Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Rent or Buy?

Who Is Prescribed Portable Oxygen?

Portable oxygen is prescribed to people who are struggling with low blood oxygen levels. This might be because of a condition such as COPD or asthma, or it could be due to an infection or following an illness or surgery.

In order to get a portable oxygen concentrator, you will need a prescription. The reason for this is that it takes a qualified physician to diagnose the need for oxygen and to decide on the exact amount you need. This figure is measured in LPM's or liters per minute. Oxygen alone is considered a medical substance, and you should never administer it without proper guidance from a doctor.

What Is A Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

A portable oxygen concentrator is a piece of equipment that’s small enough to carry around with you as you go about your day to day activities. Unlike large oxygen tanks or even today’s stationary concentrators, portable oxygen machines are light enough to take from room to room, outdoors, or even on an airplane.

A portable concentrator draws in air and increases the oxygen saturation of that air. It does this by passing the air via an inlet filter into a compressor and then on to a sieve bed. This process removes nitrogen from the air, leaving it with a much higher oxygen concentration of up to 95 percent.

The portable concentrator gets hooked up to a tube, and the oxygen is delivered via a nasal cannula or a mask. The result is a boost in blood oxygen levels, thus alleviating the symptoms of asthma, COPD, and other breathing-related issues.

Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

As mentioned, the first step to purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator will be receiving your prescription, which will detail how much oxygen you need (measured in liters per minute) and the method of oxygen administration.

There are two ways through which a concentrator can deliver oxygen.

• Pulse Dose: This delivery method senses when you take a breath and pumps out oxygen accordingly.
• Continuous Flow: As the name suggests, continuous flow delivers a constant, steady stream of oxygen to the user.

You can expect to pay around $2500 for a decent concentrator, though some models cost around $2000 and some of the more advanced ones closer to $3500. Inogen portable oxygen concentrators, for example, start at $2,295. Oftentimes, Medicare will cover the cost of your portable oxygen concentrator, depending on where you make your purchase.

For those with lower blood oxygen levels, a portable oxygen concentrator can make a big difference and is an essential piece of equipment. The cost can be a worry, though, so let’s take a closer look at your other option, which is renting.

Renting a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

If you’re worried about the upfront cost of buying a portable oxygen concentrator, renting is one way to spread the cost a bit. Fees vary between suppliers, but in general, you’ll pay around $35 daily or $250 weekly to rent a portable oxygen concentrator. The cost will vary depending on the specific manufacturer and model, so be sure to shop around with different suppliers.

What to Consider When Purchasing a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Before you go ahead and rent or buy a concentrator, there are a few things we recommend checking out. First, be sure you’re clear on the LPM (liters per minute) you need, so you can make sure your chosen unit delivers that. This information will be detailed on your prescription for portable oxygen.

You’ll also want to check with your doctor about when you need oxygen. Some people need it continuously, while other people need it only when sleeping, first thing in the morning, during exercise, or when out walking.

Finally, be sure to ask whether you need a pulse or continuous flow, something your prescription should also detail. The former releases oxygen only when you breathe, while the latter supplies it constantly. Please note that if you need to use it at the same time as a BiPAP machine, you will need a continuous flow unit.

As well as being clear about your oxygen therapy needs, double-check:

• What kind of batteries the unit takes, and how often you’ll need to charge or replace them. Some units use rechargeable batteries. Inogen’s most recent units, for example, have double battery systems that can power your concentrator for upwards of 13 hours.
• Whether there’s a warranty and how long it lasts.
• Whether the unit is FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) approved if you plan to fly with it. Most units will pass this test; however, the last thing you’d want is to run into issues at the airport.
• What kind of cleaning or maintenance the unit needs. Most portable concentrators benefit from the occasional external wipedown, in addition to swabbing of the air vents.
• The volume level if you’re concerned about noise, particularly if you plan to use your concentrator while sleeping. Oftentimes, portable concentrators have a similar volume to a quiet indoor conversation, so they’ll cause little disturbance when you bring them to stores or restaurants.
• The size, weight, and dimensions of the unit. Most portable concentrators come in at around 5lb, which makes them easy to carry anywhere, but you’ll want to be sure you’re happy with the size and weight.
• Which accessories are included, such as spare batteries, cannula, or a carrying case. If these accessories aren’t included, you’ll need to budget for them separately, so remember to factor that in when estimating the cost of renting or buying a unit.

Pros and Cons of Renting and Buying A Portable Oxygen Concentrator

Here is an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of renting your portable oxygen concentrator.

Renting Portable Oxygen Concentrator Pros & Cons

Buying A Portable Oxygen Concentrator Pros & Cons

Closing Thoughts

Over 16 million Americans suffer from COPD, and more than 25 million have asthma. Of course, not everyone with these conditions needs oxygen therapy; however, a portable oxygen concentrator can certainly help many of them. By effectively delivering oxygen to a user, these handy devices can be a great way for people to breathe more comfortably and efficiently, ultimately improving their comfort.

When it comes to buying or renting a portable oxygen concentrator, there’s no right or wrong answer. The best thing is to be armed with a list of your needs and concerns and chat with more than one supplier. A good manufacturer will be more than happy to answer your questions and guide you when making a decision.