10 Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators Of 2024 (2024)

To determine the best portable oxygen concentrators, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 30 medical devices, ranking them based on:

• Average price (20%)
• Device weight (10%)
• Battery life (10%)
• Range of pulse flow settings (10%)
• Maximum liter flow (10%)
• Maximum oxygen concentration (10%)
• Device size (5%)
• Power source options (5%)
• Sound level (5%)
• Wearability (5%)
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval (5%)
• Warranty details (5%)

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Inogen One G5 Portable Concentrator

• Provides six flow settings
• Lightweight design weighing under 5 pounds
• Capable of 24/7 oxygen delivery
• Battery life up to 6.5 hours
• Very quiet at only 39 decibels

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Portable oxygen concentrators are battery-operated devices that provide supplemental oxygen to people who “require greater oxygen concentrations than the levels of ambient air,” says Sanul Corrielus, M.D., a board-certified cardiologist based in Philadelphia. “Oxygen concentrators draw oxygen from your immediate environment,” he adds, meaning they don’t require refillable oxygen canisters or tanks, which makes maintenance and upkeep easy.

How Does a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Work?

A portable oxygen concentrator, sometimes called a POC, is similar to a home oxygen concentrator (OC) but more mobile, says Corrielus. These devices are small enough to carry, which makes them ideal for travel, and some are approved for use on airlines.

According to Corrielus, here’s how an oxygen concentrator works:

1. The device draws in air from your surrounding environment.
2. Air is compressed inside the device.
3. Nitrogen is filtered out of the air.
4. Pure oxygen is inhaled through a nasal tube (cannula) or mask.

There are two types of oxygen concentrators: stationary oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators.

Stationary oxygen concentrators, or home oxygen concentrators, tend to provide continuous oxygen flow at larger volumes than portable machines. They’re also significantly larger than most portable options, typically weighing between about 30 and 55 pounds. These models often feature handles for easy rolling or moving from one location to another in a person’s home.

Portable oxygen concentrators provide individuals who need supplemental oxygen outside of their home with a much more lightweight and mobile solution. They deliver oxygen in the same way stationary oxygen concentrators do, but they tend to push lower volumes of oxygen comparatively. Most of these devices use rechargeable lithium ion batteries instead of relying on a wall adapter, so they also require frequent recharging.

Deciding which option works best for you ultimately depends on your lifestyle and supplemental oxygen needs. A stationary concentrator provides a higher oxygen output often at a lower cost while portable devices are smaller and travel-friendly. Work with your health care professional to determine which oxygen concentrator would make the most sense for you.

What Type of Portable Oxygen Concentrator Is Best?

The best portable oxygen concentrator depends on your health needs, lifestyle preferences and budget. Work with your health care provider to determine which portable oxygen concentrator best suits your needs.

Portable oxygen concentrators are powered via a rechargeable battery that connects to the bottom of the concentrator. How long the battery lasts varies depending on the speed at which the user breathes (breaths per minute) and their required oxygen flow rate.

To use a portable oxygen concentrator, begin by attaching the nasal cannula (the device that helps deliver the oxygen to the nose) and turning on the device. Adjust the oxygen flow settings based on your health care provider’s prescription. Make a habit of checking the display screen to confirm adequate battery life before use, and carry an extra battery when you’re planning on being away from home (or an electrical outlet for charging) for an extended period of time.

Clean a portable oxygen concentrator using a mild dish soap and water, taking care to keep water away from the nasal cannula tubing. The cannula tubing should be replaced every two to four weeks, or sooner if it becomes damaged.

Anyone with a condition that may cause a low blood oxygen level (hypoxia) may benefit from supplemental oxygen, says Bacheler. Such conditions can include anemia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, heart failure and congenital heart disease.

There are numerous features to consider when choosing a portable oxygen concentrator, but there are a few particularly important details to think about when browsing your options.

Oxygen Delivery Modes

While stationary oxygen concentrators deliver a continuous flow of oxygen, portable oxygen concentrators can either provide a continuous flow or a pulse mode, explains Bacheler. Pulse mode portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) can only be used by those using nasal cannulas who have enough breathing power to trigger the device to deliver a pulse of oxygen. People with tracheostomies (a surgical opening in the neck into the trachea) or very poor breathing ability need a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator. Some POCs feature both pulse dose and continuous flow settings.

It’s also important to consider the amount of oxygen needed, says Bacheler. Pulse mode portable oxygen concentrators can typically deliver 1 to 6 liters of oxygen per minute, though some small ones are limited to 3 liters per minute. Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators can only provide 1 to 3 liters of oxygen per minute.

Battery Life

Batteries on pulse mode portable oxygen concentrators have a much longer life than those on continuous flow concentrators, according to Bacheler.

All portable concentrators have a car charger, he notes, but airplanes don’t “have enough power to operate a POC, so the user needs to have enough batteries to operate the POC for the duration of a flight.” Many airlines require passengers to have enough battery life for 150% of a planned flight time as a safety precaution to avoid emergencies. If you use a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, that could mean traveling with an additional 20 to 30 pounds of batteries, says Bacheler.

Size and Weight

Portable oxygen concentrators range in weight from about 2.8 to 20 pounds, says Bacheler. Smaller concentrators have a lower oxygen capacity, so it’s usually best to opt for a larger device if you need a lot of supplemental oxygen. Consider how often you travel and what size would best fit your lifestyle. If you frequently fly on airplanes, make sure the device you’re considering is approved for air travel before you purchase it.

If you require supplemental oxygen but want to lead a more active lifestyle, a portable oxygen concentrator provides the flexibility and mobility needed to breathe comfortably while away from home. Some models can provide as much as 24 hours of continuous oxygen, making it possible to travel or enjoy remote activities without worrying about running out of oxygen. They’re also lightweight for easy carrying, and many models are Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved for airplane travel.

Potential Risks of Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Although oxygen is a safe, non-flammable gas, it does support combustion, meaning materials will burn more quickly in an oxygen-rich environment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the following safety guidelines while using a portable oxygen concentrator:

• Avoid using an oxygen concentrator while smoking or near an open flame.
• Place your oxygen concentrator in an open space to reduce the risk of overheating.
• To maintain optimal device performance, do not cover or block any vents on the oxygen concentrator.
• Check your device for alarms or indications that you’re getting adequate oxygen.

Meanwhile, keep in mind that because portable oxygen concentrators use rechargeable batteries, it’s important to carry an extra battery whenever you anticipate being away from home for long stretches of time.

Oxygen concentrators that deliver 4 liters of oxygen per minute or more may cause nasal dryness and nosebleeds. However, humidifier attachments can help to add moisture to the oxygen you inhale to alleviate symptoms.

Additionally, the American Lung Association warns individuals against using over-the-counter portable oxygen concentrators. While these devices may be more affordable than oxygen concentrators that require a prescription, they may not be able to meet oxygen needs for certain conditions, such as COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.

Portable oxygen concentrators tend to cost around $2,500, but there are models that are both more affordable and more expensive. Data compiled by the Forbes Health editorial team suggests that prices tend to range from about $700 to $3,145, depending on the manufacturer and model. Many oxygen concentrators are available for rent as well, significantly reducing the cost for those who don’t want to buy a device outright.

Does Medicare Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

Medicare Part B often helps cover the cost of renting oxygen equipment, such as portable concentrators. However, you must meet the following conditions:

• A doctor must confirm you have severe lung disease or don’t get enough oxygen on your own.
• An oxygen concentrator might help improve your health.
• Other measures to improve your oxygen intake have already failed.

If you already own a portable oxygen concentrator, Medicare does help pay for supplies and for the delivery of oxygen.

Does Insurance Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

Many private insurers cover portable oxygen concentrators, too, but it depends on the details of your specific plan. For instance, the Inogen One Oxygen Concentrator is covered by “many private insurance plans” at little or no cost, though copayments and deductibles may apply. Contact your insurance provider to find out exactly how much is covered.

If Medicare or your private insurance doesn’t cover an oxygen concentrator, there are ways to reduce costs for these devices. For instance, some medical equipment providers may allow individuals to purchase oxygen concentrators on a payment plan, which will allow them to pay off the cost of the device in small, incremental payments over a predetermined amount of time.

Alternatively, consider purchasing either a used or refurbished oxygen concentrator from a reputable dealer or manufacturer. Used concentrators are typically devices that have been returned, sanitized and tested for oxygen purity levels, with mechanical parts replaced or fixed as needed. Refurbished devices generally have all new mechanical components with repurposed casing and cosmetic fixtures.

Can You Rent a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

If you only need supplemental oxygen therapy for a temporary amount of time, such as if you’re recovering from an illness, it may make more sense to rent a portable oxygen concentrator rather than purchase one. Rental costs for portable oxygen concentrators typically range anywhere from $245 to $500 per week, depending on factors like the type of device, the medical equipment supplier you rent from and your specific oxygen needs.

To rent a portable oxygen concentrator, you’ll likely need to provide your oxygen prescription and insurance information to the device supplier. For Medicare beneficiaries, Part B may cover the costs of renting oxygen equipment and accessories as durable medical equipment (DME) if your doctor prescribes it as medically necessary.