Portable Oxygen Concentrator Continuous Flow Higher Than 4liters

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Everyday life changes when you need supplemental oxygen on a regular basis. "People with emphysema or COPD need oxygen," says Kimberly Langdon, MD, Ohio-based physician, and VP of product development and research at Physician Integrative Laboratories. As such, portable oxygen concentrators are life-saving machines and can be beneficial for people who require medical oxygen.

For the unfamiliar, oxygen concentrators work by pulling air in through a filter and compressing it into one of two zeolite towers. "It's a way to extract oxygen from the air and remove the nitrogen so that the concentration of oxygen is higher than ambient air which is 21%," says Dr. Langdon. "These are safer than traditional pressurized oxygen tanks and more economical and convenient—easier to transport because they aren't as bulky or heavy."

When looking for a portable oxygen concentrator, Dr. Langdon recommends considering portability, battery life, and weight. We researched dozens of portable oxygen concentrators on the market and evaluated them for battery life, portability, price, weight, and flow.

Based on our research, these are the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market.

 Courtesy of OxyPam

Pros

• Charges quickly

• Four-hour battery life

• Audible alerts

Cons

• No continuous flow

• Standard filter only

We recommend the G3 as our top pick because it's one of the quietest and most efficient portable oxygen concentrators available. It boasts a four-hour battery life and an operational altitude of up to 10,000 feet. Also, the carrying case looks more like an outdoorsy lunch bag than a medical device.

The G3 always puts your health first with audible alerts in case of a power outage, no-breath detected alarms and oxygen purity checks. Rest assured, if your oxygen level ever falls below the required purity levels, you will know immediately.

Weight: 4.8 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: 4.7 hours

 Courtesy of Respshop

Pros

• Two rechargeable batteries

• Easy to clean

• FAA approved for air travel

Cons

• Could blow fuses during car charging

• Loud

The Respironics SimplyGo has a continuous flow of up to 54 minutes. It also comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you can always have a charge going while your POC is in use. While the batteries are easy to charge on the go, some users note that charging the unit with a car cigarette lighter may blow a fuse.

At 10 pounds and with a modern design of less than 12 inches wide and tall, it is one of the smallest POCs with continuous flow. It's approved for use up to 10,000 feet, where it's able to keep up a pulse dose setting of one to six and a continuous flow setting between 0.5 and two.

Weight: 10 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse and continuous flow | Battery Life: 3.5 hours

 Courtesy of OxygenConcentratorStore

Pros

• Easy to recharge on the go

• Energy efficient

• Audible alarms

Cons

• May be hard to lift for those with low mobility

If energy efficiency is priority number one, you can do no wrong with the SeQual Eclipse 5 mobile unit. It's hands down one of the most energy-efficient models with long-lasting batteries available.

The battery lasts up to five hours and has a pulse dose of one to six liters of oxygen delivered per minute (LPM) for precise and predictable 90% oxygen with each inhale. SeQual's AutoSAT technology really sets it apart. It helps maintain the same amount of oxygen consistently, even as the breath rate varies.

But it's also on the heavier side. It weighs 18 pounds and comes with a cart that easily wheels it around. You can also sling it over both shoulders and carry it as a backpack.

Weight: 18.4 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse and Continuous flow | Battery Life: 5 hours

What the Experts Say

"The ability to use a portable oxygen concentrator really depends on how much oxygen do you need, what flow do you need it at, and how long do you want to use it before you have to go back to your stationary device or replace the battery." —Albert Rizzo, MD, the Chief Medical Officer for the American Lung Association

 Courtesy of Vitality Medical

Pros

• Can be charged during use

• Easy to clean

• Quiet

Cons

• More difficult for travel

• Does not include a bag

For pulse-flow POC, it is impossible to beat this Precision Medical model in price, ease of use, and performance. The EasyPulse PM4150 will keep humming along on one battery over three hours at setting two and it comes with a car adapter for on-the-go charging needs. If that's not quite enough, extra batteries are available as is a sling for easy transportation, but it may be more difficult to travel without these additions.

This 6.8-pound concentrator only has one filter, which makes cleaning a breeze. It is also highly efficient, as the oxygen volume adjusts automatically to the breathing rate, maintaining minute volume so not a bit of oxygen-rich air is wasted.

Weight: 6.6 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: 4.7 hours

 Courtesy of OxygenConcentratorStore

Pros

• Very lightweight

• Great for plane travel

• Easy to carry in a pocket or bag

Cons

• Takes a few minutes to start working

This FAA-approved device is one of the lightest on the market, weighing in at a mere 2 pounds. It's so light and petite, you'd barely notice carrying it on your shoulder or pocket.

The AirSep has microbatteries that last up to three hours and an additional supplemental battery pack belt for an additional three and a half hours of battery life. It has a pulse dose rate of two LPM, so what you gain in featherweight class, you will notice a decrease in airflow ranges.

Weight: 2 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: 1.5 hours

 Courtesy of OxygenConcentratorStore

Pros

• Lightweight

• Quiet in both modes

• Water resistant

Cons

• Heats up quickly

• Low working altitude

This model shines all around just like its namesake precious metal. It's incredibly quiet in both continuous and pulse dose mode and emits one of the highest oxygen purity levels and weighs under five pounds.

It may be compact, but it is rugged, durable, and water resistant, and it can withstand extreme temperatures. It has a pulse dose range of one to five LPM.

Weight: 4.8 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: Up to 8 hours with two batteries

 Courtesy of O2 Concepts

Pros

• Works at high altitudes

• Easy to transport

• Durable

The Oxlife Independence is excellent for traveling due to its operational altitude of 13,123 feet. Unlike other models that top out at 8,000 or 10,000, this portable oxygen concentrator can keep up even up higher and it comes with wheels and a cart handle for easier transportation.

The pulse dose setting ranges from one to six LPM. It also has a continuous setting of one to three LPM for precision oxygen. The battery keeps both pulse dose mode chugging for up to four hours and up to 1.5 hours operating in the continuous mode.

Weight: 16.7 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Continuous and Pulse flow | Battery Life: 1.5 hours

What the Experts Say

"Patients need to talk to their doctors about if they can handle a portable concentrator to see if their breathing technique and liter flow are adequate from that concentrator to meet their needs. The last thing you want to do is go out and buy a concentrator that doesn't meet the needs of the patient." —Albert Rizzo, MD, the Chief Medical Officer with the American Lung Association

 Courtesy of OxygenConcentratorStore

Pros

• Extremely durable

• Discreet carrying case

• Quiet during use

Cons

• Power cord is sensitive

The AirSep Freestyle 3 weighs only five pounds and is very small, as in mix-it-up-with-your-smartphone small. AirSep is leading the category in compact oxygen concentrators with this model.

This specific model is designed for the active user with a quiet, efficient pulse flow that goes up to a setting of three. It has a Max Pulse Setting of three and max oxygen of 332 per minute. The Freestyle can be worn over your shoulder with a carrying bag or you can add on the optional harness to convert it into a backpack, which frees you to do your favorite activity.

Users note that the power supply cord can be difficult to maneuver, sometimes unplugging with movement.

Weight: 4.9 lbs | Delivery/Flow Type: Pulse flow | Battery Life: 3.5 hours

Final Verdict

Inogen One G3 comes in as best overall because it's lightweight, powerful, and reliable. An alternative, and still top choice, is the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator due to its continuous oxygen flow, multiple rechargeable batteries and excellent performance at altitudes, which far surpasses that of competitors.

How We Selected the Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Many conditions require higher-purity oxygen with the help of portable oxygen concentrators. To find the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market, we researched dozens of the top models and spoke to doctors to find out what patients should look for when buying oxygen concentrators.

We considered models based on their size and weight for easy transportation, delivery and flow type, and oxygen output. Our list includes a mix of durable, high-flow options great for home use and other lightweight, discreet options that are perfect for travel.

What to Look for in a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Weight

These devices are meant to be used wherever you want to go, so size and weight are major considerations as is your chosen transportation method. Generally, oxygen concentrators with more power and higher output are heavier and larger. That doesn't have to be a deterrent for an on-the-go lifestyle, though. Many also feature a convenient rolling cart or strap system for transporting easily.

For reference, a continuous portable device weighs around 20 pounds. The pulse flow device tends to be significantly lighter, ranging from three to 10 pounds in total.

Delivery/Flow Type

There are two main types of units, a pulse flow, and continuous flow, based on the delivery of oxygenated air. The pulse flow machine delivers air to the patient as short puffs timed to each inhalation. As a result, no oxygen is wasted. "The pulse flow or demand flow delivers oxygen only when the patient is inhaling. This can help with power consumption. Nighttime use is more commonly pulse-flow. Some operate continuous flow with the added feature of pulse-flow as needed," says Dr. Langdon.

In contrast, the continuous flow unit produces a continuous stream of oxygen. "One to five liters per minute of continuous oxygen flow is a common way to deliver oxygen continuously whether the patient is inhaling or not," says Dr. Langdon. These devices tend to have larger compressors, and there is likely some oxygen waste.

Battery Life

You can expect portable oxygen concentrators to run on a single battery charge for up to four or five hours. The smaller, lighter units generally have shorter battery charge-spans, though many of the devices come with extra batteries that can double that off-the-grid lifespan and charging options in cars.

Oxygen Output

By far the number one consideration to take into account when shopping for an oxygen concentrator is how much oxygen the machine can put out. Unlike oxygen tanks, which can deliver oxygen in virtually any setting, Scott Marlow, a respiratory therapist with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, explains that portable concentrators deliver a "certain quantity of oxygen with each breath." Most patients require about 400 milliliters per min depending on their diagnosis.

It's important to speak to a doctor about your specific requirements and what machines will best keep your oxygen saturation levels stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are portable concentrators covered by Medicare?

  Oxygen concentrators are sometimes covered on Medicare, but it depends on the patient's coverage. "If you qualify for supplemental oxygen at night that's almost always covered by insurance companies, including Medicare," Dr. Rizzo says. But accessing a portable oxygen concentrator, depending on coverage, can be more difficult for patients who require the device. "What happened with Medicare is the amount that they cover with any oxygen device has become a set amount," Dr. Rizzo says. Home care companies can provide people oxygen for less with a portable gas tank versus liquid oxygen, Dr. Rizzo adds, so this influences whether the device will be covered or not.

• Can you use a portable concentrator at night?

  This depends on your specific condition. If you require an oxygen concentrator, ask your doctor if it's safe to use the device during the night.

• How long do portable concentrators last?

  Most oxygen concentrators are created with durability in mind, as they're used to help the person travel and accomplish their daily tasks. A new device should likely last someone from five to seven years depending on the concentrator and how it's used daily. Many of these devices come with a warranty, which typically lasts for two years. "It's like buying any household appliance," Dr. Rizzo says. "You want to check the warranty and trust who you're buying or renting it from."

Why Trust Verywell Health?

As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. For over 10 years, she has reviewed products, interviewed experts, scrutinized ingredients, and pored over research studies and claims, to help readers like you understand what works for your specific conditions. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews.

Additional reporting for this story by Danielle Zoellner

As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the fieldwork together help readers like yourself find the best products for your daily life.

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Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/top-portable-oxygen-concentrators-915001