If you need to purchase a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator, it is essential to get the right device from the get-go. There is nothing worse than buying a medical device only to find out that it does not fit your oxygen needs.
In this blog post, we will explore how to compare continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators and briefly highlight 3 top concentrators.
Many portable oxygen units offer only a pulse-dose setting, also known as “on-demand” or a “puffer” device. While this type of device is excellent for patients who do not need high amounts of oxygen, if you need higher and more stable levels of oxygen from your device, it is essential to purchase a device that offers continuous flow. Your doctor will determine what is best for you.
Before we proceed, let us briefly cover the main criteria to use when making your comparisons.
How to Compare Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrators
There are many ways to compare portable oxygen machines, but for this blog post, we have whittled it down to 7 main criteria:
1. Flow Settings
The flow setting is how you set the device to the level prescribed by your doctor. Once your doctor puts in the order for you to receive portable oxygen therapy, he or she will specify a flow level for you. For example, your doctor might prescribe 2 liters per minute of oxygen flow. So on your device, you will have to adjust the flow settings to achieve 2 liters per minute.
Most devices will allow you to set a continuous flow from 0.5–2 liters per minute, which you can adjust in 0.5-liter increments.
2. Alarm Types
Medical devices, like portable oxygen concentrators, are required to have various alarms for safety. It is essential to understand the different types of alarms that come with these devices.
While there are a wide variety of alarms, there are 3 primary alarms you should be aware of for your portable oxygen device:
- Low battery
- Low oxygen purity
- No flow
Most people buy a portable oxygen device to use it on-the-go. So it is essential to have a low battery alarm to let you know if the battery is low. With this alarm, you will be alerted to stop somewhere, recharge or replace the battery, and avoid the loss of oxygen flow. As a result, many users purchase a second battery to be used as a backup to ensure having power throughout their day.
While not every manufacturer will call the next alarm a “low oxygen purity” alarm, the basic idea is that there should be an alarm letting you know if the oxygen concentration level is out of range. This alarm is important because the correct flow setting on your device depends on a particular oxygen purity range.
Finally, a “no flow” alarm is also essential. There are many reasons for a loss of flow such as a device malfunction or a simple kink in the oxygen tubing. Either way, if there is no more flow coming out of the device, you need to be aware of it immediately.
3. Portability
The heavier your device is, the less “portable” it is on a practical level. Some manufacturers will call their devices portable, but if the weight is overwhelming for some users, then it ceases to be practically portable.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to consider the weight of your device before purchasing it. If the specs on a device say it is 10 pounds, it is a good idea to grab a 10-pound dumbbell or something and test out how that weight feels around your shoulder. Some of the heavier devices come with portable carts for easier mobility. Some of our customers purchase a cart separately for lighter units as well to keep the weight off the shoulder.
4. Rechargeable Battery
Most portable oxygen concentrators have rechargeable batteries, but the quality of the batteries will vary. It is a good idea to compare charging times and battery durations when making your comparisons.
Charging time is the amount of time it takes to charge an empty battery to full capacity. The battery duration is how long the battery will last once the unit is removed from the main outlet source.
5. Noise Level
One feature many people do not consider until after they start using the device is the noise level. Whether using your portable oxygen concentrator in the grocery store or on your nightstand at home, the amount of noise emanating from your device can become a nuisance if it is too loud.
Manufacturers generally disclose the highest sound rating from their device in decibels. For comparison, a quiet conversation at home is 50 decibels, while the sound of a garbage truck can come in at 80 decibels.
6. Oxygen Concentration
Most portable oxygen concentrators will give you a concentration range to specify the oxygen purity you could expect at sea level. Oxygen concentration gives you an idea about how pure the oxygen is from your device. While it is not critical to purchase a concentrator just because it has the highest level of oxygen purity, if the device falls below 80% oxygen purity, it is probably not strong enough to provide safe therapeutic levels.
7. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Approval
If you travel a lot and have recently received a new prescription for oxygen therapy, purchasing a device that has already been pre-approved by the FAA will save you a headache. Portable oxygen concentrators are highly regulated devices, even with airline agencies. To best prepare for travel and are on oxygen therapy is to check with your airline’s website or call them to inquire about their policies and guidelines for flying with an oxygen concentrator.
Top 3 Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Here are top portable continuous flow machines that meet the above criteria:
Respironics SimplyGo Continuous-Flow Oxygen Concentrator
One of the great things about the Respironics SimplyGo is that it is only 10 pounds with the battery installed. That makes it the lightest device of the bunch. This reliable device supports both pulse-flow and continuous needs, giving a user great flexibility. If you want a rugged and versatile the SimplyGo from Respironics is a good choice.
CAIRE Eclipse 5 Continuous-Flow Oxygen Concentrator
The goal of the Eclipse 5 is to provide a single-oxygen solution with 24/7 capabilities. While the Caire SeQual Eclipse 5 is one of the heavier units, it also comes with a mobile cart for easy transportation. With both continuous and pulse-flow modes, the unit can support almost any person on oxygen therapy wanting mobility in their daily routine.
Oxlife Independence Continuous-Flow Oxygen Concentrator
The O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence is an all-in-one portable oxygen concentrator with a sleek design and offers high-end features at a mid-range price. This provides users with a high-performance, versatile alternative to traditional portable oxygen concentrators, giving users freedom and quality of life.
looking to research portable 2 pound oxygen makers
Take a look at our product page where we provide product reviews and guides. But the best option is to call one of our specialist who can get you aligned with an option that works with the prescription and your needs. Give us a call at 888-360-9628.
How can l getting used portable oxygen device continuous flow
If you give us a call at 888-743-0156 we can help you. We do have them but our stock of used machines rotates daily on what machines we have available. But start with giving us a call.
Thank you for your informative article.
looking for just continuous flow unit thank you for information
Please reach out to us at: 1-877-644-4581 if you have any questions. We would be happy to give you more information regarding continuous flow machines.
portable. ease of carrying the unit. weight, long-lasting. continues flow at what setting. as my disease progresses can this be exchanged for a higher flow device, is there a trade-in value?
Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.
Would like info and pricing for a continuous flow oxygen concentrator with the highest flow levels. Linda Lebert lynleb@charter.net
Thank you for your inquiry. I have passed along your information to a specialist who will reach out regarding your request. For more immediate assistance feel free to give our specialists a call at (888) 360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com
Hello! Your information re. Portable oxygen concentrators was an excellent description of continuous flow portable oxygen. Medicare will pay for a portable concentrator now. I use oxygen 24/7, but could NOT carry 10 lbs. Could I get enough oxygen w/a puffer? Do you know how much, if anything, M.C. would pay towards a continuous flow?
Thanks for your blog. Portable Oxygen concentrators are seriously very much need in today’s world, because Covid-19 is th reason behind every problems. peoples are dying due to Oxygen . many people are depend on 24/7 Oxygen
Why aren’t continuous flow portable concentrators more available? If I have to Puff or sniff Every time for oxygen I would do nothing but puff or sniff All the time? If I use 4 to 5 L sniffing is not an option for me
Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.