How to Choose Portable Oxygen Concentrator 5 Litres?

Mar. 17, 2025

Guide to choose the Best Oxygen Concentrator Machine - Portea

what is an oxygen concentrator?

During the pandemic, best oxygen concentrators have garnered attention as life-saving devices. These medical tools provide long-term oxygen therapy for individuals unable to breathe independently. Unlike oxygen cylinders with stored gas or liquid oxygen, concentrators utilize ambient air to produce and supply oxygen.

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They offer a reliable source of oxygen and are suitable for both hospital and home use, aiding people in breathing more effectively. As a convenient alternative to traditional oxygen delivery systems, oxygen concentrators are crucial in supporting patients with respiratory challenges during these challenging times.

There are two main types of oxygen concentrators: continuous flow concentrators and pulse dose concentrators.

Continuous flow concentrators deliver a constant stream of oxygen, regardless of whether the user inhales or exhales. This concentrator type is typically used for people who need oxygen at night or during increased activity.

Pulse dose concentrators deliver oxygen only when the user inhales. This type of concentrator is typically used for people who need oxygen during the day while going about their everyday activities.

how to choose the best oxygen concentrator?

Selecting the appropriate oxygen concentrator is crucial, as it can be life-saving. However, it is essential to note that the device should be used only with a doctor's prescription. Your healthcare provider will determine the best fit based on your oxygen requirements, overall health, financial circumstances, and other essential factors.

Before investing in an oxygen concentrator, consider the following essential aspects to ensure it meets your specific needs:

FLOW RATE

The flow rate capability is a crucial factor in oxygen concentrators, as it determines the rate at which oxygen is supplied to the patient, measured in litres per minute (LPM). Typically, oxygen flow rates range from 3 to 10 LPM, and some devices can produce more than 10 LPM.

Ensure that the device you choose has a working adjustable flow meter to customise the oxygen delivery to the user's specific needs. Patients with stable oxygen requirements may opt for lower-output devices, while those with severe respiratory distress or hospitalisation may need higher outputs.

Selecting an oxygen concentrator with a capacity higher than your requirement is essential to be prepared for unexpected situations. For instance, if you need 5 LPM, opt for a device with an 8 LPM output.

POWER CONSUMPTION

The power consumption of an oxygen concentrator depends on its size and settings. Stationary oxygen concentrators, suitable for those requiring higher oxygen levels, are larger and heavier and do not run on batteries. Check the product packaging for specifications on amps and volts to estimate the impact on your electricity bill.

For lower and stable oxygen requirements, consider concentrators operated on batteries. These are lighter, portable, and come with battery backup to ensure your safety during times of need. Choose the appropriate type of oxygen concentrator based on your specific oxygen needs and portability preferences.

PORTABILITY

A portable oxygen concentrator is ideal for individuals with an active lifestyle who are often away from home. These concentrators come with batteries and a plug-in option, providing freedom and flexibility to use during meetings or driving. They are compact, lightweight, and discreet, allowing you to participate in social events and maintain a good quality of life.

The Philips Simplygo Mini Oxygen Concentrator is recommended for its portability features.

Consider a non-portable oxygen concentrator with a higher capacity if your oxygen requirements are higher. While they may be larger, heavier, and more expensive, they ensure your oxygen needs are met without compromise.

OXYGEN CONCENTRATION

Oxygen concentrators filter and deliver oxygenated air to the user, providing a specific percentage of oxygen known as oxygen concentration. The concentration capacity varies based on each concentrator model's design, quality, and number of filtration systems.

Typically, oxygen concentration levels range from 87-99 per cent, similar to oxygen cylinders. Patients with chronic respiratory issues require higher oxygen concentrations for breathing and should choose high-powered options capable of supplying elevated oxygen levels.

For those not requiring high oxygen concentrations, portable and lightweight oxygen concentrators are suitable. The Everflow Oxygen Concentrator is one of the best options with optimum oxygen concentration.

NOISE LEVEL

Considering the noise level of your oxygen concentrator is crucial, even though it's often overlooked. With technological advancements, modern concentrators typically produce sound levels ranging from 30-60 decibels, making them relatively quiet.

The noise level of an oxygen concentrator depends on factors like power capacity, size, and weight. Devices with higher power and flow rates tend to generate more noise, while smaller, portable concentrators with lower power and flow rates are quieter and generate less heat.

faqs

When deciding between a 5-litre and a 10-litre oxygen concentrator, what factors should be considered?

Base your choice on your oxygen requirements and the severity of your condition when deciding between a 5-litre and a 10-litre oxygen concentrator. While the 5L concentrator is suitable for mild symptoms and basic needs, opting for the 10L concentrator is recommended for better efficiency. The 10L concentrator provides a higher flow rate of oxygen per minute, ensuring an ample supply for patients with more significant oxygen needs.

Prioritizing your health and well-being, Portea offers a range of oxygen concentrators for rent or purchase, including options with varying capacities to effectively cater to your specific requirements.

Can an oxygen concentrator operate continuously for 24 hours?

Oxygen concentrators are designed to run continuously, providing oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Built to be durable, they can operate for extended periods, sometimes up to five years or more, with proper maintenance and minimal repair. This makes them a reliable and efficient oxygen source for patients requiring continuous oxygen therapy.

Is it safe to sleep with an oxygen concentrator?

Yes, it is safe to sleep with a portable oxygen concentrator. Many individuals requiring oxygen therapy use portable concentrators while sleeping and have experienced significant health benefits. Designed for use during sleep, portable oxygen concentrators provide a continuous and reliable oxygen source, crucial for individuals with respiratory conditions or low oxygen levels.

What are the potential side effects of oxygen concentrators?

While generally safe, oxygen concentrators can cause some side effects, including a dry or bloody nose, tiredness, and morning headaches. Adhering to proper guidelines and using the oxygen concentrator as prescribed by a healthcare professional is essential. Additionally, since oxygen supports combustion, avoiding smoking or using flammable materials near an oxygen concentrator is crucial to prevent fire risks.

How does an oxygen concentrator benefit the lungs?

Oxygen concentrators can help improve lung function in individuals with various respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe long-term asthma, and cystic fibrosis. These devices deliver oxygen to the lungs, alleviating symptoms, improving breathing, and enhancing overall well-being for those with respiratory issues.

10 Essentials to Check Before You Buy a Portable Oxygen ...

This article gives you essential information to check when you are considering the purchase of a portable oxygen concentrator.

A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a device that provides oxygen therapy and that is smaller, lighter-weight, and more portable than a stationary concentrator. Portable oxygen concentrators are often considered an alternative to oxygen tanks. Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) offer many advantages to people on supplemental oxygen.

POC Advantages and Limitations

Oxygen tanks lack some characteristics that make portable oxygen concentrators (POC) desirable:

POCs do not have to be refilled
POCs do not leak
POCs are easy to transport and carry
POCs are allowed for air travel

Portable oxygen concentrators have some limitations also:

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POCs do not provide the level of oxygen flow that some patients need
POCs need power (electrical or battery) to operate
POC are expensive to buy and can be expensive to repair

Will it satisfy your oxygen requirements?

Portable oxygen concentrators are great devices, if they deliver the amount of oxygen that you need. But there is a lot of confusion around the difference between the setting numbers on a POC and the liters per minute of oxygen that your doctor prescribed. Yes, there are numbers on the dial of a POC that say 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Do not confuse those settings with liters per minute (LPM). Numbers on the POC are manufacturers' settings and do not mean liters per minute. Advertising often fails to mention this. You may also find salespeople and technicians who are unaware or fail to mention this. Do not be misled by people or advertising that suggests that the number settings on a POC mean liters per minute.

Let me say that again. Setting level numbers on a POC are not liters per minute!

In the tradeoff to become lightweight, POCs give up the capacity for delivering higher flows of oxygen. Currently, most POCs that are light enough to carry (under 8 pounds) deliver a maximum flow of 1.25 ' 1.5 LPM. If you often need more oxygen than that, you may get very limited use out of a small, lightweight POC.

Look at the maximum oxygen output (liters per minute) of the models you are considering. Remember that the maximum output of a POC won't be what you always get. The maximum output will only be delivered at the highest setting. Using a higher setting should give you more oxygen, but can reduce the POC's battery life.

There are currently a few portable oxygen concentrators that can deliver up to 3 LPM, but they weigh between 16 ' 20 pounds. They are considered 'portable' because they can be pulled on wheels, run on batteries, and can be used on most airplanes.

The best way to understand how much oxygen a POC can provide is to consult the POC Comparison Chart from runningonair.net.

Does it offer pulse flow, continuous flow, or both?

Portable oxygen concentrators can deliver oxygen to the user in two ways, continuous flow or pulse flow (also called pulse dose). Continuous flow is when oxygen is delivered in a steady stream and is not affected by your breathing rate. Pulse flow delivers oxygen only when you inhale, which triggers the concentrator to deliver a burst of oxygen (called a bolus).

Pulse dose delivery offers the benefit of conserving oxygen ' so that oxygen is not wasted between each breath. When using pulse delivery, you must breathe deeply enough to trigger the concentrator to deliver a bolus.

You need to know that a device using pulse delivery changes the amount of oxygen in each bolus to deliver a specific amount each minute. If you have a higher-than-normal respiratory rate (more than 12-18 breaths per minute) the amount of oxygen delivered to you with each breath is lowered. If your breathing is very shallow or you have a high respiratory rate, you may find that continuous flow works better for you. As with all questions, talk with your doctor or a healthcare provider to determine your needs.

For a more detailed explanation of the difference between pulse and continuous flow, read this Pulse v Continuous Flow ResMed fact sheet.

Is it a medical device that requires a prescription?

A portable oxygen concentrator is a medical device and, in the US, it must be prescribed by a medical doctor or specialist. A reputable seller will require a copy of your medical prescription for oxygen.

There are some POCs sold online that are NOT FDA-cleared or approved medical devices. Medpage Today published a warning about the purchase of these devices.

Doctors, the FDA, and other health organizations warn lung disease patients not to buy or use any oxygen or oxygen equipment that can be purchased without a prescription. These non-medical products may be called over-the-counter oxygen, canned oxygen, or oxygen canisters. Over-the-counter oxygen and oxygen delivery devices are sometimes sold online, in pharmacies, or in drug stores at a much lower cost than the ones that require a prescription. The over-the-counter devices have not had FDA testing for safety and effectiveness. In a small study, the COPD Foundation has shown that most of these devices are ineffective for someone with lung disease.

Is it new or reconditioned?

New portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) can be expensive between $ and $ USD as of this writing. Buying used devices is one way to save money. Used portable oxygen concentrators have been owned and used previously by another oxygen patient.

Beware of the risks of a used POC. You may see a well-intentioned family member or patient offer a used POC on sales forums or at a garage sale. A neighbor recently offered us her father's POC, which had been stored in her attic for some time. Because we did not know how it was maintained or its condition, we decided not to use it. A POC that has a faulty part or dirty filters may not deliver oxygen that is impurity-free. And even if there isn't an issue with its oxygen quality, a used POC may not function reliable and efficiently.

A refurbished POC is different than a used one and is a safer choice. Refurbishing includes major repairs, replacement of critical parts that concentrate the oxygen, and a thorough cleaning. A refurbished POC may be available at a lower cost than a brand-new one. Some refurbished POCs have been sent back to the manufacturer; others are refurbished in certified repair centers. Some may even provide service warranties.

Will the battery life satisfy your needs?

Most people purchase a POC to allow them to go out socially, travel by air or car, and be outdoors. Consider your habits and desires. How long can you expect one fully charged battery to last? Manufacturers will often give you the best-case estimate for battery life. Individual results can vary. Can you purchase a second battery? If so, this will extend your usage, but at an added cost. Can the POC be plugged in while being used in a car or at home? If so, this may help you get longer usage.

What additional costs might you face?

Some POCs contain a filter that needs regular cleaning to prevent it from becoming clogged with dust or microparticles. Consult the manufacturer's information or reviews before you buy. Look for information on how often filters should be cleaned and also on the cost of replacement filters, if needed.

Most POCs need to be serviced periodically. Sometimes parts may need to be replaced. POCs are complex machinery and the replacement parts and repairs can be expensive. For example, as of Sept. , the cost of two replacement columns for an Inogen 3, 4, or 5 model is listed at USD 129. (These columns remove most of the nitrogen from air so the POC can deliver purer oxygen.) Again, check the manufacturer's website. It may list prices for replacement parts. You may also find estimates for periodic servicing and repairs.

Does it have a warranty?

New devices will likely come with some type of manufacturer's warranty. Read the fine print to learn what it covers and how long it lasts. In some cases, you may be able to purchase a longer warranty. Consider whether this would be cost-effective. Some warranties cover essentially all costs other than battery replacements. Other warranties are more limited. Either might save you money and assure you that the device is backed by the company.

Is it approved for commercial flight?

In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration approves POCs for onboard use if they meet certain acceptance criteria and if they are labeled as meeting the requirements for commercial flying. Individual airlines may have their unique set of requirements for bringing and using your POC on their flight. If you regularly fly the same airline, it may be worth checking their website or making a call to be sure you purchase a POC model they approve. If you are outside the US, consult your governing organization or airlines for a list of approved POCs.

When considering different POCs and their capacity to deliver oxygen, remember that at a higher altitude, you may require more supplemental oxygen than you do at your home altitude.

How much does it weigh?

Weight is a consideration, especially if the exertion of carrying a POC increases your need for supplemental oxygen. We would, of course, like the lightest, quietest, POC that meets our oxygen requirements. Realize that as size and weight get smaller, there might be a trade-off in the amount of oxygen that a POC can provide.

How noisy is it?

Oxygen concentrators make noise. After all, they are machines with a motor. They may also have built-in low battery and other alarms. Consider the type of environments where you may want to use your POC. Will the noise make you feel like you are causing a disturbance during a church service, attending a funeral, dining in a quiet restaurant, or attending a movie? Some POCs are noisier than others. The manufacturer's documents should list the noise level in decibels. It is a good practice to listen to one before you buy if you can.

Summary

In the Checklist, we have listed these 10 things to consider with room for you to make notes as you research portable oxygen concentrators.

POCs are great devices and can keep you active and connected socially, which is better for your overall health and outlook. They are ideal for keeping you active and involved in life. They can be expensive and there are differences in the quality of these devices. Use the checklist to fully research your options. Then, go out and enjoy every day ' living your best life.