss OSD to monitor the machine’s oxygen output constantly. The OSD enhances patient safety during extended oxygen therapy sessions by making sure the machine’s oxygen output is accurate and controlled. This unit has audible and visual alarms for the following events:

Because of the high flow and pressure capability of the Compact 1025, you can use it with high-pressure masks and nebulizers. It’s also compatible with the Drive DeVilbiss transfill system, with an auxiliary port allowing users to fill portable oxygen tanks from the concentrator as needed from home. To use the transfill system to fill portable tanks from the DeVilbiss Compact 1025, you need a separate Transfill caddy, which is sold separately.

Drive DeVilbiss Compact 1025 10-liter vs. other 10-liter concentrators

For oxygen users needing high-flow concentrators, 10-liter units can be particularly large and imposing. Compared to other 10-liter concentrators on the market, the Compact 1025 is appealing due to its smaller size and weight. This machine isn’t portable, but you can move it short distances in the home, as long as it’s away from heat sources and not in a confined space like a closet. For example, you can move it out of the way while you clean. It’s louder than similar devices, but is smaller and lighter.

Table 2 Drive DeVilbiss compact 10-Liter vs. others, as of August 2023

ModelDrive DeVilbiss Compact 1025Caire AirSep Intensity 10Respironics Millennium M10
Weight (pounds)425853
Dimensions in inches (L x W x H)13.5 x 12 x 24.516.5 x 14.5 x 27.519 x 13 x 27
Noise level (decibels)695550

Drive DeVilbiss oxygen concentrator payment options

There are various ways to pay for DeVilbiss oxygen concentrators. Options will depend on which retailer or supplier you purchase from:

Are Drive DeVilbiss oxygen concentrators available to rent?

In some situations, you might prefer to rent an oxygen concentrator instead of purchasing one. Many retailers offer a selection of concentrators available for rent through insurance or cash payment. If you’re interested in renting a Drive DeVilbiss concentrator, you’ll need to contact a retailer like Oxygen Concentrator Store to find out about rental availability for a model that fits your needs and prescription.

Drive DeVilbiss warranty and returns

All Drive DeVilbiss oxygen concentrator models come with a manufacturer’s warranty on the concentrator unit, as well as batteries and accessories. When our Reviews Team surveyed 600 portable oxygen concentrator users in July 2023, 41% said they used their warranty to repair or replace their device. [5]CPAP Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched July 25, 2023.

Model

iGO2

Compact 525 5-liter

Compact 1025 10-liter

Unit warrantyFive years for the unit; three years for the compressorThree yearsThree years
Battery and accessory warrantyOne yearOne year for accessories; no batteriesOne year for accessories; no batteries

Returning or exchanging Drive DeVilbiss oxygen concentrators

Return and exchange policies will vary depending on the retailer, but most retailers only offer a short window for returns or exchanges. Oxygen Concentrator Store allows returns and exchanges within 14 days from the day you receive your equipment. The company recommends you inspect your device and supplies closely for any damage or malfunctions. If you encounter problems with your oxygen concentrator after the 14-day period, contact your supplier immediately to find out if the manufacturer’s warranty covers the issue.

Drive DeVilbiss customer service

If you have questions about purchasing or you’re looking to purchase a Drive DeVilbiss oxygen concentrator, you’ll need to contact an authorized and knowledgeable retailer like Oxygen Concentrator Store. The company can also assist with maintenance and operation questions, as well as warranties or returns.

Drive DeVilbiss reviews

At the time we wrote this review, DeVilbiss Healthcare had an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website with two customer complaints. One mentioned trouble getting a refund, and DeVilbiss Healthcare responded and resolved it. The other is related to an issue with a repair under warranty after a customer found black dust in the oxygen concentrator. DeVilbiss responded to the complaint and sent the customer a replacement device, resolving the complaint on the site. But, the customer reported dissatisfaction with the replacement unit and requested that the complaint remain open.

Drive Medical, now the parent company of DeVilbiss Healthcare, had an average customer rating of 1.14 out of 5 stars on BBB from an average of seven reviews when this article was written. While reviews are negative, they are all referencing returns, warranties, and customer service for items like wheelchairs and scooters, with no reviews mentioning oxygen products.

Neither Drive Medical nor DeVilbiss have profiles or reviews on Trustpilot.

How we research and evaluate oxygen concentrators

Our Reviews Team consulted with geriatric care experts to learn more about oxygen concentrators and how they can enhance users’ quality of life. We determined the following factors to be important for our readers when shopping for an oxygen concentrator:

For home oxygen concentrators, we also considered each unit’s maximum oxygen output, power consumption, and oxygen purity. We had all of our selections medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure that each brand and model was appropriate for our readers’ needs.

Why you can trust our Reviews Team’s DeVilbiss oxygen concentrator 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:

Bottom line

Drive DeVilbiss is a well-established brand of oxygen concentrators designed to be functional, durable, and easy to use without unnecessary features that would make them clunky or heavy. Pricing for Drive DeVilbiss oxygen concentrators is similar to competitive brands and models. Some insurance companies cover units—to some extent. Talk with your doctor and oxygen equipment supplier to find out whether a Drive DeVilbiss concentrator is a good fit for your needs.

Frequently asked questions

DeVilbiss oxygen concentrators are under warranty for three years, but they can last much longer with proper care and use. How long each unit lasts will depend heavily on the frequency of use and maintenance habits.

DeVilbiss oxygen concentrators have noise levels ranging from less than 37 decibels with the iGO2 to 69 decibels with the Compact 1025 10-liter. For comparison, 30 decibels is about equal to a whisper, 40 decibels is about the sound level of a refrigerator, and 70 decibels is about the sound level of a vacuum cleaner or traffic.

The Drive DeVilbiss 5-liter oxygen concentrator uses 310 watts on average when operating at the maximum output of 5 liters per minute and 275 watts at 2.5 liters per minute.

Drive DeVilbiss is headquartered in Port Washington, New York. Manufacturing facilities are located worldwide, with many products made in the United States.

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

Sources

  1. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare. Our Story. Found on the internet at https://www.drivemedical.com/us/en/about-us
  2. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare. Drive Medical Acquires DeVilbiss Healthcare, Creating a Worldwide Leader in Respiratory, Sleep, and Durable Medical Products. Found on the internet at http://media.drivemedical.com/press-release-devilbiss.html
  3. Medicare.gov. Oxygen Equipment & Accessories. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories
  4. CareCredit. Portable Oxygen Concentrator Cost and Financing. Found on the internet at https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/portable-oxygen-concentrator-costs/
  5. CPAP Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched July 25, 2023.
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