A portable oxygen concentrator is a device used to provide oxygen therapy to people unable to get enough oxygen from ambient air. These are similar to at-home oxygen concentrators but are smaller to assist mobility. It can help people who have trouble breathing due to asthma, lung cancer, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD), flu, or Covid-19. These are best used with a doctor’s prescription that specifies the duration and quantity of oxygen to be taken.

How does an oxygen concentrator work?
Oxygen concentrators pull outside air and filter it to remove nitrogen and other contaminants and compress it using an electrical pump. Generally, they are battery-powered and offer a pulse or continuous flow of oxygen. The portable variety of oxygen concentrators is believed to be safer and uses less electricity in comparison to traditional options.

How much does a portable oxygen concentrator cost?
The range of portable oxygen concentrators (also known as portable oxygen machines) begins at $2500, but Medicare and private insurers cover a part of this cost in most cases.

Top manufacturers of portable oxygen concentrators
Based on battery life, flow, portability, and noise, these are the top brands for portable oxygen concentrators:

Inogen
Inogen’s One G4 is the smallest portable oxygen concentrator and weighs just 2.8 pounds with a standard battery. It is a great option for people with an active lifestyle as it can be carried with ease. However, due to its small size, it also has a shorter battery life and a lower oxygen output when compared to other models.

Inogen’s One G5 tackles these issues well and is quiet as it does so. Ranked as one of the best portable oxygen concentrators for airplane travel, this has a longer battery life but weighs 4.7 pounds.

CAIRE
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort weighs only 5 pounds and has a longer battery life than other portable concentrators. It features a curved design for ease of carrying as well.

CAIRE’s SeQuel Eclipse 5 is the best for the continuous flow of oxygen. However, it is loud and weighs 18.4 pounds, making it a less attractive option to travel with.

Philips
Philips’ Respironics SimplyGo Mini is among the quietest portable oxygen concentrators, running at 43 decibels on a setting of 2, and weighs only 5 pounds. The brand’s popularity in the electronic space reflects well on this device as well, as it is incredibly durable and features an impact-resistant design that can withstand extreme temperatures as well.

Belluscura
Bellascura’s X-PLOR is one of the smallest portable oxygen concentrators and weighs a mere 3.25 pounds. The quiet operation, combined with its lightweight and ease of carrying (it comes with a shoulder strap and a carrying bag), makes it one of the easiest devices to travel with.

Invacare
The Invacare Platinum is one of the best-priced portable oxygen concentrators on the market. It is water-resistant and features an easy-to-read screen and large buttons. As it weighs just 5 pounds, it is also easy to carry and travel with.

Tips for using a portable oxygen concentrator

Never place the machine near an open flame such as matches, candles, or a stove in use. Maintain a 6-feet distance from flames at all times.
Regularly clean nasal prongs and check the tubes for leaks to ensure optimal usage.
When traveling, place the oxygen on a seat or the floor next to you. Secure it with a seat belt, so turbulence does not cause any damage to the machine or the flow of oxygen.
Do not leave the portable oxygen concentrator in a car parked under the sun.