Need a Portable Oxygen Machine? Here Are Your Options

If you’re using home oxygen, you know it can help you feel better and be more active. Even though home oxygen is easy to use, oxygen canisters and home concentrators are often large and heavy. This means it’s not really a treatment that you can use on the go. Many people who use home oxygen end up feeling socially isolated. They may miss out on travel, family events, and work opportunities.

But, if you’re among the 1.5 million people in the U.S. who use oxygen, there’s a smaller, more lightweight option that could help you get out more often. It’s called a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). A POC can go just about anywhere you go — whether that’s the grocery store, the movies, a baseball game, or a picnic. 

Though they can be expensive, POCs can help you live a full life while also getting the oxygen your body needs.

How do portable oxygen concentrators work?

POCs work by taking the air around you and turning it into pure, fresh oxygen. The oxygen then travels through a small tube to your nose. This delivers oxygen into your body with every breath, helping you to feel better physically.

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.

What are the 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 are smaller and more lightweight than oxygen tanks or home oxygen concentrators. This makes them easier to take with you outside of 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 do run on a rechargeable battery. Most batteries last for several hours, but it depends on what type of machine you have and how fast you’re breathing. Once the battery runs out, you’ll either have to recharge it or use a spare battery before you can get your oxygen again.

The best portable oxygen machines

According to the American Lung Association, it’s best to look for a POC that’s FDA approved. There isn’t a “best” machine, since the most important factor — whether it can deliver the right amount of oxygen for you — isn’t the same for everyone.

When choosing a POC, different features to consider include:

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

• Oxygen concentration and capacity

• Number of flow settings

• Noise level

• Battery life 

• Size and weight

• Ease of carrying (curved design or attached strap)

• Approval for air travel by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• What’s it like to use portable oxygen? Oxygen users and a respiratory therapist describe what to expect when using portable oxygen.

• The price of portable oxygen: How much portable oxygen costs depends on many factors. Our experts break down what you need to know before purchasing.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs: People with chronic breathing problems may benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation. Learn about the benefits and what it involves.

The National Council on Aging has researched many machines, and they have a list of top picks for POCs based on price, weight, battery life, and more. Here are some popular options.

CAIRE Freestyle Comfort

The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort weighs about 5 lbs and offers up to 16 hours of battery life. It can automatically change the flow based on your breathing rate. In reviews, users say that they appreciate the company’s customer support and product warranties. 

Inogen Rove 6 (formerly One G5)

The Inogen Rove 6 model weighs less than 5 lbs and is relatively quiet. It gives you the ability to use a double battery, which extends battery life (up to 13 hours). It also connects to an app, which allows you to monitor battery life, change settings, and connect to customer support, if needed.

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Oxlife Liberty2 

The Oxlife Liberty2 machine can provide higher continuous (up to 2 L) and pulse oxygen flows (with 9 settings) than most. It weighs about 6 lbs, and it’s pricier than other models.

PrecisionMedical’s Live Active Five

PrecisionMedical’s Live Active Five model has a dual curve design for carrying on either side of your body. And you can access the battery from the top, so there’s no need to take it out of the bag. It weighs 5 lbs and has 5 pulse settings.

Note: GoodRx hasn’t tested these devices and therefore can’t make recommendations. And, this isn’t a comprehensive list. If you have questions about how to choose a safe and effective POC, contact 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.

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.

• 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. 

• Consider the X-PLOR portable oxygen concentrator. This X-PLOR is a POC that’s available to GoodRx users at a discounted rate.

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 a healthcare professional.

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

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

How do you get a portable oxygen concentrator?

First, get a prescription from a healthcare professional.

Once you have a prescription, you’ll need to find a medical equipment supplier. You can find one online or go to a local store.

When to talk to your doctor about oxygen therapy 

Having a low oxygen level can cause many different symptoms. Talk with your healthcare team if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

• Tiredness

• Shortness of breath

• Memory and concentration problems

• Confusion or “brain fog”

• Coughing and wheezing

• Headache

• Rapid heart rate

• Bluish color in your skin, fingernails, and lips

If your healthcare team is worried about your oxygen levels, they might suggest some additional tests, including:

• Spirometry: This test measures how well you can breathe air out of your lungs. 

• Pulse oximetry: This device uses a sensor that attaches to your finger and measures your blood oxygen levels. 

• Treadmill test: This test measures how your breathing and oxygen levels change when you’re physically active. 

These tests can help your healthcare team decide whether you need additional oxygen and, if so, how much. Some people just need oxygen at certain times or in certain situations. Other people need to use it all the time.

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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.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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