Looking for an Affordable Lightweight Portable Continuous Flowoxygen Concentrator for Traveling
Compare Highly Rated Portable Oxygen Concentrators
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Compare Highly Rated Portable Oxygen Concent...
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Editor's Choice
BEST VALUE
Inogen One G5 System
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LONGEST BATTERY LIFE
CAIRE Freestyle Comfort
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BEST FOR TRAVEL
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini
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BEST CONTINUOUS FLOW UNIT
Philips Respironics SimplyGo
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BEST FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
Inogen One G4 System
700+ Hours of Research
11 Brands Considered
22 Models Considered
5 Models Selected
2 Experts Consulted
If you've been diagnosed with an oxygen-dependent condition or gotten a prescription for oxygen, it's likely that you've felt a sudden loss of freedom. Years ago, oxygen therapy meant never straying from an electrical outlet and being attached to large metal tanks or loud and immobile machines at home. Luckily, times have changed, and portable oxygen concentrators are now available to many of the roughly 1.5 million people in the United States who use supplemental oxygen. These small, battery powered medical devices allow you to get the oxygen you need while staying active and mobile.
Choosing the right portable oxygen concentrator depends on a few key factors, including your oxygen needs and specific health concerns. Other considerations include the size and weight of the unit, battery life, and whether you need a continuous flow or pulse unit.
The number of portable oxygen concentrators on the market today is well into double digits and growing every year. Our reviewers have conducted research on over 20 of the most popular models to narrow down the best of the best in portable oxygen concentrators according to our in-depth research methodology. We've thoroughly analyzed all of our top picks to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Top 5 Portable Oxygen Concentrators
- Best Value: Inogen One G5 System
- Longest Battery Life: CAIRE Freestyle Comfort
- Best for Travel: Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini
- Best Continuous Flow Unit: Philips Respironics SimplyGo
- Best for Active Lifestyles: Inogen One G4 System
Key Takeaways
- A portable oxygen concentrator can meet the needs of active individuals, travelers, and anyone who wants the freedom of mobility while using supplemental oxygen.
- The best portable oxygen concentrators combine portability with adequate and efficient oxygen output.
- Portable oxygen concentrators offer a wide range of options and features, from minimal weight to extended battery life to operation through smart device apps.
What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a compact, portable version of a regular-sized oxygen concentrator. These devices provide oxygen therapy to people with health conditions that cause low oxygen levels in the blood such as COPD, asthma, and lung cancer.
Oxygen concentrators contain compressors, filters, and tubing. A nasal cannula or oxygen mask connects to the device and delivers oxygen to the person who needs it. They're tankless, so there's no risk of running out of oxygen. However, as with any piece of technology, these machines can potentially malfunction.
Portable units typically have a rechargeable battery, which allows for use on the go, such as while traveling. Most can be charged via an AC or DC outlet and can operate on direct power while charging the battery to eliminate any potential downtime.
How Oxygen Concentrators Work
To deliver oxygen to you, the devices draw air from the room you're in and pass it through filters to purify the air. The compressor absorbs nitrogen, leaving behind concentrated oxygen. The nitrogen is then released back into the environment, and the person receives oxygen through a pulse (also called intermittent) flow or continuous flow mechanism via a face mask or nasal cannula.
Types of Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Portable oxygen concentrators deliver oxygen by either pulse flow or continuous flow. Both methods deliver oxygen to the lungs through inhalation, but each is appropriate for different conditions or situations.
Pulse flow: A pulse device delivers oxygen in bursts, or boluses, when you inhale. Pulse flow oxygen delivery requires a smaller motor, less battery power, and a smaller internal reservoir, allowing pulse flow devices to be incredibly small and efficient. Since pulse flow is generally triggered by inhalation, the user must have strong enough inhalation to trigger delivery. Also, because pulse flow units have generally low maximum oxygen outputs, they aren't suitable for people who require more than one to two liters of oxygen per minute.
Continuous flow: Most portable units offer only pulse flow delivery, but some are also capable of continuous flow oxygen delivery. Continuous flow devices churn out oxygen at a steady rate regardless of the user's breathing pattern. Because they need to pump out oxygen continuously, they tend to have larger compressors, which makes them weigh more. Continuous flow delivery is usually indicated for people with weaker respiration, higher oxygen needs, or during sleep when breathing may be unsteady or less efficient.
The Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2022
Here's a quick overview of the specs for our top portable oxygen concentrator picks.
| Inogen One G5 System | |
| DELIVERY METHOD | Pulse flow |
|---|---|
| MAXIMUM OUTPUT | 1,260 ml/min |
| BATTERY DURATION | Up to 6.5 hours |
| NOISE LEVEL | 39 decibels |
| WEIGHT | 4.7 pounds |
| FAA APPROVED? | ✅ |
| WARRANTY | 3 years |
| CAIRE Freestyle Comfort | |
| DELIVERY METHOD | Pulse flow |
|---|---|
| MAXIMUM OUTPUT | 1,050 ml/min |
| BATTERY DURATION | Up to 8 hours |
| NOISE LEVEL | 39 decibels |
| WEIGHT | 5 pounds |
| FAA APPROVED? | ✅ |
| WARRANTY | 3 years |
| Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini | |
| DELIVERY METHOD | Pulse flow |
|---|---|
| MAXIMUM OUTPUT | 1,000 ml/min |
| BATTERY DURATION | 6 hours |
| NOISE LEVEL | 43 decibles |
| WEIGHT | 5 pounds |
| FAA APPROVED? | ✅ |
| WARRANTY | 3 years |
| Philips Respironics SimplyGo | |
| DELIVERY METHOD | Continuous flow and pulse |
|---|---|
| MAXIMUM OUTPUT | 2,000 ml/min |
| BATTERY DURATION | 3.4 hours |
| NOISE LEVEL | 43 decibels at setting 2 |
| WEIGHT | 10 pounds |
| FAA APPROVED? | ✅ |
| WARRANTY | 2–5 years |
| Inogen One G4 System | |
| DELIVERY METHOD | Pulse flow |
|---|---|
| MAXIMUM OUTPUT | 630 ml/min |
| BATTERY DURATION | 2.5 hours |
| NOISE LEVEL | 40 decibels |
| WEIGHT | 2.8 pounds |
| FAA APPROVED? | ✅ |
| WARRANTY | 3 years |
NOTE: You may notice that for pulse flow units, their oxygen delivery rate and capacity is measured in milliliters per minute versus liters per minute (LPM). Most prescriptions will be written in LPM, so your physician or oxygen concentrator salesperson will need to translate your prescription to the most appropriate pulse flow setting to meet your oxygen delivery requirement.
BEST VALUE: Inogen One G5 System
Price: $3,165
Flow Type: Pulse flow
Weight: 4.7 pounds
Battery life: 6.5 hours
Overall, the Inogen One G5 System is an excellent choice for most supplemental oxygen users due to its compact size, above-average battery life, and ease of operation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Six flow settings offer more versatility
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Option to purchase lifetime warranty
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Large, simple display and buttons
Cons
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Long battery recharge time of four hours
Editor's Choice
What Is Editor's Choice?
Our team of editors and writers choose a product from each article that stands out based on our extensive research of the products we review. While it may not always be the highest-scoring product in the lineup, we've chosen the product based on its overall value to our audience.
Why We Chose This Product:
The Inogen One G5 doesn't have the longest battery life, the highest possible oxygen output, or the lightest weight on our list, but it's very competitive on all points. This model has it all, at a reasonable price, from one of the most trusted names in the oxygen industry.
Longest Battery Life: CAIRE Freestyle Comfort
Price: $3,195
Flow Type: Pulse flow
Weight: 5 pounds
Battery life: 8 hours
The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort is a lightweight, quiet, and compact model that outshines competitors with its impressive battery life.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Maximum battery life of eight hours
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Lightweight at just 5 pounds
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Quiet operation at 39 decibels
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Three-year warranty includes full three-year coverage of sieve beds
Cons
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May not accommodate users requiring higher-volume oxygen
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Battery recharge time is average at 3.25 hours
Tip: We do our best to thoroughly analyze product reviews and understand what people are saying about these products online. What we've found in our research is that, very often, reviews written about portable oxygen concentrators and other similar medical devices are incorrectly targeted. For example, POC manufacturers sell their products through multiple retailers across the country. When people have an issue or problem with the retailer they purchased from, they may post a review of the manufacturer on Trustpilot or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. This can be confusing and often misrepresents the product itself, so be sure to read reviews critically to be clear about what is really being discussed.
Best for Travel: Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini
Price: $2,995
Flow Type: Pulse flow
Weight: 5 pounds
Battery life: 6 hours
Overall, the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini is an excellent choice for travelers due to its compact size, above-average battery life, and ease of operation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Five flow settings offer more versatility
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6-hour battery life on setting 1
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Large, basic display and touchscreen operation
Cons
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Long battery recharge time of four hours
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Louder than others at 43 decibels
BEST CONTINUOUS FLOW DEVICE: Philips Respironics SimplyGo
Price: $3,295
Flow Type: Continuous and pulse flow
Weight: 10 pounds
Battery life: 3.4 hours
This portable oxygen concentrator offers both intermittent flow and continuous flow at nearly half the weight of comparable models.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Light for a continuous flow model (10 pounds)
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Battery fully recharges in only 2.5 hours
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Above-average maximum output of 2,000 ml/min
Cons
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Louder than many other models at 43 decibels
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More expensive than many pulse-flow-only models
NOTE: If you have a condition that requires higher volume continuous flow, don't worry! While our "best continuous flow" pick only offers up to 2 liters per minute, you still have options. Our favorite higher-flow model is the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 which has a maximum oxygen output of 3 liters per minute. With higher output generally comes more noise, more weight, and more expense, and these points are why it didn't quite make our list. Even so, the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 is the best option for portability if you have oxygen needs exceeding 2 liters per minute.
BEST FOR ACTIVE LIFESTYLES: Inogen One G4 System
Price: $2,912
Flow Type: Pulse flow
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Battery life: 2.5 hours
This is an ultra-portable device for those with an active lifestyle who want maximum transportability and minimal disruption from their portable oxygen concentrator.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Only 2.8 pounds with a single battery
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Basic easy-to-read display and large buttons
Cons
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Short battery life of 2.5 hours
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Maximum oxygen output of only 630 ml/min
How Much Do Portable Oxygen Concentrators Cost?
Because portable oxygen concentrators are prescription medical devices, not all retailers will make pricing information readily available. Additionally, insurance and other factors may impact the overall cost.
When looking at the cost of each model, the cost can vary with the addition or removal of certain options. For example, many models offer the option to purchase your device with a double size battery as opposed to a single battery, which typically adds a few hundred dollars to the total. Other options may include accessories or upgraded warranty or service plans.
You can also buy or rent these devices used for a fraction of the cost. Used devices are usually refurbished and in excellent working condition, but price and warranty coverage for refurbished models will vary from one retailer to the next. New unit pricing also varies by retailer, but you can expect to pay at least $2,000 for most new portable oxygen concentrators.
Things to Consider When Shopping for a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Once you receive a prescription from a health care professional, you need to consider oxygen output, weight, flow type, noise levels, battery life, and price while shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator.
Oxygen Output
How much oxygen a unit puts out will likely be your primary consideration. Your needs will vary depending on your condition and prescription. When discussing your oxygen prescription your health care provider will give you a more specific idea of what to look for.
Most units have multiple settings that allow you to adjust output depending on your needs and prescription as written, and the maximum output varies by model. It's important to remember that, while continuous flow measurement is clearly stated as liters per minute (LPM), pulse flow settings can represent different flow rates from one model to the next. For example, a pulse flow setting of "3" on one model may not represent the same output volume as the same setting on a different model.
Weight
Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be just that: portable. However, size and weight vary depending on the type of device. Most continuous flow devices, even the portable ones, tend to be heavier, weighing in at around 20 pounds. Pulse flow devices are usually lighter, weighing between 4 and 12 pounds. Some have handy carrying straps.
If you're in the market for a portable continuous flow unit, it's worth noting that many feature rolling carts designed for easy transport, like the Philips Respironics SimplyGo. The weight of your portable oxygen concentrator will affect how mobile you can be while carrying it, and a machine that's too heavy can even cause unnecessary exertion and increase breathing rate and demand for oxygen.
Quick tip: If you plan on traveling with your portable concentrator, make sure that it's FAA-approved.
Noise Levels
A benefit of portable oxygen concentrators is that they are quieter than their full-size counterparts. Most of them register under 50 decibels, which is quieter than a normal conversation, and a few are even quieter. If you plan to use your portable concentrator to sleep, opt for the quietest unit that still fits your oxygen needs.
Battery Life
Portable oxygen compressors feature rechargeable batteries that allow you to use the units when you're away from a power source. To choose a model with sufficient battery life, you'll need to make an honest assessment of your needs and lifestyle.
Models with the longest battery life are great options for people who want to travel, leave home for much of the day, or rely on their portable concentrator as their primary oxygen source at home.
On the other hand, models with shorter battery life are often smaller and lighter as we see with the Inogen One G4 System. These units are a great choice for people who need a compact device for short periods of time and who may frequently return home or elsewhere where charging is easy and accessible.
Units capable of meeting high oxygen needs tend to have less battery life than those with lower oxygen output. Battery life varies depending on use and selected settings, and maximum battery life values reflect use at the lowest settings.
Who Needs a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
The need for supplemental oxygen will be determined by your physician, and there are a number of conditions that are likely to cause low blood oxygen levels. You may already be using oxygen or have recently gotten a new prescription. Conditions that often require oxygen therapy may include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Severe asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Cystic fibrosis
- Heart failure
- COVID-19
Remember that oxygen concentrators, portable units included, are prescription-only devices. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using this medical device unless your doctor has determined that you need it and has given you a prescription. Using oxygen devices without a prescription can be dangerous—incorrect or excessive use of inhaled oxygen can cause symptoms like nausea, irritability, disorientation, coughing, and lung irritation.
Individual oxygen needs, including continuous flow versus pulse flow delivery, will be determined by your physician. Your oxygen prescription, combined with your personal preferences and lifestyle, will help you narrow down which devices are appropriate for you. When you find the right device, a portable oxygen concentrator may help you:
- Breathe more easily. Oxygen therapy can help decrease shortness of breath and improve your ability to perform daily activities.
- Have more energy. A portable oxygen concentrator can also reduce fatigue and make it easier to complete daily tasks by increasing your oxygen levels.
- Maintain your usual lifestyle and activities. Many people with supplemental oxygen needs are capable of maintaining a high level of reasonable activity, and portable oxygen concentrators offer the opportunity and freedom to do so.
"Portable oxygen concentrators are most suitable for conditions that result in low blood oxygen levels. They work by supplementing naturally inhaled air to provide enough gaseous nutrition to vital cells and organs, This can be beneficial for older adults who suffer from ailments like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, with the rising incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and cardiovascular diseases like heart failure among older adults, POCs can be invaluable for individuals within this age group. The elderly body has a generally weaker, slower-responding immune system. Oxygen from a POC can help support some senior patients' recovery from severe injuries and invasive operations."
Nancy Mitchell, registered geriatric nurse and contributing writer for AssistedLivingCenter.com.
How to Get a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The first step towards getting a portable oxygen concentrator is talking to your doctor to make sure a portable unit will work for you. Once your doctor confirms that a portable concentrator can meet your needs, he or she will clarify or confirm your oxygen prescription. From there you can start shopping and pick the right portable oxygen concentrator for you and your lifestyle.
Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
If you choose to purchase your concentrator, you can either begin to research models on your own or consult a retail sales representative to narrow down your options. Once you've chosen the model that best suits your needs, you will be required to submit your oxygen prescription. This both confirms that you are a prescribed oxygen user and that the model you've chosen can accommodate your oxygen requirements. Once your prescription has been reviewed your insurance or Medicare can be consulted about possible coverage or reimbursement, and your purchase can be finalized.
Renting a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
If you choose to rent instead of purchasing your concentrator, the procedure will be similar and will involve submitting your prescription prior to receiving your device. Programs like Medicare may cover the rental cost of your POC, particularly if your oxygen needs are temporary due to something like illness or necessary extended travel away from your in-home unit.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator Rating Methodology
When selecting the best portable oxygen concentrators for our list, we took into consideration the following criteria:
- Portability: We only included actual portable units that feature rechargeable batteries and are easy to carry around. Portable units are typically carried or sometimes wheeled on carts and are lightweight enough that most users can lift or move them without difficulty.
- Oxygen availability: Everyone's oxygen needs are different, so we compared each machine's ability to meet oxygen needs according to pulse flow setting range and maximum continuous flow delivery.
- Battery life: Besides weight, battery life is the next most important factor affecting portability. Longer battery life is ideal to maximize mobility and freedom from being plugged in while receiving oxygen therapy. Battery life varies by setting and maximum values represent battery life when used at the lowest setting.
- Battery recharge time: Recharge time affects the user's overall freedom from being "plugged in," although not to the same extent as battery life. For those using only one battery, this factor represents how long they have to wait before they can be mobile and "portable" again.
The AgingInPlace.org team researches, analyzes, and tests health products to help older adults make better decisions as they age. For portable oxygen concentrators, we've reviewed 11 manufacturers and 22 individual models on the market today to offer you our top picks for the best portable oxygen concentrators in 2022.
To provide the most fair and objective reviews and comparisons, we use a mathematical formula to score each model based on the following considerations:
- Unit weight
- Battery life
- Range of settings
- Price
- Battery recharge time
- Warranty
- Oxygen delivery method
Our team monitors and regularly updates information to ensure relevance and reliability throughout all of our content. Many products and services featured on AgingInPlace.org will play a crucial role in your daily life. As these products should help enhance aging at home, we work to uncover as much as possible about the products and services we review. We also consult occupational therapists, audiologists, geriatricians, respiratory therapists, professional adult caregivers, and other experts in the field to ensure we're providing the most accurate, helpful information.
See a full explanation of our research methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We recommend the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 for home use because it offers both pulse and continuous flow settings and a maximum oxygen output of 3,000 milliliters per minute. It's heavier than pulse flow-only units, but you can easily wheel it around the home thanks to its rolling cart design.
Pricing is accurate as of June 13, 2022.
WRITTEN BY
With over six years of clinical experience in long term care and rehabilitation, Ayla is passionate about helping people age safely and with dignity. She is an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), licensed with the State Board of Nursing in Massachusetts, and holds a B.A. in Psychology. Through her education and work she has focused on combining practical health knowledge with the individual needs and desires of older adults to bring the absolute best care and content to patients and readers.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Source: https://aginginplace.org/portable-oxygen-concentrators/
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