An oxygen concentrator is helpful to those who have trouble breathing. There are various types of supplemental devices, one of which is known as a portable oxygen concentrator. This device comes in two types: a pulse dose concentrator and a continuous flow system. Both these devices can be used at home or carried around in a backpack. The concentrator helps manage health conditions, like pulmonary fibrosis, pneumonia, sleep apnea, severe asthma, and cystic fibrosis.

Tips to pick the right machine
There are tons of portable supplemental oxygen manufacturers. But a person must follow these tips to ensure they purchase the right one:

• A reliable portable system should come with a good-sized display. A bigger screen will make it easier for the user to read the information displayed.
• Features like alarms for low or exhausted oxygen levels are a must to alert a person when the device is due for a refill.
• The noise level of a supplemental O2 concentrator is also an important aspect. Some devices are quieter than others. Buying a low-decibel portable device will help to focus better on other tasks without being distracted by too much noise.
• Look for a supplemental oxygen system approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Such devices are eligible to be carried on a flight.
• One must purchase a good-quality device from a reputable brand. Though it may cost more, spending a little extra can ensure the concentrator works efficiently and lasts for a long time.

Top portable oxygen concentrators and their features
There are more than a few companies that manufacture reliable portable oxygen concentrators. Here are four top choices among users. The prices for these machines can be found directly on each brand’s respective website.

• Inogen One G3 System
  The One G3 system from Inogen is a portable oxygen pulse dose delivery device. The device has a single battery with the ability to dish out about 4.7 hours of power when in use. Users can also go for the optional double battery that can provide up to 10 hours of battery life. The One G3 is quiet at about 39 dBA and comes with five flow settings.
• Invacare Platinum Mobile Oxygen Concentrator
  Equipped with five-flow settings, the Invacare Platinum Mobile Oxygen Concentrator is another popular portable system. The device comes with a reinforced bumper in a carry bag, foam encapsulated compressor, and is IP22 water resistant for up to 10 minutes. These features make the Invacare machine rugged and suitable for use when outdoors.
• Philips SimplyGo
  The portable oxygen supplemental system offers continuous flow and pulse-dose delivery. It also has operating alarms that enable users to monitor the overall device performance. The SimplyGo from Philips also comes with six-inch oversized cart wheels to make it easier to move around. The device is lightweight, weighing in at just 10 pounds. Users can also opt for the two-, three-, or five-year warranty plans for extra-each of mind.

Cost
The cost of each portable oxygen concentrator will differ based on factors like manufacturer, features, aftersales services, and quality of parts. Here are a few estimates to give users an idea of what they may spend on a system. A new portable supplemental machine should cost between $1495 and $3495. A used concentrator will range between $800 to $2000. Users can also choose rentals that start at $35 per day or $240 per week. One can pick a rental contract if they need to use the device for a long time. Signing a contract will also help cut down on the rental price.