Portable Oxygen Machines for Sleeping

Portable Oxygen Machines for Sleeping

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Our breathing pattern changes while we sleep. Some of us tend to breathe mainly through our mouths, and most of us breathe deeper when we sleep, while others have a shallower breath pattern. For those who use oxygen therapy while sleeping, your nighttime oxygen solution may differ from what you use for supplemental oxygen during the day.

Pulse dose portable concentrators can be an effective nighttime solution for some patients; however, a continuous-flow oxygen source is often recommended to ensure adequate blood oxygen levels while sleeping. Oxygen delivery in pulse dose machines is triggered by detecting breath from the nose, whereas continuous flow delivers oxygen irrespective of your breathing pattern. Your doctor might determine your specific needs by conducting an overnight sleep study to monitor your blood oxygen levels and breathing habits. From this study and other tests, your physician can determine exactly what flow-setting you’ll need while you sleep, allowing you to choose your nighttime oxygen machine accordingly.

For situations where a large stationary concentrator is not feasible or for travel that requires a small and lightweight nocturnal oxygen solution, there are several portable options to choose from. Some portable oxygen units have certain features that make them better suited for overnight use. As long as they meet your prescribed oxygen needs, the concentrators discussed here are ideal nighttime oxygen solutions.

Respironics SimplyGo

The most versatile option that can satisfy both daytime and nighttime oxygen demand is the Respironics SimplyGo. Engineered with travel in mind, this machine comes equipped with three modes of oxygen delivery – Continuous Flow Mode, Pulse Mode, and Sleep Mode. This machine can run off a wall outlet, a cigarette lighter or a battery, making it very portable. This is the most popular oxygen solution for those that travel with sleep therapy equipment, such as a CPAP machine, used in conjunction with oxygen. Not only that, a humidifier bottle can be added while on continuous flow to prevent dry mouth.

If prescribed by your physician, you may administer oxygen in a continuous flow that will deliver non-stop oxygen up to 2 LPM (liters per minute). Whereas the pulse dose mode can go up to a setting of 6.

The SimplyGo is ideal for 24/7 usage and its advanced ‘Sleep Mode’ delivers a pulse dose of oxygen for a longer duration for a comfortable sleep. Should the patient begin to breathe shallowly or through their mouth, the SimplyGo will automatically switch to the continuous flow mode and deliver oxygen at 2 LPM to ensure adequate oxygenation.

  • Pulse Settings: 1 to 6
  • Continuous Liter Flow: 0.5 to 2 LPM
  • Battery life: Up to 3 hours (on pulse setting of 2)
  • Weight: 10 lbs (with battery)
  • Dimensions: 11.5 x 10 x 6 (W x H x D in inches)
Learn more about Respironics SimplyGo.

Sleeping with the Philips Respironics SimplyGo

CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5

The Eclipse 5 remains the most powerful portable oxygen machine on the market and is best suited for those who require continuous flow oxygen while on the go. Capable of producing up to 3 LPM of continuous flow oxygen and pulse flow settings from 1 to 9, this machine will accommodate the majority of oxygen users’ nocturnal dosage requirements.

CAIRE SeQual integrates autoSAT technology into the Eclipse 5. When used in pulse dose mode, this machine has the ability to adjust bolus size based upon your breathing patterns to ensure consistent and reliable oxygen delivery and patient comfort. This machine is equipped with a sensor that will sound an alarm if a patient is breathing too softly to trigger pulse flow delivery. To eliminate interruptions while sleeping, the continuous flow mode is recommended.

  • Pulse Settings: 1 to 9
  • Continuous Liter Flow: 0.5 to 3 LPM
  • Battery life: Up to 3 hr 40 min (on 1 LPM)
  • Weight: 18.4 lbs (with battery)
  • Dimensions: 12.3 x 19.3 x 7.1 (W x H x D in inches)
Learn more about the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5.

Sleeping with the SeQual Eclipse 5

CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort

If your physician has prescribed nighttime supplemental oxygen and approved pulse dose delivery, smaller and lighter machines are available. The CAIRE Comfort weighs just 5 lbs and provides up to 16 hours of pulse dose oxygen when paired extended battery on the pulse setting of 1.

Ideal in situations where AC power from a wall outlet is not available such as camping or travel via aircraft, CAIRE Comfort is also effective as an alternative oxygen source during a power outage. The Comfort provides extremely quiet operation, rated at 43 decibels, which is similar to a quiet conversation. That means it won’t disturb you or anyone around you, while you’re asleep.

  • Pulse Settings: 1 to 5
  • Battery life: Up to 8 hr (with standard battery)
  • Weight: 5 lbs (with standard battery)
  • Dimensions: 7.3 x 10 x 3.1 (W x H x D in inches, with standard battery)
Learn more about the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort.

CAIRE Freestyle Comfort Concentrator

Final Thoughts

The selection of your oxygen concentrator for nighttime usage will heavily depend on your prescription. Battery run times will vary based upon your prescribed setting and breathing rate, make sure to consult your user manual for details on battery life specific to your device.

When setting up a pulse dose unit for nighttime use, we have a few recommendations to ensure you rest comfortably. Make sure your batteries are fully charged prior to bedtime, especially if you plan to run the machine without an external power source. This will minimize any interruptions or battery changes while using a portable oxygen concentrator as a nighttime oxygen source.

For machines that feature more than one delivery method, double-check you’re using the prescribed delivery mode and dosage prior to falling asleep. As with all concentrators, keep intake and exhaust vents clear of any bedding and at least 12 inches away from the wall or other furnishings. This will ensure efficient operation and mitigate high-temperature alarms while you’re sleeping. You will rest peacefully knowing you’re using the correct oxygen solution calibrated for your specific requirements.

Related Information

Updated: December 8, 2022
Published: August 20, 2014

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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.

34 thoughts on “Portable Oxygen Machines for Sleeping

  1. I Use the Inogen One G3 with the 16 cell battery for up to 9 hours of battery life when I sleep during traveling – I plug in a plugin in the wall and it recharges during the night for the next day A portable model that is perfect for travelers. It’s also an extremely quiet concentrator, only being recorded at 39 decibels, which is no louder than a quiet conversation. That means it won’t disturb you when you’re asleep, or anyone around you.

  2. My mom uses portable oxygen machine
    (New Life)
    After measuring levels stay 94
    But keep dropping to 85
    Why does this happen ?
    Is there a specific time of day to measure levels for accuracy ?

    • We recommend taking with your doctor about this. She may not be getting enough oxygen and needs to have her oxygen therapy needs re-evaluated.

    • This is something that you should discuss with your doctor. Most people can’t sleep with a pulse dose machine because they are mouth breathers.

    • The G3 is intended to be used as a portable so using to sleep at night isn’t what it was designed for. I would discuss with your doctor what the best option for sleeping and your oxygen needs. If you are needing O2 during sleep the home concnetrators are likely a better option. Hope this helps.

  3. I am on oxygen at 2L during the day and 2-3 Liters at night connected to my CPAP. I would like a travel concentrator to connect to my cpap at night when we travel. I currently have an inogenone G4 for my daily activities.

  4. If you read the Inogen Q&A it says it IS designed for continuous use and can be used at night as it will pick up you breathing even if shallow

    • Thank you for your comment. Inogen does state that their portable, pulse-dose units can be used at night. However, we do not recommend this and would refer you to your doctor. It doesn’t work for everyone as some people are “mouth breathers” while sleeping and that wouldn’t trigger the ‘puff’ of oxygen. Also, some users find the noise bothersome while sleeping. Inogen does make the Inogen 5L, which is a continuous flow stationary unit for nighttime use.

  5. My large unit stopped working so I called Inogen. I was told it would take a week to get the new one. I asked what I was supposed to do because I am end stage COPD waiting for a lung transplant. I was told to use my portable until the other one comes. I have been with Inogen over 6 years and night two I will sit up because I am afraid to sleep with pulse oxygen as I have the G-3. I called twice to try to get them to overnight one but to no avail. After reading your comments I felt you should know this.

    • I am so sorry to hear of your troubles with Inogen. We would love the chance to try to help you, since they are unable. Can you give us a call at: 1-877-644-4581? We will do our best to help.

  6. I currently use a “rented” concentrator for sleeping at night. I have done this every day for 4 years. My unit is very large. To big for me to take with on a vacation or out of town weekend. I’m looking to possibly purchase a smaller one the I can take with me. What would be a good one to look into purchasing, that could also double up to use for my home treatments. Looks like my insurance has given me pre approval to purchase one. Instead of renting.

    • Our Oxygen Specialists would be happy to understand your requirements and advise the way forward. Please give us a call at 877-644-4581.

  7. Will Medicare pay for me to have the larger cell battery? When I’m out or at my sons house I have to stay plugged in to the wall as I’m only getting about 2 hours on current battery. My current provider Apria says this is normal, but I keep reading the small battery should give me 4-5 hours at level 2. I know Apria is not being truthful as I’ve had some problems with them. My very first machine lasted forever on the small battery, but they switched my machine when the cylinders needed to be replaced and I’ve had nothing but problems with the replacement machines (I’ve had to have it replaced twice due to machine not operating properly).

    • Generally, Medicare providers will not give patients additional batteries – they would have to be purchased out of pocket. You can give us a call if you are interested; we have new and recertified batteries available.

    • The unit will work during nighttime, however we do not recommend it. You would have to only breath from your nose to trigger the oxygen and most people breath, even if it’s just occasionally, from their mouth while sleeping.

  8. I need concentrator for RV that provides continuous oxygen at 2-3L using some sort of battery (or power source that is safe), since we do not park in a place that has plug ins.

    • Hi Bernadette, we have got Sequal Eclipse 5 that provides up to 3 liters/minute and Philips Respironics SimplyGo that provides up to 2 liters/minute continuous oxygen. Both of these machines are portable, battery-operated, and can be charged used DC power in RV. Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.

  9. i was given a older unit, i replaced the sieve mater zeolite,but still has a alarm for low oxygen , can you check this out?about what cost?

    • Repair is highly dependent on the user’s handling and maintenance of the unit. All the makes and models we carry are highly reliable.

  10. How do I get my G3 tested for O2 output level? Is the sieve mater zeolite replacement something that can be done by me on my G3 and/or G4?

    • You can get the oxygen purity tested at your local oxygen supply store. If you are in Colorado, we’d be happy to do that for you. Inogen G3 and G4 have internal oxygen purity sensors – they will alert if the oxygen purity gets low. Also, they’ll alert when it’s time to change the sieve beds which can be replaced by the user themselves.

  11. On an auto trip the large blue concentrator stopped working. Can the Caire Free Style Comfort be used for sleep with a CPCP?

    • CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort cannot be used with a CPAP machine since the Comfort is a pulse dose-only machine. Concentrators with a continuous flow can be used with a CPAP machine. All Home oxygen concentrators (HOCs) and some portable concentrators like SimplyGo and Eclipse 5 can be used with a CPAP machine on continuous flow mode.

  12. It is nothing more than a fan attached to a nose tube. A complete Rip-off. If you need oxygen, and you are stupid enough to try to get it from this website? Make your funereal arrangements first.

    • I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling frustrated. Oxygen concentrators are medical devices designed to provide a regulated and concentrated flow of oxygen (not ambient air) to individuals with respiratory conditions. They are prescribed by healthcare professionals to help improve oxygen levels and overall well-being for those who require supplemental oxygen.

      It’s also important to keep in mind that medical devices like oxygen concentrators are regulated by health authorities and are prescribed based on a patient’s medical condition. If you have any issues or questions about your oxygen therapy, it’s best to consult with a medical professional who can provide you with accurate and personalized advice.

      If you’re looking for information or support related to oxygen therapy, please don’t hesitate to ask specific questions, and I’ll do my best to provide you with accurate and helpful information. Your health and well-being are important.

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