Oxygen concentrators are used by people who require oxygen therapy or by patients with low blood oxygen levels. The concentrator is also helpful for people with breathing trouble due to conditions such as lung cancer or the flu. Apart from the price, there are several things to consider before buying an oxygen concentrator. This article discusses tips to consider, device costs, and top brands to help you make a purchase.

Tips to help purchase an oxygen concentrator
Each oxygen concentrator has various features and benefits. Therefore, it is important for a user to follow these tips before investing in a device.

Identify the ideal flow rate
The flow rate refers to the rate at which the oxygen travels from the machine to the patient. Bigger devices typically offer higher flow rates, while smaller devices have lower flow rates that may be unsuitable for the patient’s condition. Therefore, one must consult with a healthcare expert about the ideal flow rate before making a purchase.

Buy the right type
There are two types of oxygen concentrators: home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators. Home concentrators offer higher flow rates and can work for longer hours. However, these are bigger and heavier and are best suited for home use only. Portable concentrators run on battery, are lightweight, and can even fit in a bag. These are ideal for patients on the move and those who do not need high oxygen flow rates.

Consider the decibel levels
The noise generated by a concentrator differs based on its shape, quality of parts, power levels, and oxygen output. High-powered products may produce more noise, whereas low-powered portable concentrators are less noisy. Therefore, the patient must consider the decibel level of each concentrator before finalizing a model.

Costs of an oxygen concentrator
The cost of an oxygen concentrator depends on multiple factors, including the model, features that come with it, the accessories, and more. The price also depends on whether the individual buys a portable or a home oxygen concentrator. The current prices for a home oxygen concentrator range between $595 and $2000, whereas a portable device may cost between $1825 to $3425. Alternatively, customers can also buy a second-hand home oxygen concentrator for anywhere between $395 to $1500. Furthermore, patients can rent the medical product starting at $35 per day to $200 per week.

Top home oxygen concentrators
If you need a home oxygen concentrator but aren’t sure of the choices available, read on to know about some top brands:

Inogen At Home
The Inogen At Home is a 5-liter per minute continuous flow oxygen concentrator. It is about 18 pounds, making it lighter than other options in the market. Furthermore, the device consumes less energy, allowing users to save on electricity. At about 40 decibels, the concentrator is also significantly silent.

Philips Respironics EverFlo
The Philips Respironics EverFlo is lightweight and quiet. Customers can even buy the oxygen purity indicator (OPI) model to measure oxygen output via ultrasonic frequencies that indicate the element’s purity. The EverFlo is a low-maintenance concentrator as it does not require a filter change for two years. As for the humidifier bottle platform, users can rest assured that it is designed to accommodate all bottle styles and easy-to-use closure.

Top portable oxygen concentrators
Here are two reliable portable oxygen concentrators for those in search of the right device:

Philips SimplyGo
A popular portable oxygen concentrator, Philips SimplyGo, helps manage an individual’s oxygen therapy needs easily. The device comes with both a continuous flow and pulse-dose delivery system. The SimplyGo comes with a multi-purpose carrying case that enables users to secure the concentrator to a mobile cart or wear it over the shoulder.

AirSep Freestyle 3
The AirSep Freestyle 3 is another lightweight, quiet portable concentrator. The device can be controlled seamlessly with a flip-to-open, easy-to-read LED control panel. The panel consists of flow setting buttons from 1 to 3 and a battery test button to check battery health. Users can utilize the concentrator for about 2.5 hours when used on setting number 2.