Risks of Buying a Concentrator from Unauthorized and Unaccredited Sellers

The Dangers of Buying a Concentrator from Unaccredited Sellers

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If you’re shopping for a used oxygen concentrator online and you find a very low retail price, you may get excited. However, it is probably too good to be true. Oxygen concentrators on websites like Craigslist™ or eBay™ provide no guarantees because any individual can post an advertisement on those sites.

Before you buy, make sure you understand the risk of purchasing from an unauthorized dealer. Below are the key reasons Why You Should Not Purchase an Oxygen Concentrator from Unaccredited Sellers on Third-Party websites like Craigslist™ or eBay™.

  1. They Do Not Offer Highly Trained Oxygen Specialists

    An oxygen concentrator is an expensive medical device, and you really want it to work as intended.
    We find many customers think they want or need one machine and realize it is not the ideal fit for their oxygen and lifestyle needs. An authorized dealer will help make sure you are getting a unit that will meet your needs as well as have a return/exchange program.

  2. They Can Not Offer a Warranty

    Oxygen concentrators are complicated medical devices and as such do require repair and maintenance. Purchasing a unit second-hand from a third party will invalidate any warranty. Repairing a unit out of warranty is often $800 – $1500. All warranty repair work must be done through the authorized retailer that sells the unit and there is no support from manufacturers for repairing broken units from unauthorized sellers.

  3. They May Not Clean and Sanitize the Unit Properly

    When purchasing a used unit, you want to make sure the unit is cleaned and sanitary. Some bacteria can remain active for relatively long periods of time. Purchasing from an authorized reseller ensures the unit has been appropriated clean and disinfected.

  4. They Do Not Offer Customer Support

    Research shows over 70% of customers have questions or need additional help over the time they are using the product. Peace of mind knowing there is help available should any questions arise is beneficial in the operation of medical equipment.

  5. They Do Not Offer Factory Trained Inspections

    It is not possible to determine if an oxygen concentrator is functioning correctly without specialized equipment. A unit can “appear” to be running and not delivering medical-grade oxygen. In many areas, it is difficult to even find a business with the appropriate equipment to measure oxygen purity. It would be unfortunate to purchase an expensive concentrator and not have it delivering medical-grade oxygen.

  6. They Are Not Follow FDA Prescription Guidelines

    The FDA requires a prescription for the sale of oxygen concentrators. While one may argue with this requirement, the intention is to protect a consumer and ensure that a reputable dealer is making sure a patient is provided the appropriate equipment. Since it is technically illegal to sell oxygen machines over auction sites (without a prescription), a consumer’s remedy should something go wrong is minimal.

Buying a used oxygen concentrator does not have to be difficult, but it does require research to ensure that you are buying from a company that is a Manufacturer Authorized Seller who can provide warranty support and customer support. By following the steps above, you can potentially avoid making a purchase you would regret.


Review from Richard W.

I tried 3 times to buy a backpack on Amazon to fix my Freestyle Comfort portable air system with 16 cell battery. all of them said bag would fix large battery, They did not ! Should have just bought the one at Oxygen Concentrator Store. Price was fair, people were great. everything went perfectly. Truely a wonderful store. June 11, 2022

If you have any questions about purchasing a Used Concentrator, please call us at 877.774.9271

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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.

23 thoughts on “The Dangers of Buying a Concentrator from Unaccredited Sellers

  1. Does that mean that the lifetime warranty is no longer valid for the new person that has purchased the unit ???

    • 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

  2. I recently purchased a new POC from another company. The company did not “FLAG” the fact that the device they were selling me did not meet my doctor’s prescription requirements. I need a minimum of 4LPM and the device only delivers 2LPM. The company will take back the device. Is this even legal? Thank you.

    • Unfortunately, there is nothing illegal with selling you an oxygen concentrator that does not meet the patient’s needs. That is why it is important to do your research and find a reputable company to make your oxygen concentrator purchase from. We would love the opportunity to provide you with the information you need and help you find the correct concentrator based on your doctor’s requirements. Please feel free to give us a call at 888-360-9628 or if you prefer email sales@amsrco.com.

    • I just sharing my 5 years experience, 4 LPM vs 2 LPM liter per minute meaning 4 liter per minute 100% pure oxygen does not make big different
      Human do not require 100% oxygen- as long as more than 21% oxygen is good enough, because that is the percentage blood could take it

      Normal adult require about +/- 150 LPM on normal breathing, so oxygen concentrator only play between 1.5% ~ 3% of what we breath,
      so the important part is the balance air what we breath. Is it healthy and good air or the opposite

  3. I had one at home this Philip respironis machine which I had bought on 1999 for my wife but no more needed it,I bought it from an authorised dealer

    • Unfortunately, our buyback program is currently on hold as our buyback inventory is overstocked. Nonetheless, we encourage you to complete the Buyback Form and our Buyback Team will contact you if there’s an opportunity.

    • I have passed along your information to an Oxygen Specialist who will reach out regarding your request. Also, we can quickly answer your questions over a phone call. Please reach us out at (888)572-5831.

  4. Greetings,

    I purchased a 10ltr oxygen concentrator in Turkey and i am ready to send it as a donation to help people in dire need for oxygen because of covid 19. I received a phone message asking to register the machine as the registration was about to expire.
    International mobile equipment identification
    I am very confused and delaying the shipment
    Because we don’t understand why registering the machine.
    Please help.
    L. Bryant.

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