How to Care For and Maintain Your Concentrator Batteries

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Did you know that one of the most important aspects of caring for your oxygen concentrator is properly maintaining the batteries? These important power sources allow your unit to run and if not cared for correctly you risk your unit not working properly, batteries draining far too quickly, or in many cases, your batteries no longer holding a charge!

Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to care for and get the longest life out of your concentrator batteries. Keep reading below for more!

Not All Are Equal

The first thing you will want to know is that the batteries that came with your machine are specific to that model. Although the batteries for portable machines are all lithium ion based, they are not universal to every portable machine.

Additionally, it is important to note that amount of battery life given for each battery does change from machine to machine and setting to setting. For example, the battery life, on the rechargeable batteries, for the Respironic’s SimplyGo is roughly 3.5 hours for a full charge. However, that is at an oxygen flow setting of 2. The higher the oxygen setting, the more of the batteries power it’ll require to run, therefore, shortening your battery life.

Store in a Safe Place

When storing your concentrator batteries, it’s important to ensure they are not stored at elevated temperatures. Extremely high and, in some cases, extremely low temperatures can damage your battery and affect it’s ability to hold a charge. Additionally, it’s important to note any increases in elevation as each unit and battery will be functional up until a certain elevation point. To learn the parameters of your individual machine, please consult your owner’s manual. Can’t find it? Click: Download Online Manual(s).

Maintain Your Charge

If you have any spare batteries you’re not regularly using it’s advised to store these batteries at a 50% charge. Not only will this ensure your concentrator will have power should any emergencies arise, it will also help preserve the life of the battery. If a concentrator battery is allowed to drain completely and remain without a charge over an extended period of time, the battery will begin to deteriorate much quicker.

Pay Attention to Battery Life

Most manufacturers list in user manual that batteries are meant to be recharged through their charging cycle, roughly 350 – 500 times before they, unavoidably, begin to loose their efficiency. If your batteries are over 2 years old, pay attention to how long they’re holding their charge. When you begin to notice that the time is getting shorter and shorter for the battery to drain from full to less than half, it’s time to consider ordering a new or spare battery.

Monthly Recalibration

It’s suggested by most manufacturers that you preform a battery recalibration once a month. To do this, ensure all of your AC/DC power cords are removed from the machine. Keep only the replaceable battery on the unit and use the unit as normal until the battery is completely exhausted of all power. You will then want to remove the battery from the unit and refrain from using your unit for one hour. After one hour, charge the battery to 100% full and place back in the unit. Keep an eye on the unit and battery for the next 2 hours to ensure it is functioning properly.

Safety First

Another great safety tip is to always travel with both the internal, supplemental, and/or spare batteries at a full charge if you plan to be gone more than 3 hours at a time. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and not be caught without power in an emergency.

UPDATED: 1/16/18

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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.

67 thoughts on “How to Care For and Maintain Your Concentrator Batteries

    • Thank you for your comment, Gerrie. I will have a specialist reach out regarding your request. If you’d like more immediate assistance you’re more than welcome to reach us directly at 877-774-9271 or at Sales@amsrco.com.

    • Just like any other electronic, it is not good to keep something continuously charging and pulling power. Just like how leaving a laptop constantly charging can eventually damage the components. Leaving your batteries constantly charging is hazardous to the lifespan of the battery.

    • I plugged the charger in to my unit and it’s making a “running” noise..It’s never done that before when it’s charging! Is it time to Replace the Battery? I’ve had the machine and same battery for well over 3 yrs?

      • Please check for any alerts on the unit. If there are none, call your vendor to get the unit repaired.
        It doesn’t look like a battery problem. Either sieve beds need to change or the unit requires some internal repairs.

  1. Fellow battery-users probably know this, but I’ve found that having an automobile charging device is not just comforting, it can be critical. When I am driving, I connect the device to continually charge while I am driving. The automobile charging equipment is not that expensive…. the result is super.

  2. Thanks for this good article. Yep…the main problem with these portables is the batteries don’t last long at all. And anyone who needs more than 2 L pulse has a short battery life. Too bad technology can’t figure out a way to do better.

    • At least we have it. Last generation didn’t. We also know they will work on it and make them better for us. Hey, remember wheeling around the big tanks?

      • It’s recommended to drain the battery for better battery life. In my opinion, draining the battery a few times a week would do, if you use the Inogen unit regularly.

  3. Thank you for the information, especially the answer of not leaving the battery charging after it is fully charged. any help in extending battery life is very appreciated.

  4. Inogen – G-4 battery with extended time. Purchase 3 @$500 each . 2 are still operating and 1 has no life.
    I’ve charged it and noting happens. Per AMSR, these were purchase 2 yrs – 2mos. I use my POC for flying only. I personally think that the one battery was defective. Hate paying that money and not have it last! Do you think I should speak with customer service from Inogen?

  5. We have had a problem with use of our EquinOx car charger in a Chrysler van. Our local mechanic states that the power draw from many portable concentrators’ car chargers is greater than the car’s electrical system can handle, resulting in blown fuses!

    • Thank you for your comment, Linda. This can definitely be the case. If you refer to your owner’s manual, it will specify the power output required for charging. Always be sure to refer to your owner’s manual if you have questions regarding operating your machine correctly or safely.

      • Refer to your cars owner manual. It will tell you the current in amps for each plug. My Chrysler has two connectors, one normal lighter output and one direct battery output. The lighter will not carry my large Eclipse5 autostat. It works fine on the direct battery outlet. My 2014 Toyoa hihiglander ha USB PLUGS, an ac plug and a lighter outlet. All have different load capabilities. I also have an Inogen 4 model 5. To complicate matters even more. I have independent chargers for both and fix that TIL is greatly facilitates batter recharging without loosing your use of the machine. Your Macao car dealerships service adviser should be able to assist you if need be. Just my two cents.?

      • the comment from …”car mechanic” is ridiculous…to say it mildly. before I begin…let me say .. that I’m a electronics tech for 35 years. car charger draws about 7 amps maximum. this will not…blow any car fuses. plug in concentrator while in car…saves on battery use. If kept at 3ml setting…or less…it will actually charge battery … while in use.(in car). setting above 3…will use some battery power…therefore losing some charge.

        car charger

    • After purchase of Respironics Simply Go and a home unit, I was denied Medicare reimbursement because American Medical Sales and Service is not a Medicare Provider. I wish I had been told that. I am trying to appeal. Any ideas?

      • American Medical Sales and Rentals is not a Medicare Provider, nor do we work directly with any Insurance Providers. We are solely an out-of-pocket solution. Feel free to contact our Service Department if you have further questions – 877-303-9289.

  6. I have an outfit called Lincare that supplies me with oxygen into tanks. they are supposed to get me a portable one, but it is taking a long time, I do not if it’s because of medicare issues or what. I am starting to get on their case, so I have to wait. In meantime have you in mind, have to have patience?

    • I’ve dealt with Lincare for 4 years now and they are very unreliable. I finally gave up on their oxygen tanks because when I would run low or completely out, I would call them and they would say that they would be right out with more oxygen. I learned real quick that “right out” usually meant two or three days and sometimes more days. I have end of stage COPD and on oxygen 24/7. So that was not going to work. So I ended up buying my own constraitors. Of course I had to pay for them myself since Mrdicare would not help pay for them. If your waiting for Lincare and Medicare to let you have a portable, GOOD LUCK!!.

      • Also had major problem with Lincare plus they kept billing me after their equipment was picked up by them plus they said they had the right to overlap billing with next supplier I tried so Medicare and I were charged twice for about 3 weeks. Had to go to the Better Business Bureau to try to fix problem, still not resolved.

      • I did the same thing. I bought my own stationary concentrator (Invacare Homefill), tanks, and POC (from AMSR) I trust myself for being ready more than I do Lincare.

  7. When traveling in my car should I take the battery out of my concentrator before hooking it up to car charge. I have an Eclipse 5 concentrator. Does the car hook up charge the battery . I have battery set on Pulse 6.0
    Thank you for your response to my query

  8. When I purchased my oxygen machine, I was told I didn’t have to unplug my charge that it would not damage anything. Was I misinformed by one of the specialist that I spoke to.

    • That depends on the machine you are using, Teresa. Some machines require a power outlet to run at all times. Most portables do not. Which unit do you have?

  9. to Mr Hansen – I too have Lincare. I am in south Florida. A word of caution. If you get a “Inogen G4” from Lincare – it is NOT. They get them from another company and “renames” them. I have had one for 3+ years. I am on L3. Only with this unit was I able to go to work every day (8-10 hours). I have 2 #8 batteries, 1 #16 + 1 charger that I could plug in and charge while using a different battery. Lincare’s service here is HORRIBLE. THEY DO NOT HAVE A BACKUP AVAILABLE – so if the unit breaks, you are out of luck – they will only offer you tanks – which I have never used. I lost my job 2 years ago because I did not have oxygen (mine was out being fixed because it kept overheating) and the company where I worked would not allow tanks in the building. It is a great machine, and certainly gave me the freedom not to be homebound. I would change to another company that would support the equipment before I ordered it. Your insurance company should be able to help you find another company(besides Lincare) in your area.
    Good Luck

    • Lincare has NOT improved over the years. I was stuck with Lincare here on Oklahoma because that was the provider my Doctor set me4 up with when I was diagnosed with a unilateral paralysis of my diaphragm. When my POC gave low oxygen error message, instead of changing the sieve beds they sent it to the manufacturer and put me on tanks.. with only half a diaphragm working I don’t produce enough negative pressure in a nasal canula to activate a mechanical pulse oxygen conserver, so I had to run tanks on continuous flow.. meaning very short trips in the car unless I wanted several potential bombs in the car. and all of the other mentioned problems with Lincare services. Complaints to Medicare were fruitless, they only stated I was free to change providers but you know how that works . In the end I was only able to make a switch because of political connections. Time to use more of those connections to force Medicare to change their policy on oxygen.

    • Mary, Yes, you can use your portable oxygen concentrator while the batteries are charging. When the unit is plugged into the wall it is no longer running on battery power and will allow the unit to change the batteries while you continue to use it. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact our customer support department at customerservice@amsrco.com or 888-360-9628.

  10. Does the manufacturer of the Inogen G3 recommend a “monthly recalibration” as described above in which the battery on a monthly basis is purposely completely depleted of power and then subsequently fully recharged?

    • I do not see that in the manual. If you are using the unit on a daily basis this should not be necessary.

    • It is not necessary to have the battery attached to run the unit when it is plugged into a power outlet. If you have the battery attached it will charge your battery.

  11. Tip for charging POC in car… especially if it’s “blowing” a fuse in the cigarette lighter outlet:

    When faced with such a issue, I took my car to a local AUTOMOBILE STEREO INSTALLER. I explained the problem. The technicians there made a direct connection to the positive side of the car battery under the hood, placed a 30 amp fuse on the wire, then ran the wire to a CUSTOM INSTALLED CIGARETTE LIGHTER OUTLET which they mounted under the dashboard. Of course, I need to unplug the POC whenever I turn off the ignition. Otherwise, it will always be “on” and will drain the car battery when the engine is not running.

    AUTOMOBILE STEREO INSTALLERS work with such matters each day when installing stereos and speakers in cars.

    Hope this helps!

  12. I travel with two batteries and have a DC car charger. However, I’m having an issue that the concentrator will stop charging just after a few minutes and I have to turn the unit off then back to get to start charging again but just for a few minutes again. I’v had the VA send it in to be checked but I’m not sure they did anything. What could be the problem?

    • It would be hard to diagnose without the device. Depending n the age of the concentrator, and the batteries you might want to contact the manufacturer directly for some help. Good Luck.

  13. I have a inogen 3 g3 1-5 liter. it ran hot one time last week in the car. I had 5 loud beeps and one soft beep. the dispay read ” system hot ” and low battery 15% and I had my car charger pluged in also. so I shut it off and cool for 15 min. and check fuse was good. I checked my DC power cord it works and no melt down on the unit input and jack plug. The problem is in the unit it wont except a DC charge. The question is to pull battery out to reset the system then reinstall battery and see if it charge again. NOTE: It does charge on AC power but not DC. I know difference voltage between the two. AC is 19v and DC about 13-14v

    • Stephen It sounds like you might want to have it serviced and looked at. Give our service department a call and maybe schedule to have it sent to us. Our technicians can fix Inogen G3 in fairly quick time. Give us a call 888-743-0156

    • There are a few reasons why a battery could stop functioning properly. We would suggest contacting the dealer from whom you purchased the G4 and they will be able to troubleshoot with you.

  14. I have an Inogen 5 that is 3 months old. I am having an issue that when my unit sits for even 2 weeks without use the battery goes dead. Is this normal? I have never seen this. My spare holds a charge no matter which one it is. It’s just weird.

    • Hi Nancy, it’s recommended to remove the battery from the oxygen concentrator when it’s not used for extended period of time.

    • Hi Esther, please check for damage/bend on your battery connector prongs on the unit was as well as your batteries. Contact your equipment provider to troubleshoot the issue.

  15. Second time my battery fails..i recieve it frm Health center n its apparent that their batteries sit w little to no charge n o fear that during Covid no one mainyained them for months..i cant afford to buy one n feel trap at home 24/7..plz can you Help me..

    • Please contact your equipment provider (where you purchased the concentrator from) or the manufacturer to get your unit serviced.

  16. Have new Inogen 5g and still learning how to use it. My wife while using the concentrator is watching T.V. and has to go to the bathroom (part of Parkinson’s) frequently and the unit is plugged in with required A/C cord saving on battery use as well as recharging. I know (I assume) she can just remove the plug from back of concentrator without cutting A/C power at the wall source before unplugging and head for the bathroom. On her return does the power need to be turned off at the A/C wall source or can she just plug the A/C cord that still has power going to it since it was never unplugged from wall back into the concentrator without damage to machine or shock to her?.

    • It is generally safe to unplug the AC cord from the back of the concentrator without turning off the power at the wall source. When your wife returns, she can simply plug the AC cord back into the concentrator and it should resume functioning normally without any damage to the machine or risk of shock. However, it’s always a good idea to consult the user manual for specific instructions on using and handling the concentrator, and if you have any concerns or questions, you can also contact the manufacturer.

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