With oxygen therapy, you have two options for treatment: home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators. Home oxygen concentrators help you manage your respiratory illness in the comfort of your home. While on the go, you can also continue your oxygen therapy with a portable oxygen concentrator. Which one is right for you? Some patients use both types of oxygen concentrators. Learn about both types of machines to find the one that fits your lifestyle.
Home Oxygen Concentrators
Home oxygen concentrators, or stationary oxygen concentrators, are primarily for home use. Oxygen from ambient air is filtered by these devices and supplemental oxygen is provided to the patient. They provide a quiet, reliable supply of medical-grade oxygen for patients suffering from COPD or other chronic lung disorders in their homes. Home concentrators may also have wheels that allow you to move the machine from room to room. You should also look for features that you find necessary for managing your particular respiratory illness.
The Philips Respironics Millennium M10 Oxygen Concentrator with OPI includes an oxygen purity indicator which is helpful for monitoring oxygen quality. It also delivers up to 10 LPM of oxygen, which may be necessary for your prescription. This is the perfect solution for patients that require greater therapy support. Lastly, this device offers an easy-to-use control panel with LED indicators and audible alarms to alert you if there are any problems.
The Philips Respironics Everflo Oxygen Concentrator with OPI also comes with an oxygen purity indicator along with a much quieter operation and a more compact design. It's one of the lightest oxygen concentrators, weighing in at only 31 pounds. It's also energy-efficient for cost-savings, which is a great solution for those who are on a budget.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Portable oxygen concentrators are designed for on-the-go. They are lighter, smaller, and use battery power for operation. Most of them are even FAA-approved, meaning you can take them on a flight with you. If you have an active lifestyle, look for the essential features you need but in the more compact and portable options available with these machines.
The Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator offers the lightest continuous flow option on the market. The durable design is meant to take on the bumps and bangs of travel and the battery has a fast charging time. Weighing 10 lbs, the Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator has double the oxygen output as other portable concentrators in the same weight class! It also has a fast battery charging time, so patients will be out and about in no time with this device.
The Caire FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator weighs only 6lbs when equipped with its batteries. It's designed to be comfortable enough to bring with you wherever you go. It features a contoured shape which allows the device to rest against the user’s body with ease. To make travel even easier, the Caire Freestyle Comfort comes with a shoulder strap and carrying bag to ensure your device is secure and protected.
What is the Difference Between Home and Portable Oxygen Concentrators?
Portable oxygen concentrators continually evolve to offer many of the same features as home oxygen concentrators. Today, the main difference between the two types, is the compact, lightweight design of the portable models. The use of battery power is primarily for portable oxygen concentrators, while home oxygen concentrators rely on an electrical outlet for operation.
Size
Portable oxygen concentrators are always much smaller so they can be carried around and packed easily in a suitcase. While many home units are small and compact, they are not meant for travel.
Most portable oxygen concentrators are roughly 7 to 10 inches in size, making them small enough to carry with a shoulder strap or in a medium-sized bag.
Home oxygen concentrators stand upright, about 30” high. Many include casters for easy mobility around the house.
Weight
Portable oxygen concentrators are also much lighter. Many come with carrying cases so you can take your oxygen concentrator to the supermarket or a restaurant without feeling like you are toting along a heavy piece of machinery. Home units tend to be much heavier but are designed for easy movement around the house.
The average portable oxygen concentrator weighs 5 pounds or less.
Because home oxygen concentrators do not require portability, they can weigh as much 50 pounds or more.
Oxygen Output
There is generally no difference in oxygen output among both types of oxygen concentrators. Different models offer continuous and pulse flow and different liters per minute oxygen, depending on your needs. But overall, you can find the same level of oxygen output in both types.
When choosing an oxygen concentrator of any type, it’s best to understand your oxygen therapy needs to ensure the machine you select fits the prescribed oxygen from your doctor.
Power Choices
Home oxygen concentrators must be in electrical outlets in order to get power. Some can use batteries for power failures. Portable oxygen concentrators offer options from battery power to outlet charging to car charging. So, you get more versatility with portable oxygen concentrators when it comes to power.
If you choose a portable oxygen concentrator and travel frequently, be sure to invest in backup batteries for lasting power when away from power sources.
Price
Home oxygen concentrators can be less expensive. Because of the design needs for travel among portable oxygen concentrators they can be more expensive. You pay for the portability.
Most home oxygen concentrators range in price from $900 to over $1,700 depending on your oxygen therapy needs and extra features for ease of use and convenience.
Portable oxygen concentrators can cost well over $2000. They can supply many of the same features as home units but with the benefits of lightweight travel.
Which One is Right for You?
If you lead an active lifestyle and hate having to stay home during oxygen therapy, then a portable oxygen concentrator is worth the extra money. If you need to pay less and don’t mind staying at home or spending most of your time at home, then a home oxygen concentrator is your best choice.
Many patients who have to rely on oxygen therapy heavily, may invest in both types of the home oxygen concentrator.
Where Can I Buy Portable and Home Oxygen Concentrators?
You can search online for a new unit from the comfort of your own home. You can find all of the leading portable and home oxygen concentrator manufacturers at The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to answer any questions and help you make the best choice. Call us at 888-941-1688.
