Portable Oxygen Concentrator - Ultimate Buying Guide

What you’ll learn in this guide

Clear answers to the most important questions—so you can choose with confidence.

1 What is a POC?
2 Navigating Medicare & Insurance
3 Renting vs Buying
4 Pulse vs Continuous Flow
5 Top Model Comparisons
6 Battery & Travel
7 How to Choose a Model
8 FAQ
★ Get Your Personalized Price

What is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) gives you freedom—the ability to breathe easily at home, in the car, or even 30,000 feet in the air. No heavy tanks, no refills, no limits on where life can take you.

Breathe freely—wherever life goes

Modern concentrators pull oxygen from the air around you, filter and purify it, and deliver it directly through a lightweight cannula. That means you’re never tied down by tanks or refills. You can walk the dog, visit family, or fly across the country—all with one device that fits in a shoulder bag.

✅ Lightweight and travel-ready — most models weigh under 5 lbs
✅ FAA-approved for air travel — take it on board your next flight
✅ Quiet and rechargeable — no noise or bulky cylinders
✅ Doctor-recommended for active users who need continuous independence

“It’s more than oxygen—it’s confidence to live without limits.”

Active senior walking outdoors with a portable oxygen concentrator — Lightweight, FAA-approved, and designed for freedom.

Navigating Medicare & Insurance

Many people assume Medicare or insurance will cover a portable oxygen concentrator. The truth: it’s a complicated process—and even when approved, patients rarely receive the model or freedom they expected.

Why it’s rarely simple

Medicare typically covers oxygen equipment **as a rental**, not a purchase. That means the supplier—not you—owns the unit. The paperwork requires a doctor’s evaluation, multiple forms, and approval from both your physician and the insurance provider.

Even after waiting weeks or months, patients often discover:

🕒 Long approval timelines and doctor paperwork
💰 Limited coverage—Medicare often pays only part of the rental
🔒 You can’t choose your own model or brand
🚫 No ownership—you must return the unit if coverage ends

In short, Medicare coverage can be a lifeline for some—but it’s not a fast or flexible path for those who want independence, travel freedom, and the ability to own their equipment.

See How Buying Compares →

Medicare vs. Direct Purchase

Feature	Medicare Rental	Buy Direct
Approval time	4–8 weeks, doctor paperwork required	Delivered within 1–3 days
Ownership	Supplier owns the unit	You own it for life
Model choice	Limited / assigned	You choose any model
Travel & flight use	Often restricted	FAA-approved models available
Ongoing cost	Monthly rental fees + copays	One-time purchase

*Information provided for educational purposes; coverage varies by plan and state.

Renting vs. Buying: What’s the Difference?

Most rentals exist because they’re covered through Medicare. But renting a portable oxygen concentrator often means you don’t choose the model, you don’t own the unit, and you’re limited in how and where you can use it.

Renting

📦 You receive whatever model your provider assigns
🕒 Approval can take weeks or months through Medicare paperwork
💸 You never own the device — it must be returned if coverage ends
🚫 Limited ability to travel or fly with rental units
⚙️ Maintenance and replacement handled by the supplier, not you

Renting can help short-term, but it rarely fits an active lifestyle.

Buying

✅ You choose the exact model that fits your needs
✈️ Freedom to travel — all units sold by Vital Care USA are FAA-approved
🏠 You own the device for life, no rental returns or surprise fees
🔋 Multiple battery options for longer outings and independence
💬 Dedicated U.S. support from licensed oxygen specialists

Buying gives you control — the freedom to breathe and live on your terms.

💲 Monthly financing available — most customers find payments are similar to what they’d pay renting, but you own the unit outright.

Pulse Flow vs. Continuous Flow

Portable oxygen concentrators deliver oxygen in two different ways. The right choice depends on your doctor’s prescription and how you plan to use it day-to-day.

Pulse Flow

Pulse flow concentrators deliver oxygen only when you inhale — conserving energy for maximum battery life and portability. They’re lightweight, compact, and ideal for users who are active and on the move.

💨 Delivers oxygen only when you breathe in
🔋 Longest battery life — up to 13 hours on select models
👜 Lightweight and discreet (3–5 lbs)
✈️ FAA-approved for travel and flights
⭐ Recommended for: Active users & frequent travelers

Inogen is our preferred Pulse Flow brand — trusted by doctors nationwide for its quiet operation, long battery performance, and lightweight portability. Popular models include the Inogen One G5 and Rove 6.

Continuous Flow

Continuous flow concentrators provide a constant stream of oxygen, whether you’re inhaling or exhaling. They’re often prescribed for users who need steady oxygen delivery — including sleep, CPAP use, or higher oxygen levels.

🌬️ Provides oxygen continuously at up to 3 LPM
🔋 Dual-battery design offers up to 6 hours of operation
⚙️ Designed for 24/7 therapy — portable and stationary
🛏️ Compatible with CPAP and sleep-use requirements
⭐ Recommended for: Chronic or nighttime users

O₂ Concepts is the manufacturer behind the Oxlife Independence® — a 3LPM continuous flow POC powered by patented Energy Smart Technology®. It supports both continuous and pulse modes, includes dual batteries, DNA Technology® connectivity, and is CPAP-compatible for true 24/7 use.

Feature	Pulse Flow (Inogen)	Continuous Flow (O₂ Concepts / Oxlife Independence)
Oxygen Delivery	On breath detection	Constant stream up to 3 LPM
Best For	Active, mobile users	Sleep, CPAP, or high-flow therapy
Weight Range	3–5 lbs	18–20 lbs
Battery Life	Up to 13 hours	Up to 6 hours (dual battery)
Power Options	Rechargeable battery & AC/DC	AC/DC power with dual battery system
Travel-Friendly	✅ FAA-approved, ultra portable	✅ FAA-approved, ideal for stationary or rolling use

Always consult your physician before selecting a flow type. Your oxygen prescription determines which unit is right for you.

Model	New Price	Certified Pre-Owned Price	Weight (lb)	Battery (hrs)	Best For
Inogen® Rove 6 Portable Oxygen Concentrator	$1,995.00 $3,295.00	$1,695.00 $3,295.00	4.8	6.25	Active days & future needs
Inogen® Rove 4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator	$2,995.00	$2,695.00 $2,995.00	2.9	5	Lightest to carry
Inogen One® G5® Portable Oxygen Concentrator	$1,995.00	$1,695.00 $1,995.00	5	6	Best value