The pros should always outweigh the cons, but you should take them into consideration – the good as well as the bad – when you are shopping for an oxygen concentrator. Even the best models, or the one that is best for someone’s individual needs, won’t be 100% perfect. Knowing what to expect in the way of the “cons” will also help you prepare for these things down the line, and they won’t seem as bad if you already saw them coming.
Cons: Not a good varying flow setting (pulse dose only from 1 to 3), loudest portable oxygen concentrator (almost 50 decibels), short battery life for one battery (2 hours at highest setting).
Pros: Very small and lightweight (barely 5 lbs, only 9.5” high by 7.5” wide by a little over 3” deep), features sleep mode technology that adjusts the flow by your breathing patterns, FAA approved, can travel to an altitude of 10,000 feet outside of an airplane, available for rent.
Cons: Not FAA approved, still somewhat loud with a hum at 43 decibels.
Pros: Lowest cost for new home oxygen concentrators, more energy efficient than previous Invacare models of home oxygen concentrators (280 watts at a setting of 3 LPM), one of the smallest home concentrators (only 13” tall and 23” wide).
Cons: One of the heavier models at 57 lbs, one of the bigger models at 19.5” tall and 26.5” deep, small and dark setting screen.
Pros: A wide ranging continuous flow rate from 0.5 to 10 LPM, can stand temperatures up to 104 degrees and humidity up to 95%, 9 volt battery backup.
Cons: Known to not be one of the quieter portable models, one of the biggest and heaviest portable models (18.4 lbs with the battery and 19.3” tall by 12.3” wide and 7.1” deep), battery life of 3.7 hours on lowest continuous flow setting.
Pros: Features both pulse dose and continuous flow settings at a wide range, it can travel to an altitude of 13,123 feet outside of an airplane, FAA approved.
Oxlife Independence (Portable)
Cons: Small continuous dose range (only 1 – 3), can only go 123 above sea level and still work, not one of the lightest portable models at 17 lbs.
Pros: Large and bright screen, built-in cart handle and wheels for easy mobility, offers both continuous and pulse dose settings, FAA approved, very energy efficient with ESA technology.
Cons: Not a wide range of flow settings (1 – 5 LPM), not the most energy efficient at 350 watts, not FAA approved.
Pros: Slim design at 9.5 inches thick and 23 inches tall, can go up to 7,500 feet outside of an airplane, one of the most low maintenance home oxygen concentrators.
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.
I would always opt for a machine which is FAA approved. What about Sequel Integra, is it FAA approved?