How high can your oxygen level go on a portable oxygen concentrator?

The amount of oxygen a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) delivers depends on the unit; some units go higher on oxygen than others. POCs typically provide less oxygen than large stationary units that can produce as many as 10 liters per minute. However, some POCs can deliver up to 3 liters per minute (lpm).

Pulse Dose Settings vs. Liter Flow

Most POCs provide pulse dose oxygen delivery, which delivers a bolus (dose) of oxygen with each breath. The oxygen bolus is usually written in milliliters (ml); this does not mean "ml per minute." It refers to how much oxygen you'll get with each breath.

Different POCs provide various settings. Some units range from settings 1-3, and others go up to 9. However, the setting number does not equate to liters per minute. For example, a setting of 3 doesn't mean you'll get 3 lpm. Check your user manual to determine how much oxygen you'll get with each breath for your setting.

Some POCs offer continuous-flow oxygen therapy. Continuous models provide constant flow, measured in liters per minute (lpm). The oxygen amount in some continuous-flow portable units goes up to 2-3 lpm. People with higher oxygen requirements might consider a larger, stationary concentrator that delivers more flow.

Oxygen Output

To see how much oxygen a specific unit provides, you can contact one of our Oxygen Specialists or the unit's user manual.



Here are some of the most popular continuous-flow POCs and their maximum oxygen output:

• CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5: This unit provides a continuous flow of up to 3 lpm, a pulse dose bolus of up to 192 ml, and a maximum oxygen output of 3,000 ml per minute (3 lpm).
• Respironics SimplyGo: The SimplyGo provides up to 2 lpm of continuous flow, a maximum bolus of 72 ml, and a maximum oxygen output of 2,000 ml per minute (2 lpm).
• Oxlife Independence: This unit delivers up to 3 lpm of continuous flow, a bolus of up to 96 ml, and a maximum oxygen output of 3,000 ml per minute (3 lpm).