Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Your Ticket To Better Health!
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Are you looking for a portable oxygen concentrator? This list is for you!
You can’t go wrong with any of these models but feel free to read their reviews as buyers can provide a wealth of information for your research. Make sure you check out the buyer’s guide with everything you need in order to make an educated purchase.
Over the years the oxygen therapy landscape has been changing as technology advances. The portable oxygen concentrators are devices that help patients by providing them with higher levels of oxygen compared to the ambient air, so it’s essentially a home oxygen concentrator but is a small, portable size.
Even though this technology is quite new, we can already see huge leaps in technology that now enables patients with chronic lung diseases to enjoy a better quality of life and stay active. Such devices work on the same principles as the stationary oxygen concentrators, but having a smaller device that is battery operated can be liberating.
Today we will discuss the main brands that manufacture portable models, share the top ten lists of the best portable oxygen concentrators on online marketplaces, and through our buyer’s guide and recommendations we will help you do some research in order to pick a new device for your needs.
Most patients don’t know the alternatives that are available so if you need to move from a stationary unit to a portable one have a look at the following best sellers list. Those units are the most trusted ones, with thousands of satisfied buyers that once we’re in a search like you.
What is a portable oxygen concentrator?
Portable oxygen concentrators (or POCs) are a lifesaver for those who have conditions that make it difficult to breathe. Not only do these machines help those with respiratory issues breathe better, but they also allow those individuals the freedom to live their lives as they normally would.
Breathing difficulties such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and asthma may all be treated with oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy is also used to treat heart problems such as angina, atrial fibrillation, or heart failure. The American Heart Association recommends that people with certain health conditions use oxygen therapy for at least two hours per day.
A portable oxygen concentrator is a machine that delivers oxygen to a person. It has two parts: the compressor and the delivery system. The term “portable” means it can be taken with you wherever you go, like your phone or laptop computer. The concentrator needs to be connected to a power source in order to work.
How do portable oxygen concentrators work?
There two types of portable oxygen concentrators that work in different ways:
Compressor-based: Compressors require electricity to operate and use energy from the electric power grid, meaning they must be plugged into a power source. These systems use electricity to create a pressure difference between the oxygen and air inside the concentrator, which forces the compressed gas out of an outlet.
Inhalation system: Inhalation systems use a compressor to provide oxygen at high pressure, but do not require electricity. The output of the compressor is a high-pressure gas that passes through an oxygen mask and into the patient’s lungs.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator Benefits
- They are more convenient than other types of oxygen therapy because they can be taken with you wherever you go, so your loved one doesn’t have to stay in the hospital.
- They are considerably less expensive than other types of oxygen therapy.
Keep in mind thought:
- Some models are too large to be carried around easily.
- They require regular maintenance, which can become expensive over time.
- The main risks that come with using a portable oxygen concentrator are carbon monoxide poisoning and accidental inhalation of concentrated oxygen.
Types of portable oxygen concentrators
Continuous flow
The most common type is the continuous flow unit, which provides constant airflow into a patient’s lungs. This allows for more consistent delivery of oxygen than an intermittent flow unit does. The continuous flow unit is the most common type of portable oxygen concentrator.
Pulse dose
The second type is an intermittent flow unit, which allows for a patient to choose how much supplemental oxygen they need during the day.
The advantage of using an intermittent flow system over a continuous flow system is that the patient can choose how much supplemental oxygen they need during the day. An intermittent flow system is not always better than a continuous flow system, however.
Some models are designed to work with both types of systems, so patients do not have to make an unnecessary decision between continuous and intermittent flow.
Top Rated Brands
Respironics:
The Respironics products are known for their excellent battery life and have received excellent reviews from buyers but as you can imagine quality comes at a price. Their products are aimed at high budgets but we can assure you that they are worth every penny. If you think that when it comes to your health, money is not an object, then we encourage you to have a look at SimplyGo and Simply Go Mini.
HouseHold Server
household Server offers a variety of products that can cover your needs. Their oxygen concentrators come in a portable form factor that is battery operated, but they also include products that can be powered from a car battery or even a larger 3L model. Their car battery-powered model is a good option if you want to use a trolley too.
Yuwell
To be honest, Yuwell models offer a great design that can easily suit your lifestyle thanks to their modern look. Their entry model is YU300 while their larger capacity model is YU500. Those looking for a portable and quiet oxygen concentrator can have a look at their flagship model.
Denshine
Denshine offers an oxygen concentrator that can continuously work 24 hours but also a larger 6L model that runs on 110V. Both models have excellent reviews, although if you look for the smallest portable oxygen concentrator you may have to look for another brand.
Vinmax
One of the smallest concentrators in the market is the entry-level model of Vinmax. This model includes a bacteria filter and intelligent controls making this concentrator an attractive choice for a great price. If you look for a 6L intelligent concentrator Vinmax has you covered with their larger model also at a very attractive price.
Vogvigo
One of the cheapest oxygen concentrators on the market is the Vogvigo one. But don’t that fool you as it packs all the features you will find at various higher-priced models. If the budget is limited then look no further as this one is also one of the quietest models you can buy.
What to Consider When Research for the Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators?
Weight
A model that is lightweight and easy to carry around with you during the day will be more comfortable for patients. Portable oxygen concentrators can weigh anywhere from 2 pounds to 30 pounds, so make sure your chosen unit weighs within the range of what you want it to weigh.
Power Source
Portable oxygen concentrators are powered by electricity, which means that they need to be plugged into an outlet. Some models come with a rechargeable battery, so you can plug them in and have the unit ready for use as soon as you wake up in the morning.
Portability
Portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight and easy to carry around with you during the day. If your patient needs supplemental oxygen, make sure that their model is light enough for them to use on a daily basis. Some units are only designed to be used for a short period of time, so make sure that your patient can use theirs on a daily basis.
A portable oxygen concentrator that comes with a carrying case will be much more comfortable for your loved one, as they can all their concentrator wherever they are going. Some options also come complete with shoulder straps, which make them easier to carry.
Ease of Use
Portable oxygen concentrators are not complicated machines, but you should take the time to read through the instructions before you use the unit. They will have a button that you can press to turn the unit off and on as well as a button for adjusting the oxygen flow.
Make sure your patient is able to use their model without any problems or difficulties before you allow them to try it out. Portable oxygen concentrators are designed for convenience, but if they are not used correctly they can become dangerous for your patient.
If this is the first time your loved one will be using a portable oxygen concentrator, it may be best to ask their doctor or respiratory therapist to show them how to work it before you let them use it on their own.
Oxygen Output and Flow Type
The amount of oxygen that is available to the patient with a portable oxygen concentrator will vary depending on the type of flow rate. Continuous flow units are usually designed to have a range of 0-5 liters per minute. Intermittent flow units can have a low of 0-2 liters per minute or a high setting of 20-40 liters per minutes.
A continuous flow unit will provide constant, reliable oxygen for your loved one during the day. On the other hand, an intermittent flow unit will give your loved one more control over how much supplemental oxygen they need throughout the day. In some cases, patients may only need a continuous flow system because their needs change from hour to hour.
Working Time
If your loved one needs supplemental oxygen, you need to make sure that their model has a long enough working time between charges or refills. The amount of work time that is available for your unit will vary depending on the type of flow rate and how much supplemental oxygen your patient needs throughout the day.
Noise level
The noise level of a device is typically not something that is taken into consideration when you are choosing between units. However, if your loved one has an especially loud portable oxygen concentrator this can be a problem for them in the middle of the night or when they are trying to sleep.
Cost
Portable oxygen concentrators are typically available for purchase online. The price of a model varies significantly, so make sure you find an option that fits within your budget.
The first step to finding the best option for you or your loved one is determining what features are most important to you. Once you have figured out the features that are most important to you, you will be able to make a more informed decision about which option is right for you.