There are many medical conditions that may require you to receive oxygen. Using oxygen cylinder is an easy methode but not a wise option because they do not last long, and you need to take frequent trips to the store.
The best option is to purchase an oxygen concentrator because it is a cost-effective and time-saving way to provide the necessary treatment. But, be informed that the oxygen concentrator price is usually high than oxygen cylinder.
If this is your first time buying an oxygen concentrator online, do not worry as we have done the research and collaborated with health care experts to help you provide the important and essential details. We have also reviewed the best oxygen concentrators for you so that you can make an informed decision.
Check Oxygen Concentrator Availibility on Amazon
Top 7 Best Portable Oxygen Concentrator in India
| Oxygen Concentrator Machine | Max. Flow | Warranty | Best Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Concentrator | 1.1 L/Min | 2 years | Buy on Amazon |
| 2. Dr Trust Respiright Oxygen Concentrator | 5 L/Min | N/A | Buy on Amazon |
| 3. Gvs Oxygen Oxy-Pure Ultra Silence Oxygen Concentrator | 5 L/Min | 2 yrs / 5000 hrs | Buy on Amazon |
| 4. Philips Respironics Oxygen Concentrator | 5 L/Min | 3 Years | Buy on Amazon |
| 5. OXYMED portable oxygen concentrator machine | 5 L/Min | 3 Years | Buy on Amazon |
| 6. DevilBiss Oxygen Concentrator With Oxymizer | 5 L/Min | 3 Years | Buy on Amazon |
| 7. Nareena Life Sciences Oxygen Concentrator Machine | 5 L/Min | 3 YEars | Buy on Amazon |
What is an Oxygen Concentrator?
It is an electronic device that gives oxygen to the patients by condensing ambient air into pure oxygen.
The air we breathe is 78% Nitrogen and 21% Oxygen. The oxygen concentrator takes the room air, removes nitrogen from it and then supplies 95% oxygen to the patient.
As per the principle of Pressure Swing Adsorption technology, these concentrators are used at homes for therapy where pressurized or liquid oxygen is inconvenient and dangerous.
It can recreate the functions of the oxygen cylinder. This concentrator uses electricity to function and the power consumption is minimal.
Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators
1. Dr Trust Respiright Oxygen Concentrator
The first oxygen concentrator on this is the list if by GVS. It is an electrically powered machine that separates nitrogen from the atmospheric air.
It has an LED display that shows the number of times you have switched on the machine. It also indicates the operating pressure in the device. The oxygen purity percentage is indicated on the screen, which helps you know the level better.
The flow rate is 0.5L per minute, and it runs on a low sound of 43 DB.
The machine also indicates the time it has been running for. The screen has a light which makes it possible for you to check the numbers at night as well. The screen goes on to screen saver mode after 15 minutes.
This oxygen concentrator can be widely used in clinics, family nursing, mental workers, home care of a senior person, etc.
2. Gvs Oxygen 5L Oxy-Pure Ultra Silence Oxygen Concentrator
The first oxygen concentrator on this is the list if by GVS. It is an electrically powered machine that separates nitrogen from the atmospheric air.
It has an LED display that shows the number of times you have switched on the machine. It also indicates the operating pressure in the device. The oxygen purity percentage is indicated on the screen, which helps you know the level better.
The flow rate is 0.5L per minute, and it runs on a low sound of 43 DB.
The machine also indicates the time it has been running for. The screen has a light which makes it possible for you to check the numbers at night as well. The screen goes on to screen saver mode after 15 minutes.
This oxygen concentrator can be widely used in clinics, family nursing, mental workers, home care of a senior person, etc.
3. Philips Respironics Oxygen Concentrator
Philips is a brand that needs no introduction. If you are looking for an effective and stylish oxygen concentrator, then this one is surely a choice to consider.
Usually, oxygen concentrators are bulky and too heavy, which can be taken from one place to another. This machine is designed by keeping in mind home care and thus, it is lightweight, just 14kgs. It even has wheels which makes it super portable.
The machine is small in size and thus, you do not require a huge space to store it. One of the important plus points is that it operates at low noise, which means no disturbance at night.
The machine uses less power and also does not produce too much heat, which means that it is designed keeping in mind the patients.
The patient does not have to change any filters, and the machine is available with and also without oxygen purity indicator. The machine provides 93% (+/-3) oxygen purity at levels between 1 L to 5 L per minute flow.
It would have been better if the machine had an LED screen for better readings.
4. OXYMED oxygen concentrator machine
Another oxygen concentrator worth buying on this list is by OXYMED. If you are looking for a medical-grade machine, then this one is a good option to choose from.
The maximum recommended flow in this machine is 0.5 to 5l/minute. It comes with an in-built nebulizer, which saves you money to purchase not buying a nebulizer separately.
It is made with German technology and uses HEPA filters to trap the pollutants and release pure oxygen. The machine has four wheels, which makes it portable.
The machine has a large LCD screen to display low oxygen purity, alarms, low pressure, and power fluctuation.
It is designed keeping in mind home use, and thus it is user-friendly and does not require costly maintenance. The machine also supports multi-use function, which means multiple users can use it.
5. DevilBiss Oxygen Concentrator With Oxymizer
Another effective and recommended oxygen concentrator on the list is The DecilBliss concentrator with oximizer. This machine is made in the USA.
This machine is made using the patented Turn-Down technology, which makes it super efficient and also minimizes the wear and tear of internal parts, thus making it last longer.
It has a quiet operation – 15% sound quality improvement. The machine has a protected cannula fitting and also a recessed humidifier nook that prevents damage to the machine, making it super durable.
It even has alarms that indicate low oxygen, high and low pressure, power failure, and service required. The machine automatically turns down the flow cycle to reduce pressure on the compressor and internal fittings.
6. Nareena Life Sciences Oxygen Concentrator with Nebulizer
Last but not the least is the Nareena Life Sciences Oxygen Concentrator that comes along with a nebulizer, which saves you some bucks.
The oxygen purity level is between 95.5% and 97.7%, and the flow range is 0 to 5l per minute. The machine is lightweight – only 15 kgs and has four wheels, which make it portable.
It even has alarms that will indicate to you when there is low or high pressure, low purity, power failure, etc. The LCD screen will displays the oxygen concentration clearly.
This oxygen concentrator comes with a warranty of 3 years. It also has a presetting timer of 10 minutes to 9 hours.
7. Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The first oxygen concentrator on this is the list if by GVS. It is an electrically powered machine that separates nitrogen from the atmospheric air.
It has an LED display that shows the number of times you have switched on the machine. It also indicates the operating pressure in the device. The oxygen purity percentage is indicated on the screen, which helps you know the level better.
The flow rate is 0.5L per minute, and it runs on a low sound of 43 DB.
The machine also indicates the time it has been running for. The screen has a light which makes it possible for you to check the numbers at night as well. The screen goes on to screen saver mode after 15 minutes.
This oxygen concentrator can be widely used in clinics, family nursing, mental workers, home care of a senior person, etc.
When is the oxygen concentrator used?
The oxygen concentrator can be used by patients who are having respiratory conditions like ILD, COPD, etc. which causes low oxygen levels in the blood.
It is used when the patient requires supplemental oxygen to fulfil the basic oxygen need. Based on the patient’s condition, the doctor prescribes oxygen therapy between 1 hour and 24 hours.
Make sure to immediately start the oxygen therapy as soon as the physician prescribes it.
How does oxygen concentrator works?
The oxygen concentrator takes ambient air and removes Nitrogen from it to provide medical-grade 95% pure oxygen.
It works in four simple steps:
- The room air is taken in the oxygen concentrator
- Nitrogen is trapped and removed from the air, which leaves behind oxygen as the primary gas.
- Adjusting the oxygen delivery flow in LPM – Liters Per Minute
- 90% to 95% pure oxygen is delivered to the patient through the mask, nasal cannula, etc.
Types of Oxygen Concentrator
There are multiple types of oxygen concentrators available in the market. Let us understand in brief about each one.
Stationary Oxygen Concentrator
This type of oxygen concentrator is also known as the home oxygen concentrator which works only on AC mains.
These concentrators deliver a constant flow of oxygen just like a cylinder having a standard delivery system.
As the name states, this type of oxygen concentrator cannot be carried by the patient from one place to another but can be moved around in the house. Most stationary concentrators are mounted on wheels and weigh between 10 kgs to 30 kgs.
Portable oxygen concentrator
These are similar to the stationary oxygen concentrator but compact, light in weight, works on battery and AC mains, and easy to carry around.
Most portable oxygen concentrators are pulse flow-based while some have the continuous mode too.
How to choose an oxygen concentrator?
Before we directly jump on to the products, it is wise to understand some important points that will help you choose the right oxygen concentrator.
Check oxygen saturation
An oxygen concentrator is prescribed only when a patient requires supplemental oxygen because of low oxygen levels in your blood.
Make sure you purchase a concentrator only when a doctor prescribes it. The doctor will monitor the blood oxygen level using a pulse oximeter. If he or she notices that the oxygen saturation is below 95% then he/she will recommend supplemental oxygen.
The doctor will mention for how long and how frequently you require supplemental oxygen.
If you feel that you require an oxygen concentrator to breathe fresh air if you are living in a place with high AQI, then you are wrong. In this case, you will require an air purifier.
If you have normal oxygen levels then inhaling higher concentration will harm your body and may even cause oxygen toxicity.
Make sure to ask the doctor if you will be requiring an oxygen concentrator or oxygen cylinder. If you need an oxygen source for a short period of time, less than 120 hours, then an oxygen cylinder is ideal for you.
On the other hand, if you need oxygen for more than 120 hours, then you require an oxygen concentrator.
Decide type – portable or stationary
As you know there are two types of oxygen concentrators, portable and stationary. Let us understand the scenarios when you will need any one of them.
You require a stationary oxygen concentrator if:
- You need more than 4 LPM oxygen. You can even choose to get the stationary one for lower requirements subject to other factors.
- You need to use a concentrator with BIPAP or CPAP device.
- You require a steady supply of oxygen
- You need to be given supplemental oxygen even when you are sleeping
You require a portable oxygen concentrator if:
- You need lesson 4 LPM oxygen, while some portable concentrators can also provide around 6 LPM. We recommend you do not purchase a machine that matches your maximum capacity because if your requirement increases then you may have to buy a new unit.
- You are willing to spend between 1.5 lacs and 2 lacs.
- You cannot stay without supplemental oxygen when you go to the market or even for a walk.
The below-mentioned table will help you get an idea in brief:
| Conditions | Preffered Type of Concentrator |
| Able to spend 1.5 lacs to 2 lacs | Portable & Stationary |
| Need more than 4 LPM oxygen | Stationary |
| Require oxygen while sleeping | Portable or Stationary with a constant flow |
| Need oxygen throughout the day, even outdoors | Portable & Stationary |
Oxygen Flow Rate
Understanding the flow rate can help to ease the buying decision but for that you may require to talk to your doctor as he is the one who will decide the required flow rate.
Flow rate is the rate at which oxygen travels from machine to patient. The flow rate can vary as per the brand you choose cause few brands provides lower flow rate 250 to 750 ml per minute while few can deliver 2 to 10 liter per minute.
Only allow your doctor to decide how much oxygen you need and also for how long, make sure you do not take this decision. your doctor will observe your oxygen saturation level using a pulse oximeter.
For the aim of reaching 98%, your doctor will gradually increase the oxygen flow and will reveal your requirements.
If your doctor has suggested you supplemental oxygen, then there are chances that your requirement is less than 5 LPM.
Ensure that the concentrator you are looking to purchase has a higher capacity than you require. For example, if you require a capacity of 3.5 LPM, go for the one having 5 LPM capacity.
Oxygen Purity Indicator (OPI) Matters
You will come across many oxygen concentrators that come without an oxygen purity indicator but make sure you do not go for such an option.
The OPI is an LED light that lights up whenever the oxygen purity coming from the machine falls below 85%.
In case you purchase a machine that does not have an OPI, you wouldn’t know when the purity goes below the levels. This can be harmful if you are struggling with low blood oxygen levels.
The price of an oxygen concentrator with OPI costs a few thousand extra, which is definitely worth it.
Look for Portability
Oxygen concentrators vary in size and weight. While buying oxygen concentrators, look for those options that provided better portability.
Many portable oxygen concentrators available in the market that weigh from 3 to 5 Kg and easy carry around but such oxygen concentrators has low flow rate.
Insurance coverage
This is one of the most important points to consider while buying an oxygen concentrator but many people forget doing it. Call and check with your insurance to know whether this purchase will be covered by them or not.
Doctor recommendation
Check with your doctor to know if you will be requiring a pulse dose or you will need a continuous flow. This is essential because it will determine your purchase decision.
Also, before you buy oxygen concentrator, it is better to have a prescription from your healthcare provider that enlist the following details [02] –
- Total hours of use intended each day
- Oxygen flow rate
- Masks or cannulae required
- Need for humidification
- Need for back up oxygen cylinder
Check reviews online
When you are looking to buy the product online, make sure to check all the online reviews to know the user experiences. You can ask the brand the questions you have in mind either through the online portal or by contacting them personally.
This is important because not all oxygen concentrators are the same. Thus it is vital for you to know everything about it before purchasing. To make the purchase simpler for you, we have reviewed the best oxygen concentrators that you can consider buying.
Features
Make sure to check various specifications like the weight, the weight of the battery, does it come with a battery? How long will the battery last? Does it provide continuous flow or intermittent flow?
Oxygen Concentrator Price In India
The price of the oxygen concentrator varies depending on the country of origin, type and output flow. In India, the price of the concentrator starts from Rs. 30,000 and can go up to Rs. 5 lacs.
Most oxygen concentrators available in the Indian market are imported either from the United States or China. The ones that are imported from the USA are costlier than Chinese oxygen concentrators.
For example, If you purchase 5 litre stationary oxygen concentration that is manufactured in China it would cost you around Rs. 30000. On the contrary, if you purchase the one imported from the USA it will cost you around Rs. 65000.
Make sure to have an idea about the pricing of the concentrated before you start looking out for it.
Required Accessories
Humidifier
The flow of oxygen via the airways usually dries the passage just like normal air would do to any wet area. . A humidifier is used to avoid the dryness of the throat and nose of the patients.
Oxygen bubbles through water in the humidified and gets damp. This is generally required for flows higher than 3 LPM. Remember that a humidifier is not needed for a portable oxygen concentrator.
Oxygen delivery systems
The most commonly used delivery systems are nasal cannula and face masks. The ones that are rarely used are a re-breathing mask, venturi mask, non-rebreathing mask and trans-tracheal catheter.
Nasal cannula
The nasal cannula is a thin tube that delivers oxygen to the nostrils. It is connected to the source at one end and the other end is split into two points and inserted into the nostrils.
Face mask
It is a single patient use plastic mask, covering the nose and lips for breathing.
Conclusion
Oxygen concentrators provide the cheapest and most consistent source of oxygen in health facilities where power supplies are reliable. Especially in childhood pneumonia, where it is found that early detection of hypoxaemia & treatment can reduce the death rate by 35% [01]
We hope this article helps you understand the basics while you wish to purchase an oxygen concentrator. Before you choose a machine, ensure to look through the buying guide to know the essentials that will help you make an informed purchase.
If you are running short of time and need professional recommendations, then we have also reviewed the top 5 oxygen concentrators to buy.
Featured image – Woman photo created by wavebreakmedia_micro – www.freepik.com
