How We Research and Review Oxygen Machines
Oxygen machines, such as portable oxygen concentrators, deliver supplemental oxygen. These medical devices help people with respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema.1
At NCOA, we strive to provide our readers with all the information they need to make informed decisions. We thoroughly research and evaluate the oxygen machines we recommend. As of this writing, we have spent over 1,000 hours researching oxygen machines. We’ve reviewed over 15 manufacturers, mystery-shopped five online retailers, and compared details, including machine specifications, pricing, and customer experience.
Every product we recommend needs to be of high quality, safe to use, and readily available, especially when we’re recommending medical devices. We continuously update our research to reflect the latest product releases and discontinuations. We also closely monitor industry developments, including safety recalls and supply shortages that may impact oxygen machine manufacturers.
How we rate oxygen machines
In our survey of oxygen machine users and caregivers, respondents told us that the top five features they considered when buying an oxygen machine were:
- Cost
- Ease of use
- Maximum oxygen output
- Flow type
- Battery life
Our reviews of oxygen machines are based on in-depth research, medical expert insights, and feedback from user surveys. We evaluate each device using practical and performance-based criteria to ensure our recommendations meet the diverse needs of oxygen users:
- Weight and size: Since portable oxygen concentrators are designed for on-the-go use, we looked for models that are compact and lightweight enough for everyday activities, such as grocery shopping, travel, or walking. The average portable oxygen concentrators we reviewed weighed just over 6 pounds, or roughly half the weight of a gallon of paint. We also considered portability accessories, such as carry bags, backpacks, and rolling carts. Every model we recommend is approved for air travel by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- Cost: At the time of writing, the average price of the oxygen concentrators we reviewed is $2,948, with most models ranging from $2,400 to $3,300. We favored models that offered a good value and sought retailers that provide financing plans or rental options.
- Battery Performance: Because portable oxygen concentrators rely on battery power, we compared battery life and recharge times across all models. Longer-lasting batteries and quicker recharge times help reduce interruptions to oxygen therapy, providing peace of mind when you're away from home.
- Oxygen Delivery Settings: We checked the oxygen delivery options and flexibility of each model. Devices that offer both pulse and continuous-flow settings allow users to adjust their oxygen intake based on their activity level or the time of day. We also looked at each device’s maximum oxygen output, oxygen purity, and the range of available flow settings.
- Availability: All of the oxygen concentrators we recommend require a prescription and are classified as medical devices. Each model is available through reputable medical supply retailers, either online or in-store.
Other factors
We also consider factors that affect how happy you’ll be over time, such as:
- Warranty
- Maintenance needs
- What accessories come with it
- Brand reputation
- Customer support from the maker and the seller
Finally, respiratory care and geriatric medical professionals review our content to make sure it is accurate and helpful.
