Need a Portable Oxygen Concentrator? Here Are Your Options

If you already use home oxygen, you know it can help you feel better and stay active. But some home oxygen equipment, especially stationary concentrators and larger oxygen cylinders, can be difficult to take out with you. That can make everyday plans like errands and family events harder to manage.

A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is one option that can make it easier to use oxygen outside the home. POCs draw in air and concentrate oxygen instead of storing it in a tank. 

Though they can be expensive, and may not be suitable for everyone, POCs can help you live a fuller life while also getting the oxygen your body needs.

What is a portable oxygen concentrator?

A POC is a medical device that provides you with supplemental oxygen without an oxygen tank. 

It works by drawing in “room” air, removing nitrogen, and delivering concentrated oxygen through a small tube to your nose. Unlike an oxygen cylinder, it doesn’t store oxygen in a tank, so it doesn’t run out of oxygen or need to be refilled. What it does need is power, in the form of a charged battery or an electrical outlet. 

Some POCs deliver a steady stream of oxygen (continuous flow). Others deliver oxygen in short bursts every time you inhale (pulse flow). Many POCs can deliver both types too. 

Best portable oxygen concentrators to consider

The National Council on Aging has researched many machines, and it has a current list of top picks for POCs. Consumer reviews can help you compare key features, but they can’t say whether a device meets your medical needs. 

Note: GoodRx hasn’t independently tested these devices and so can’t recommend one over another. If you have questions about how to choose a safe and effective POC, contact your medical team or the American Lung Association. They have a telephone helpline that you can call for advice at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872), or you can submit a question online.

Here are some popular options, starting with pulse-dose models, followed by devices that also offer continuous flow.

CAIRE Freestyle Comfort

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort is a pulse-dose POC with 5 settings. It weighs about 5 lbs with the single battery and about 6 lbs with the optional double battery. 

The manufacturer lists battery life up to 8 hours with the single battery and up to 16 hours with the double battery. 

Its autoSAT feature adjusts the oxygen pulse delivery based on your breathing rate. It’s a prescription device and doesn’t provide continuous flow.

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How to choose a portable oxygen concentrator

There’s no single best POC. The most important is to choose a device that can deliver the oxygen that’s been prescribed for you in the situations when you need it.

Look for a device that’s FDA cleared for its intended use and that matches your oxygen prescription. 

The American Lung Association recommends discussing your needs with a healthcare professional before choosing a POC, to ensure you’re getting the right machine for your needs. Your medical team should check your oxygen level during rest, activity, and sleep to determine how much oxygen you need and which delivery method is safest for you. For example, some people may not be able to use pulsed flow oxygen safely because their breathing doesn’t reliably trigger a pulse of oxygen. 

When choosing a POC, consider and compare the following features:

• Type of oxygen flow (continuous, pulsed, or both)

• Oxygen concentration and capacity

• Number of flow or pulse settings

• Noise level

• Battery life (ask specifically for the battery life at your prescribed setting)

• Size and weight

• Ease of carrying (curved design or attached strap)

• Power options

• Alarms

• Warranty, servicing, replacement batteries, and repair support

• Approval for air travel by the FAA

Benefits of portable oxygen concentrators

For many people, using an oxygen tank or home oxygen concentrator works just fine. But there are a couple of benefits to using a POC:

• It’s portable. POCs can be smaller and more lightweight than oxygen tanks or home oxygen concentrators. This makes them easier to take with you outside of the home or even around the home.

• You won’t need to buy oxygen refills. You don’t need to refill POCs with oxygen. The machine pulls all the oxygen it needs from the air around you. Some people find this more convenient than a classic oxygen tank.

But keep this in mind: POCs still need power. Most POCs run on a rechargeable battery, and some models can also run from AC or DC power while charging. If the battery runs out and you don’t have a charged spare battery or a compatible power source, the device will stop delivering oxygen. 

Plan how you will keep the device powered before you leave home, especially if you’ll be away for several hours or could face delays.

How much do portable oxygen concentrators cost?

Portable oxygen concentrators are pretty expensive — usually upwards of $2,000. The price varies depending on the model and features. But if you meet certain requirements, your health insurance might cover part of the cost.

Here are some tips for paying for your portable oxygen concentrator:

• Talk with your insurance company. Ask your insurance company if they cover POCs. Starting here allows you to see what options are available under your plan.

• Set up a payment plan. Some POC vendors offer payment plans, so the cost is spread out over many months or years.

• Apply for financial assistance. Need-based financial assistance programs are available to help you afford your medical treatment — including prescriptions, medical equipment, like POCs, and other expenses.

• Ask about used or refurbished devices. These may cost less than new devices. Ask about the device’s age, battery condition, service history, warranty, and return policy. If possible, buy from a qualified oxygen supplier.

• Consider renting. If you only need a POC for a specific event or a short period of time (like a wedding or a vacation), short-term rentals are available.

How to use portable oxygen

All portable oxygen machines are different, so make sure to learn how to operate yours. If you have questions, check the user manual or contact the manufacturer’s customer support department.

Once you understand how your particular machine works, here are the basics:

1. Connect the nasal tube to the machine, and turn on the device.

2. Make sure you have enough battery life remaining.

3. Set the oxygen flow to the rate prescribed by your medical team.

4. Once the oxygen is flowing, put the nasal tube on your face.

Don’t increase the oxygen setting because you feel short of breath, and don’t reduce or stop oxygen without medical guidance. If your symptoms change, this is a sign your oxygen needs should be reassessed by your healthcare team. 

Remember, using oxygen can cause fires. Stay safe, and never use your portable oxygen near an open flame or while smoking or vaping.

How do you get a portable oxygen concentrator?

If you already use oxygen and want a POC, talk with your healthcare team and oxygen supplier. Your healthcare team can confirm whether you need oxygen: 

• At rest

• During activity

• During sleep

• Continuously

They’ll also help you figure out whether your prescription requires pulse-dose or continuous-flow oxygen.

Ask for an order that clearly states the oxygen delivery method, setting, or flow rate, as well as when to use it. Before buying or renting a device, ask the supplier to confirm that the specific model can meet your prescription. If possible, have your oxygen level checked with that device during the activities when you plan to use it.

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Written by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and technology.

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