Today’s portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are compact and lightweight. The on-the-go concentrators make it easier to cope with chronic respiratory issues. Without giving up much of your independence, you can continue to pursue an active lifestyle. By using a POC, you will no longer be tethered to a wall for power, but you can go about your day for even up to 9 hours!
The Philips Respironics SimplyGo and the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini are two POCs that the same manufacturer makes, yet satisfy different oxygen needs. When comparing them, the most significant difference is in size, oxygen delivery modes, and battery life. The SimplyGo is larger and heavier but offers pulse dose oxygen delivery as well as a continuous flow option. The SimplyGo Mini is about half the size with a battery that lasts twice as long but only can accommodate a pulse dose oxygen delivery option.
Let’s look at the details of these two machines to choose which unit is right for you based on your individual needs.
Size and Portability
The SimplyGo is larger in size than the SimplyGo Mini. By offering the option of continuous flow mode, the compressor is understandably larger. Although its unmatched versatility and weighs just under 10 lbs, it is still portable while offering pulse dose options and continuous flow modes. SimplyGo’s package includes a mobile cart as well as a shoulder strap for portability. This adaptability allows users to roll it when convenient or switch to the shoulder carrying case when warranted.
The SimplyGo Mini is about half the size of the SimplyGo, and thus more portable. The bright screen at the top of the SimplyGo Mini is a sleek touchscreen. No need to mess with buttons anymore, this intuitive and easy-to-learn control panel displays practical symbols to inform users of how their unit is running along with any alarms. The rounded edges add to the SimplyGo Mini’s streamlined appearance, providing comfort when worn with the included carrying case. Its backpack-style accessory carrying case makes this on-the-go oxygen concentrator unit suitable for any active lifestyle.
The Respironics SimplyGo and the SimplyGo Mini both have the capability to charge via AC power (wall outlet) or DC power (car charger). This feature makes both these units perfect for the mobile user.
In addition, the Respironics SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini are two portable units approved for airline use through the FAA. To check out some tips for traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator, read more about traveling on a plane or in a car.
Oxygen Output and Flow
As mentioned above, one of the most significant differences between the SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini is their oxygen delivery systems. It’s important to note on your oxygen prescription if a pulse dose or continuous flow is indicated. Pulse dose oxygen is on-demand oxygen supplied right at the inhalation, whereas continuous flow oxygen offers a steady supply regardless of the user’s inhalation.
Respironics SimplyGo offers the versatility of continuous flow and pulse dose delivery of oxygen. However, it has a maximum oxygen output of 2 liters per minute (LPM) in continuous flow mode. If your oxygen needs require a higher output, we invite you to check out our other options of POCs that offer a higher output. The SimplyGo offers a range of pulse dose settings up to 6, flowing a maximum of 1440 mL/minute, allowing for ultimate customization.
SimplyGo Mini has 5 options for pulse dose flow settings, reaching a maximum oxygen output of 1,000 mL/minute. Although it cannot support continuous flow modes, it makes up for this distinguishing feature by having an extensive battery life.
Oxygen purity for the Respironics SimplyGo is 90%, and SimplyGo Mini is around 93%.
Battery Life
Taking note of battery life is significant when choosing a POC. Are you away from home and/or your car for long periods of time? Or do you make shorter, more frequent trips away from charging access?
The Philips SimplyGo Mini battery wins out over the SimplyGo when it comes to battery power, as it can last 4.5 hours on a standard battery or 9 hours with an extended battery. It takes 4.5 hours to recharge a single battery.
The SimplyGo battery can operate for 3 hours on a pulse dose setting of 2 until it will need to be recharged. Additionally, if using continuous flow mode, the battery will last about 1 hour on a setting of 2 liters per minute.
Noise Level
There is no difference in noise levels between the two units. The SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini run at 43 decibels (about the same hum as a refrigerator) on a setting of 2.
The Mini wins out over the SimplyGo when it comes to the battery power, as it can last on a standard battery for 4.5 hours or 9 hours with an extended battery, versus the SimplyGo which can operate for only 3 hours (on setting of 2).
Side-by-Side Unit Comparison
Pulse Dose: 1 to 6 setting
Pulse Dose: 1 to 5 setting
Pulse Dose: 3 hours, on setting of 2
Accessories Included
Both the SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini include the same basic accessories in their packages.
The accessories included with both units:
- The concentrator unit
- AC and DC power adapters
- Nasal cannula
- User’s manual
- Accessories bag
Due to the size difference between the two units, the larger SimplyGo comes with a mobile cart including large wheels and telescoping handle. It also includes one rechargeable battery and an accessories bag.
The SimplyGo Mini includes a convenient backpack-style accessory bag and a shoulder carrying case that makes this unit truly hands-free. The optional extended battery allows the concentrator to last up to 9 hours of use on a setting of 2.
Key Features
Respironics SimplyGo Mini
- LED touch screen
- Includes backpack-style accessory bag
- Optional extended battery allows 9 hours of use
Respironics SimplyGo
- Comes with a mobile cart and carrying case
- Operates a pulse dose and continuous flow delivery of oxygen
- Operates up to 10,000 ft elevation
SimplyGo vs. SimplyGo Mini Comparison Video
Cost and Warranty
Both units include the standard 3-year warranty on the device. Philips Respironics also includes a 90-day warranty on accessories.
When purchasing an oxygen concentrator unit, you are undoubtedly investing in your health. We want to make sure you are choosing the best unit for your personal lifestyle and budget. Here at the Oxygen Concentrator Store, we offer individualized help to assist you in this decision.
Please call us today at 877.774.9271 to chat with an oxygen specialist to learn more about our packages.
Final Thoughts
As you may have imagined, there are many similarities between the SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini. However, by noting the differences, you can choose the right POC for your individual needs.
The SimplyGo stands out because it offers pulse dose and continuous flow modes. If your oxygen needs include continuous flow at night (less than 2 LPM) and pulse dose during the day, this is an exceptionally mobile and versatile unit.
If your supplemental oxygen prescription requires pulse dose oxygen delivery only, the SimplyGo Mini is smaller and lighter in weight, lasts longer on its battery, and offers better overall performance.
- In-Depth Expert Review of the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Oxygen Machine
- In-Depth Expert Review of the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Oxygen Machine
Have more questions about these units?
- Call Us at 877.774.9271
- Download our Guide to Oxygen Therapy and Oxygen Concentrators
Date Updated: December 12, 2022
Date Published: January 29, 2019
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.
Once I have this, Can I send a mini simplyGo via international air cargo to the Philippines?
We recommend you contact the airlines to check the rules and regulations.
What’s your best price for a SimplyGo mini with standard battery?
We can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call. Please reach us out at (877) 644-4581. We are open seven days a week.
I have a Simply Go unit that I have taken by airline and cruse ship to Alaska & Australia. Just notify your carrier and explain that it did not use compressed oxygen gas. Was wonderful to have along.
Thanks for your feedback, Brian!
“However, if pulse-dose oxygen flow does work for you, the Mini out-performs the SimplyGo, delivering up to 1,000 mL of pulse flow oxygen, compared to the 72 mL of the SimplyGo.”
Sorry, but that is absolute tosh. The 72ml stated for the SimplyGo is the bolus size (pulse amount per BREATH, not per minute) – the SimplyGo manages up to 2000ml per minute of pulse flow oxygen, so DOUBLE what the simplyGo Mini can output.. which is hardly surprising as it is a larger and more powerful unit. Please update your article as it’s grossly misleading!
Christopher, thanks for pointing this out. We apologize. I’ll fact-check and revise the article.
I want to buy a SimplyGo or SimplyGo Mini with an extra battery. The device must be delivered to Hungary. How much is the price of the device, including shipping costs and customs and VAT.
Sorry, we don’t ship internationally, we service all across the US.
Hi, I have plan to purchase Philips SimplyGo or GoMini but the max capacity I can see is 2L/m. Is there any other model which can give more than 2L?
Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.
If you require continuous flow over 2 liters/minute, we suggest Caire Eclipse 5. It can supply up to 3 LPM continuous.
Can I buy this for my dad who is based in India. Can I use the prescription from the doctor based in India ?
We can ship only in the US or Canada. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581. We can use the prescription.