Used Oxygen Concentrators - Pros and Cons

Used Oxygen Concentrators – Pros and Cons

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Buying an oxygen concentrator is a large purchase, and with different buying factors such as manufacturer, pricing, oxygen delivery, accessories, warranty, and to buy a new or used unit. A used or refurbished oxygen concentrator will not be a sacrifice on quality, but there are numerous factors and features between brand new and used units.

Some customers opt to purchase a used unit, but in order to make an informed decision, you should be familiar with the pros and cons compared buying a new or used oxygen concentrator.

The Pros of Buying a Used Oxygen Concentrator

One of the biggest draws towards used unit is lower pricing. Pricing may be the biggest benefit for buying used, but it is still a good one. Pricing for used home machines start at $350 and $995 for portable unit.

Pre-owned refurbished and used oxygen concentrator inventory in most cases been rigorously tested to ensure the highest quality, but since they already have hours of wear and use, they are offered at a lower price than the brand new, never-been-used models. The hours of previous use will vary, but you can find out exactly how many by talking to the company selling the unit – they will answer every question you have about our oxygen concentrators, specific details, and pricing.

Since they do have hours of use and have been refurbished, they usually are also covered by warranties on parts and labor for a certain amount of time. The parts and labor warranty periods will also vary depending on how old each concentrator is, so you will need to check this out for each available used concentrator.

Cons of Buying a Used Oxygen Concentrator

An important factor in purchasing a new unit is the warranty it comes with. The warranty will provide you with worry-free years ownership and if the unit malfunctions. Most manufacturers provide a 3-year warranty on the unit, 1-year on batteries and 90-days on other accessories such as power cords, carts and bags on new purchases.

Some warranties are the same manufacturer warranties, which means they have the same expiration date. Even though the concentrator is new to you, the warranty will expire sooner for you, than if you would have purchased it new. This means you may need to pay out of pocket when it comes time for repairs and replacement parts.

It may take time to find the exact concentrator that fits your unique needs. Used inventory varies so finding the concentrator that meets your requirement can be difficult. If you are in a hurry, buying used may not be for you.

Advantages of Buying Used Concentrators

  • Price
  • Rigorously Tested

Disadvantages of Buying Used Concentrators

  • Shorter or No Warranty
  • Limited Inventory
  • Hours and Condition

Questions to Ask When Searching for a Used Concentrators

When you’re searching for used concentrator, asking the right questions will assist in finding the best unit.

  • What is your budget and what are your needs? Is it worth it to spend more for a longer warranty or additional accessories?
  • Does the unit require maintenance? Will you be performing maintenance or will have to send it in a service center?
  • Are you buying from a reputable oxygen supplier? Is the company an authorized dealer?
  • Is there a warranty on the equipment? If so, how easy is it to get service under it? Does the warranty provider offer loaner equipment?

Tips for Buying Used Oxygen Concentrators

Buying used can be a tricky process to navigate because each unit has different hours, pricing, warranty and other factors. Here are important tips to help in selecting a used unit easier.

    • Research and select the proper unit unit for your oxygen needs. Read product pages, manuals, and watch vidoes on various units.
    • Set your budget. Decide how much you can spend and how you’re going to pay for it.
    • Confirm the concentrator condition; as well hours, warranty and accessories. If the seller does not provide this information, you may want to reconsider buying the item from the seller.
    • Select a credible and authorized dealer. Craigslist and eBay may have used units, but it would be better to find a reputable online supplier that specializes in selling oxygen concentrators. Also search company customer reviews from credible sources like Trustpilot and Google Customer Reviews.
    • Communication between the buyer and the seller is key. This will ensure that any issues that may arise are addressed before and after purchase.

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Buying a used oxygen concentrator can save you a lot of money, but if you aren’t careful, you could end up with something that wasn’t even worth the lower price. If you’re trying to decide between a new and used concentrator, remember that no answer is perfect. Conduct research to find a unit that fits your needs, lifestyle and budget whether it is new or used.

Used and Recertified Concentrator Video

Updated: December 18, 2015

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Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.

Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

About Scott Ridl:

Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more. Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.

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