Top Portable Oxygen Concentrators: How to Find the Right One
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Portable Oxygen Concentrators
What’s the best oxygen concentrator to help you breathe easily? If you’re searching for the top portable oxygen concentrators, you know that there are a lot of models to choose from. When purchasing assistive devices for seniors, choosing the best one often comes down to finding the right one with the features you need at a price that meets your budget.
Take a look at Senior Assistance Club’s review of some top companies and providers of top-rated portable oxygen concentrators, so you can make the selection for yourself or your loved one. Let’s get started!
Top Oxygen Concentrators
Inogen G5
Cost: Starts at $2,495, bundle deals available from Inogen start at $3,691.
The Inogen G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator is one of the quietest and most convenient concentrators available.
Many people enjoy it because it is easy to carry, has a 4-hour battery and looks more like a fun lunch box than a serious medical device. You can pick up all kinds of great accessories from battery chargers to carrying cases to help you live an active lifestyle with this concentrator.
Pros
People who use the Inogen tend to rave about it. It puts your health first with audible alerts. You will hear specific sounds indicating an issue so you won’t have to constantly check or worry. If your oxygen levels ever fall below the required levels, you will know right away. You will also get alerts if there is a power outage or no breath is detected.
With four-hour battery life, audible alerts, and quiet sounds, it fulfills a wishlist of criteria. Weighing only 4.8 pounds, you won’t have to be a weight-lifting candidate to easily use this concentrator and maintain an active lifestyle. The G5 model has flow settings from 1-6 for 24/7 oxygen delivery in a compact package.
Cons
Inogen does not offer continuous flow options but works on a pulse flow. It offers only a standard filter.
The Airsep Freestyle 3
Cost: Starts at $1,995.
The Airsep Freestyle 3 at Oxygen Concentrator Store is one of the best small oxygen concentrators on the market. It is designed for an active lifestyle and has features you’ll appreciate to help you participate fully in life.
Pros
The Airsep Freestyle 3 offers a quiet, efficient pulse flow. You can vary the setting to three different levels.
It weighs less than 5 pounds and offers medical-grade oxygen without having to worry about oxygen refills. The FreeStyle can be worn over the shoulder or converted into a backpack. It enables you to stay active in participating in a sporting event, concert, or educational seminar.
Cons
Some users find the plug system is challenging to use during activities such as walking. While the unit is bulletproof, the shoulder strap may require reinforcement for active use.
Visit the Oxygen Concentrator Store now by clicking here.
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini
Cost: Starts at $2,800.
The SimplyGo Mini is built for durability and portability. Its compact design makes it easier for seniors to move around at home and outside. It’s also built with your comfort in mind, boasting as low as 43 decibels on one of its lowest setting, allowing you to turn your attention to other areas while receiving efficient oxygen therapy.
In terms of its features, it’s about 50-50 with what it has to offer. It’s lightweight and has a long battery life. But if you need higher amounts of air or a continuous flow of oxygen, you might be better off checking other models that provide higher maximum oxygen output.
Pros
The SimplyGo Mini features a long battery life despite its size. It is built for durability, featuring a lightweight and impact-resistant design. This is complemented with a carry case and shoulder strap that makes it a very portable model. On top of that, it features an LCD touchscreen, making it easy to operate and navigate the device.
Cons
The SimplyGo Mini is on the pricier end of our list, so it’s not the most accessible for seniors on a tight budget. And while it has several beneficial features, there are other models that provide better battery life and more oxygen output for a lesser price. Also, extra batteries are sold separately, which means another cost if you want to go the distance with your concentrator.
CAIRE Freestyle Comfort
Cost: Starts at $3,049.
The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort focuses on comfort, durability, and customization to your own needs. Easy to carry, the model can release a maximum oxygen output of 1,050 milliliters per minute. It also features a modern design with soft-touch buttons, making it easy to use for most seniors. Because of its high capabilities, this is the perfect model for seniors who like to travel long distances or still enjoy outdoor activities.
Pros
The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort’s most unique feature is its UltraSense technology. It calibrates the model’s oxygen output based on your own breathing patterns, ensuring its power and oxygen released is efficiently used. Its interface is fairly easy to navigate for seniors. And while its larger battery pack costs extra, it still comes with accessories that improve its portability and use.
Cons
This model comes with an 8-cell battery that can go for up to 8 hours on its lowest setting. But for the fairly moderate settings, expect its lifespan to be shorter than that. You could upgrade to a 16-cell battery to get twice the longevity, but it’s sold separately.
Portable Oxygen Depot
Cost: Different models available, starts at $1,180.
If you’re searching for portable concentrators at awesome prices be sure to check out the Portable Oxygen Depot.
You’ll find ultra-lightweight portable oxygen concentrators at significant savings compared to retail prices.
Pros
This is one of the most respected and highly rated distributors, with over 40 years of experience in the oxygen business. Many of the advertised specials enable you to save up to 70% on portable oxygen concentrators. They are also known for providing free lifetime technical support and same-day shipping.
The Depot offers buy-back and trade-in programs, that can help you choose the best, up-to-date models. They also offer used and refurbished units for as low as $999. Their service quality is exceptional and covers the entire United States.
Cons
The only con to consider is that your friends and family may get upset when they hear what a great price you paid for your portable oxygen concentrator.
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Criteria For Selecting Your Oxygen Concentrator
When searching for top portable oxygen concentrators, keep in mind the features that are beneficial to your condition and the most important criteria to help you select the right model. You may find that you’ll shorten your search by asking the right questions. At the top of your criteria, consider these factors:
- Do I need a home unit or portable unit? If you’re always at home and want a more durable and more powerful oxygen concentrator, your doctor may recommend a home unit. But if you’re on the go and are frequently traveling outside your home, you could benefit from portable oxygen for seniors. Plus points if a portable unit comes with features like a carrying bag and extra batteries that can help your mobility.
- Can this model provide the amount of oxygen I need? Portable oxygen concentrators can either deliver oxygen through pulses or a continuous flow. Each model also has its own maximum oxygen output. This is why you should get your doctor’s prescription before using your oxygen concentrator so that you can determine how much oxygen you need and then narrow down your options.
- What is the weight of the machine? Weight will determine whether you have an easy time transporting, moving, and living with the concentrator. Lighter oxygen concentrators tend to have lower maximum oxygen output capacities, while higher output models can often weigh beyond the average 5-pounds that most models weigh.
- How long can it go without recharging? This can help you get hours of oxygen from a single battery charge. Less charging means more living. Most models contain rechargeable lithium iron batteries, and the average battery can keep your device running for up to five hours. If it’s within your budget, consider getting an extra battery for your device, especially if you’re frequently traveling outside your home.
- How does it look? We all like to keep an active lifestyle and maintain our active appearances. If your oxygen concentrator looks like a fun lunch bag, it’s easier to grab it and go out and about.
How To Get The Right Oxygen Concentrator At The Best Price
There is nothing like getting the right oxygen concentrator — at the best price. To do this, begin with the end in mind. Evaluate personal priorities such as weight, battery charging time, and size.
If you are a highly active person, consider whether this unit will help you go walking, running, and participating in sports activities.
If you have a friend with a model you’re considering, try it on for size. You may find certain features appeal to you more than others.
Making Your Move and Getting Your Concentrator Delivered
Nothing is stopping you from making your move and getting your portable oxygen concentrator delivered to you.
If you’ve been lugging around big bulky Oxygen tanks, you can breathe a sigh of relief. If you’ve been toiling with heavy equipment, that can all be a thing of the past.
Many consumers have used oxygen tanks and found them to be heavy, cumbersome, and noisy. That’s why a portable oxygen concentrator can provide immense relief.
Portable concentrators are so quiet that you can enjoy activities without being disturbed. This can enable you to meet friends for coffee or dinner, go to the movies, or attend religious services without disturbing other attendees.
With this newfound feeling of independence, you’re free to breathe easily. You’re also free to move about without worrying about heavy Oxygen Tanks or storing refills. You can do what you want—when you want.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between an oxygen tank and an oxygen concentrator?
A: An oxygen tank and an oxygen concentrator are two different medical devices. An oxygen tank contains liquid or gaseous oxygen, which is then dispensed. It can eventually run out of oxygen and will need to be refilled. An oxygen concentrator, on the other hand, takes the air around you, filters out the nitrogen in the air, and dispenses the oxygen through tubes placed below your nostrils.
Q: How long does a portable oxygen concentrator last?
A: It depends on the build and quality of your oxygen concentrator’s battery. Most models use rechargeable lithium ion batteries, which typically last up to five hours on a full charge. Portable oxygen concentrators are built for durability and mobility, but if you’re planning on traveling far or will be on the road for long periods of time, it’s recommended that you have a back-up battery pack in case your first pack runs out.
Q: Who needs to use oxygen concentrators?
A: You may need to use an oxygen concentrator if you have difficulty breathing due to conditions asthma, lung cancer, COVID-19, or any other respiratory problems. It’s important that you seek your doctor’s advice before using an oxygen concentrator, as they’ll be the one to decide how much oxygen you need to take and how long you should use the device.
Assistance Club Summary
Purchasing medical senior products like portable oxygen for seniors require careful evaluation. By doing a little research and online window shopping, you can find portable oxygen concentrator units at prices that meet most budgets. With new and refurbished and second-hand units available, there are options aplenty for breathing in a brand new quality of life.