Thousands of Americans need oxygen support to feel their best each day. But just because you need oxygen support doesn’t mean you can’t lead an active lifestyle.

Quanju are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight, battery-operated devices that offer increased oxygen saturation without the hassle of bulky oxygen canisters. They allow you to get the oxygen support you need at home or on the go. Keep reading our portable oxygen concentrator buying guide to learn more!

Powered by embed youtube video and udenlandske casinoer

What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

Oxygen concentrators are medical devices used for oxygen therapy. Doctors prescribe them for people with respiratory conditions that make breathing difficult. The devices work by purifying the ambient air to give people a higher concentration of oxygen with every breath.

Air typically contains about 78% oxygen, 22% nitrogen, and other gases. Oxygen concentrators filter out the nitrogen and channel 90% to 95% pure oxygen through a mask or nasal cannula. When you use a concentrator, you usually breathe. Your lungs do not have to work as hard to send oxygen to your body.

Oxygen concentrators clean the air around you, so you do not need to replace oxygen tanks often. Portable oxygen concentrators are light and easy to carry, making them great for use outside the home or while traveling.

Who Needs a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

Oxygen concentrators are medical devices prescribed by a doctor. They can be used for long-term breathing support or a shorter period, such as while recovering from an illness or injury.

Portable oxygen concentrators are helpful for people with a variety of respiratory conditions, including:

• Asthma
• Bronchitis
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Heart failure
• Injury (rib fracture, collapsed lung, bruised lung)
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia
• Sleep apnea

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

When picking a portable oxygen concentrator, the first features you will consider are size and weight. It is essential to choose a model you can lift and carry easily. In addition to basic convenience, you should consider functions such as airflow and battery life.

Flow Type

There are two different flow options. Continuous flow concentrators provide a constant stream of oxygen whenever you turn on the device. Pulse dose concentrators deliver a short burst of oxygen when the user inhales, but don’t emit oxygen continually. Your doctor can tell you which type of oxygen flow is best for your needs.

Flow rate

The flow rate refers to the amount of oxygen the device puts out. Flow is measured in liters per minute.

Depending on the device, the flow rate can range from 3 to 10 LPM, and most offer adjustable flow rates. Choosing a device that can produce a higher flow rate than you typically need is best. For example, if your usual flow rate is 5 LPM, choose a device that goes up to 8 LPM. This way, you can increase it if you need a higher flow rate.

Power source

Portable oxygen concentrators run on batteries. Most devices use rechargeable batteries. These batteries let the device run for 3 to over 12 hours.

Larger batteries last longer but add to the device’s size and weight. We strongly advise carrying an extra backup battery, particularly for airline travel. The FAA says travelers using oxygen concentrators must have enough battery power. The battery should last twice the flight time.

Oxygen concentration

Oxygen concentrators can deliver different oxygen concentrations, usually between 87% and 99%. The top concentration level depends on the concentrator’s size, design, and filtration system. Your doctor will tell you what concentration you need. People with chronic respiratory issues often require higher oxygen concentration levels than those with a short-term condition.

Noise level

Any mechanical device is going to make some noise. Oxygen concentrators are relatively quiet, but they will make noise when they are running. Listening to the device before buying it is helpful to understand how loud it is. Ensure you can sleep with it on and that the noise doesn’t make normal conversation difficult.

Expert Recommendations: Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators

When selecting a portable oxygen concentrator, you have many options. These models offer customizable oxygen flow and concentration, strong battery life, and exceptional portability.

1. CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort ($1,395.00)

The Freestyle Comfort is one of the best portable oxygen concentrators. It offers excellent features and is easy to carry.

This pulse flow device has five settings. It can deliver up to mL of oxygen per minute and is up to 95% pure to ensure proper saturation.

CAIRE’s UltraSense technology guides the pulse flow. The compressor changes the device’s oxygen supply to fit your breathing rate. It works whether you are awake, asleep, or exercising.

2. Inogen One G5 ($1,695.00)

The Inogen One G5 is designed for 24/7 oxygen delivery. It has six varying flow settings and 1,260 mL of oxygen output per minute. Bluetooth-enabled, it features easy-to-read LCDs and simple control functions. Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology matches your breathing rate and increases each oxygen bolus dose as breathing slows during sleep.

The Inogen One G5 shows Inogen’s commitment to innovation. Its design targets oxygen therapy users and considers the needs of homecare providers.

Like the Inogen One G4, the Inogen One G5 is Bluetooth-enabled and can be used with the Inogen Connect App.

3. Inogen Rove 6 Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The Inogen Rove 6 is a small but powerful portable oxygen concentrator weighing under five pounds. Even at that small size, it provides medical-grade oxygen. It can deliver up to 1,260 milliliters per minute with 6 adjustable pulse flow settings. The standard battery lasts up to 6 hours, and the extended battery lasts up to 12 hours.

The Rove 6 is Bluetooth-enabled and works with the free Inogen Connect mobile app.

4. Respironics SimplyGo Portable Concentrator

The Respironics SimplyGo Portable Concentrator delivers both pulse dose and continuous flow. It offers up to 2 LPM of constant flow and a six-setting pulse dose output option. The Sleep Mode setting increases oxygen output during nighttime, and an oxygen delivery trigger rises with a soft pulse.

Only 10 pounds, the Simply Go has a wheeled design for easy maneuverability. It also includes alerts for high breathing rate, low oxygen, system problems, and low battery.

5. CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 ($1,550.00)

The SeQual Eclipse 5 mobile unit weighs 18 lbs, making it heavier. However, the extra weight is worth it for its features.

Its continuous flow dose ranges from 0.5 to 3 LPM in increments of 0.5 for an exact dosage. Pulse doses range from 16 to 192 mL across nine settings, with an average purity of around 90%. The Eclipse 5 uses SeQual’s AutoSAT technology to maintain the same amount of oxygen consistently.

6. OxLife Independence Oxygen Concentrator

O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence is 16.7 lbs and has built-in wheels for easy portability. It offers a continuous flow of up to 3 liters per minute and a pulse dose of 0.5 to 5 liters per minute. The battery lasts close to 6 hours and comes with a battery life indicator and a built-in low 02 sensor. It is compatible with CPAP/BiPAP machines and offers flexibility for people with multiple oxygen needs.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Portable Oxygen Concentrator 5 Litres.

How to Choose the Right Portable Oxygen Concentrator for Your Needs

When you choose a portable oxygen concentrator, your first consideration should be your medical requirements. Talk to your doctor about your best oxygen concentration and flow pattern level. Look for devices that meet your medical needs so you don’t risk compromising your respiratory function.

You should also consider your lifestyle. You will want a portable oxygen concentrator that works for how and where you plan to use it.

If you live an active lifestyle, look for a lightweight, easy-to-carry model. If you like to travel, ensure your device meets FAA rules and has enough battery for your flights.

Cost considerations are another factor that can affect your choice of oxygen concentrator. Talk to your insurance provider and determine their coverage for portable oxygen therapy devices. Choosing a covered device can significantly decrease your out-of-pocket costs.

Most devices have a warranty guaranteeing proper operation for several years after purchase. Check the warranty details and register the device to take advantage of repair and replacement services. In addition, ask about customer service options. Learn in advance if the device maker offers support or online chat if you have problems or questions about your device.

If your doctor has suggested that you or a loved one use an oxygen concentrator for your oxygen therapy treatments, you may be wondering, “What is an oxygen concentrator and how does an oxygen concentrator work?” The basic idea is simple: Oxygen concentrators are able to purify and concentrate the surrounding air to produce oxygen as long as the unit has power.[1] Learn more below about the details of how oxygen concentrators pull the oxygen from the air around us, and why using this kind of oxygen generator improves oxygen therapy for you. 

What Is an Oxygen Concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator (sometimes called an O2 concentrator, oxygen machine or O2 concentrator, oxygen machine or oxygen generator) is a medical device used to deliver oxygen to those who require it. People may require an O2 concentrator if they have a condition that causes or results in low levels of oxygen in their blood. An oxygen concentrator must be obtained via prescription, and therefore cannot be purchased over the counter. If you need an oxygen machine but are unable to purchase one, an oxygen concentrator can be rented with your prescription as well.

How Does an Oxygen Concentrator Work?

So how does an oxygen generator work? Oxygen concentrators are electric or battery-powered devices that pull air from the room. It then separates and compresses oxygen from the air, while also removing nitrogen. You breathe in the purified air.2   An oxygen concentrator1

1. Pulls in air from its surroundings
2. Compresses the air, while the cooling mechanism keeps the concentrator from overheating
3. Removes nitrogen and other impurities from the air via filter and sieve beds
4. Adjusts delivery settings with an electronic interface
5. Delivers the purified oxygen to the user via a nasal cannula or mask

Portable oxygen concentrators provide a safe source of oxygen-enriched air to provide medical oxygen as prescribed by a physician. Whether operating from battery power or plugged in, portable oxygen concentrators continue to produce oxygen as long as the unit has power. Oxygen concentrators do not need to be refilled. Additionally, many portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight and easy to carry.1

How does an oxygen concentrator work differently from other oxygen delivery systems? An oxygen concentrator has a compressing element, but it should not be confused with compressed oxygen or an oxygen tank. The compressed oxygen inside an oxygen tank is a set amount of oxygen that is dispensed to the user, eventually requiring a refill or replacement when the oxygen inside the tank runs out. People using compressed oxygen tanks must keep several tanks on hand to ensure that they do not run out of oxygen before receiving a refill. An oxygen concentrator, on the other hand, is an oxygen machine that pulls in air from the atmosphere, purifies it, compresses it and then delivers the oxygen-rich air continuously to the user. So, though it may sometimes be called an “oxygen generator,” an oxygen concentrator does not actually generate oxygen; instead, it pulls oxygen from the air around you.1

If you are wondering, “How does an oxygen generator work without requiring refills?” no refills are needed because the oxygen concentrator simply uses the surrounding air to create oxygen-rich air, meaning the oxygen supply will never run out as long as it is powered and has access to an air supply. Instead of refilling compressed air, an oxygen concentrator just needs access to power and the surrounding air.1

How Does a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Work?

How is a portable oxygen concentrator different from a stationary oxygen concentrator? Quite simply, portable oxygen concentrators are designed to travel with you, so they are lighter than stationary oxygen concentrators and are able to run for a certain amount of time on battery power before requiring that you plug in or recharge your oxygen machine. In some cases, stationary oxygen generator units are made to provide continuous flow oxygen, while most portable oxygen concentrator units provide pulse does oxygen. Otherwise, portable concentrators work the same way as a stationary system. The difference is in how you use them.1

Why Choose an Oxygen Concentrator Over an Oxygen Tank?

An oxygen concentrator offers a variety of benefits when compared with an oxygen tank. Oxygen cylinders or tanks eventually run out of oxygen. A gauge shows the tank’s oxygen levels. When the tank is empty, an oxygen supplier replaces it. You should always have extra oxygen tanks on hand.2   This means you have to plan carefully, so you do not run out of oxygen, and so you are able to make time to get your tanks refilled or replaced on time. Oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, run on electrical power and thus supply an unlimited amount of oxygen.1   This means that with an oxygen concentrator, as long as you have access to a power source or charged battery, you will never run out of oxygen.

Additionally, oxygen tanks are heavy and difficult to move around, even from room to room. Even smaller “portable” tanks are heavy and unwieldy. Oxygen concentrators, on the other hand, can be quite small, with many portable oxygen concentrator models weighing less than 5 pounds and some home oxygen concentrators less than 20 pounds.  This means you may leave your home with a fully-charged portable oxygen concentrator for hours at a time. Simply put, using a portable oxygen concentrator gives patients peace of mind to leave the home and allows them to experience less dyspnea (shortness of breath) outside the home.

With an oxygen concentrator you will not have to worry about multiple points of contact when refilling or replacing oxygen tanks; you can simply turn your unit on, put your mask on over your nasal cannula and go.  Cleaning and maintaining an oxygen concentrator does not require any special equipment which means you can disinfect your device after going out in public.

How to Use a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

So how does a portable oxygen concentrator work?  As always, read and follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully, but in many cases, you will follow the same basic procedure. Here is how to use a portable oxygen concentrator.

1. Make sure you have adequate power for your oxygen machine, either via a fully charged battery or an available AC or DC power source
2. Ensure you have a clean nasal cannula, or mask, and tubing properly attached to the nozzle fitting on your oxygen generator
3. Ensure your particle filter is properly attached to ensure particles are not drawn into the oxygen machine as they could damage it
4. Make sure you place the oxygen concentrator in a well-ventilated area (or that your carrying bag allows proper ventilation) as the intake and exhaust must have clear access to work properly
5. Press the power button and allow the oxygen concentrator to warm up properly to ensure it reaches the correct oxygen concentration levels before use. Your model should indicate when the O2 concentrator is ready for use
6. Set the portable oxygen concentrator to your prescribed flow rate setting
7. Place the nasal cannula into your nostrils and over your ears, adjusting for proper and comfortable fit, then breathe through your nose to begin getting oxygen from your O2 concentrator.

INOGEN ONE OXYGEN CONCENTRATORS

Inogen is a medical technology company, a global leader in portable oxygen therapy solutions for patients with chronic respiratory conditions. As a result, we worked to create our compact, lightweight oxygen concentrators, designed for the travel needs of our active patients and their lifestyle. All of Inogen’s concentrators are clinically validated to delivery oxygen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  With Inogen, you can have peace of mind while getting the oxygen you need. 

If you’ve been using an oxygen tank system or a stationary oxygen concentrator and you want to learn more about how Inogen products work, read on to learn about the Inogen One G5 or G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrators. You can also explore our Inogen One comparison chart to compare the features of each Inogen One model and get an idea of which model best meets your needs. If you prefer a stationary concentrator for your home, learn below about our stationary oxygen concentrator, the Inogen At Home.

INOGEN ONE G5 SYSTEM

The Inogen One 5 System offers 6 flow settings and delivers up to ml or medical grade oxygen per minute in one of our quietest, smallest and lightest portable oxygen concentrators.   Capable of delivering oxygen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week using our proprietary Intelligent Delivery Technology®, the G5 offers more flow settings and a longer battery life – up to 13 hours with a double battery – than other Inogen models.  Nonetheless, the Inogen One G5 is small and weighs only 4.7 pounds, allowing mobility without needing to recharge as frequently. The Inogen Connect App with Bluetooth System, when used on a supported device, helps you monitor your oxygen use and keep track of your equipment’s functionality.

Our portable oxygen concentrators provide travel portability for a patient’s active lifestyle, plus they meet FAA requirements.  When you purchase an Inogen One G5 System, you will receive a 3-year warranty and a custom carry bag, along with a single battery, DC power cable and AC power supply. Purchase a Freedom Package to receive everything listed, as well as a lifetime warranty and additional batteries.

INOGEN ONE G4 SYSTEM

Designed to be small and compact, the Inogen One G4 portable oxygen concentrator is our lightest and quietest unit available for oxygen therapy.  Weighing only 2.8 pounds, with a standard battery, this portable oxygen concentrator can be used at home and away.  It offers 1-3 flow settings, and with its reliable, pulse-dose based Intelligent Delivery Technology®, the G4 is powered to provide medical grade oxygen delivery all day, every day.

The Inogen One G4 System also includes the Inogen Connect App with Bluetooth System, when used on a supported device, helps you monitor your oxygen use and keep track of your equipment’s functionality. Additionally, you will receive a carry bag, user manual, AC/DC power supplies and your single rechargeable battery with a life of up to 2.7 hours with the standard battery.   Your Inogen One G4 System meets FAA requirements and is covered by a standard 3-year warranty. However, if you choose to purchase one of our three Freedom Packages, you will receive everything listed above, as well as additional batteries and a lifetime warranty.

INOGEN AT HOME

The Inogen At Home is our stationary oxygen concentrator.  Our energy-efficient, lightweight stationary oxygen concentrator, the Inogen At Home weighs 18 pounds – half the weight of many other home oxygen concentrators currently being used.   The Inogen At Home is energy-efficient, using just 100 watts of energy on Flow Setting 2.  Although this oxygen concentrator provides you with 5 liters per minute continuous oxygen, it is quiet.  If you need a stationary oxygen concentrator, try Inogen’s At Home oxygen concentrator for your oxygen therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DOES THE INOGEN ONE MAKE OXYGEN?

Inogen One portable oxygen concentrators do not actually make oxygen. Rather, they pull oxygen from the air surrounding them and concentrate it. To do this, Inogen One Portable Oxygen Concentrators remove nitrogen and other gases, as well as impurities, found in the air to purify it and compress it into medical-grade oxygen. Once the oxygen is sufficiently purifying and concentrated, the Inogen One produces oxygen-rich air, which is then delivered to the user via nasal cannula.

HOW DOES AN OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR WORK WITH THE SURROUNDING AIR?

An oxygen concentrator uses the surrounding atmosphere to create oxygen-rich air by pulling surrounding air into the oxygen machine, compressing it, purifying it and removing nitrogen and other impurities. The purified, oxygen-rich air is then delivered to the patient.2

HOW DOES A PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR WORK WITHOUT RUNNING OUT OF OXYGEN?

While an oxygen concentrator does not generate oxygen on its own, the oxygen is pulled from the air around the oxygen generator. Because of this, there is no danger of running out of oxygen, as long as your oxygen machine has power and access to open air. Simply ensure that you always have a clear air supply, a powered battery and concentrator.1

CAN YOU USE A PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR WHILE YOU SLEEP?

Many portable oxygen concentrators are made to be used anytime you need supplemental oxygen. Inogen portable oxygen concentrators incorporate our reliable, pulse-dose based Intelligent Delivery Technology to provide medical grade oxygen delivery all day, every day.  Because your respiratory rates change with your level of activity, each of our Inogen One models responds to your changing physiology by detecting your breathing rate and adjusting the bolus dose. The Inogen One system is clinically proven to effectively deliver the oxygen you need, no matter what time of day it is provided it is connected to an AC, DC or charged battery power source.

WHAT IS AN OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR’S MAINTENANCE NEEDS?

While an oxygen concentrator does not require refills or tank replacements like other oxygen delivery systems, it is important to make sure you keep up with your O2 concentrator’s maintenance needs to ensure that your oxygen machine is operating correctly. Proper maintenance also ensures that your portable oxygen concentrator lasts so you can use it for as long as possible. Alarms will typically let you know when replacement parts are required, but it is a good idea to know what to look for before you experience any problems with your oxygen generator. Read your model’s manual for more information, but for general maintenance, you should:

• Wipe down your oxygen generator once a week to keep it clean from dirt, dust, hair or pet fur
• Check your particle filters weekly and rinse clean when dirty
• Change your nasal cannula and tubing regularly, as directed by your provider
• Inspect HEPA filters and columns (sieve beds) to see if they require changing or replacement
• Heed all alarms

WHERE CAN I GET REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MY OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR?

Inogen offers replacement parts and accessories conveniently on our website. You can order some of the parts ahead of time to keep them on hand, or choose to order as needed. As always, if you have any questions about installing replacement parts, which parts to purchase or any other questions about how to use a portable oxygen concentrator, we are here to help. Contact us for help and information.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit ozone air purifier.

REFERENCES