My Quest for a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

By Becky Brooks

3 min read

Like many of you, I am on oxygen twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. I got pneumonia, was hospitalized, and woke up on oxygen. It was a stark reality, and I felt I had lost part of myself. With or without an air tube attached to my face, I wanted my life back. It was a game-changer for me. I want to share my oxygen experience in hopes that it will help someone else.

Getting started at home

Initially, my doctor was involved in helping me get set up at home with a concentrator and a few tanks that I could use to go to the store or when I needed to run errands. However, it didn't take me long to discover that if I went very far, I would have to find a portable tank.

I wasn't the least bit happy about life on oxygen, but my urgency for normalcy took over as usual. However, when I was dealing with this, I had no one to help me make decisions. My doctor had very little knowledge regarding portable oxygen, so I basically blundered my way through it.

Feeling rushed to make a decision

I always stayed with my children and grandson for the Christmas holidays, so I was overly anxious to find a portable machine that would allow me to board a commercial plane by December. Christmas with my grandson was my greatest joy of each year. Finding a way to fly again seemed extremely important at the time.

I am not sure how much has changed, but I found very few options that would pass the airline's criteria for COPD patients. I was still pretty new to the whole idea of oxygen dependency, but I felt pressured to get all of my ducks in a row. So, I decided to purchase a specific brand based on the company's marketing skills and the fact that it was approved for flying.

Take your time and do some research

Today, I wish I had taken more time, read more, and known a little more before making that purchase. I hadn't owned the unit very long before I realized that the settings on the machine were just that. They are simply manufacturer's settings and not liters. Had I realized this fact, I would have done more research.

When purchasing the portable unit, the sales representative talked me into a lifetime warranty. After I had been using the equipment for about a year, it started having mechanical issues. The service department informed me that parts would need to be replaced every year or so. This was understandable; however, it would have been nice to mention it during the sale's pitch.

My personal experience

Over the past year, the company has sent me several refurbished units. None of them function reliably. Honestly, I am not sure that at this time there is a portable concentrator on the market that will meet my requirements. I am not going to rush out and look for something different to buy. But I do want you to know I am not angry or upset with the company. I didn't know enough at the time. I was in too big of a rush.

There are so many variables that you need to consider before purchasing a portable unit. I think the biggest question to ask is, "what will you be using it for?". I planned to use mine for all of my travels, walks, and errands. What I discovered is the unit I have is excellent for when I am sedentary. It works when I am riding in the car. It works fine while pushing a cart in the grocery store. However, it does not meet my needs for exercising or even just walking my neighborhood. For outdoor exercise, I use a small, lightweight cylinder tank that I get from my supplier.

Little did I know

I am still learning to live with COPD, and it has changed my life so much more than I realized it would. Not long after getting out of the hospital, I developed a fear of traveling very far from home. After nearly three years, I have started to overcome the fear of travel, but I may never fly again. As for time with my kids, I now see them in the summer. Life is good, even while connected to a machine. I am finding my way.

If you are looking for a portable oxygen concentrator, do your research. Ask questions, read reviews, see if your doctor has any knowledge about the equipment on the market, and don't rush to buy something. It is a significant investment, and you will want to feel satisfied once you do buy.

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kloker Member
Becky – It’s pretty timely for me that you have brought this up now! I’m busy trying to get a POC myself. But you have left out any pertinent data, so I will volunteer mine, as I have no fears about being specific, which IMO would be much more helpful. Right now I don’t have the money for something like this, as my life is in turmoil due to a number of factors, not just COPD but also family issues and other limiting concerns. You’ve told us you had pneumonia and were hospitalized, but not when or how long ago. I went through my month-long hospital/rehab stint back in April and May of 2021, less than a year ago. I was also set up with home 02 supplies, including a home concentrator with bubbler, and tanks (oxygen cylinders both large and small), along with a nebulizer, albuterol to burn in it, and monthly service to maintain all supplies, provided by my local oxygen supplier, based on the doctor’s prescription. To put it simply, the COPD bombshell fell on my head all on one April day. Before that, I was slowing down physically as my illness worsened, but I managed to stay in denial and live relatively normal. Afterwards, with a major setback in the condition of my lungs, I was forced to face it all at once and begin the arduous process of attempting to adapt and overcome. After the testing and measuring and some therapy, I had to start learning to accept some harsh new limits on my retirement. In other words, all my plans and hopes went right out the window and I had to learn to set much lower expectations. And I’ve had to adjust even more as I learn how to live in a whole new and different way. Having had the distinctly (I thought at the time) unique experience of taking care of my Mom as she had this disease until she passed in 1999 (yet did I quit smoking then? NOPE!), I did not and do not and will not ever trust the 02 tanks as far as I can throw them. They are used, they are subject to average maintenance, and the valves and seals are not very good, which means that they are unreliable. So I am homebound until I get a POC. Being financially challenged at the moment, I asked the doctor and she ordered me a POC, which Medicare must provide if prescribed (to be supplied and paid for by them at no charge to me) and unsurprisingly difficult to qualify for. But I easily qualified, so the deal was done. But that was about 3 months ago now, and the excuse from my provider is that there is a supply crunch due to Covid, and there is no word as to when I will receive my machine. I am also waiting on an NIV ventilator to help me sleep, same issue. Thing about that is, I know that those machines are not used to treat Covid, so I guess it’s about the makers assembly lines being tied up with production of the big hospital ventilators and such. All this is highly annoying. Why? Well, for one thing, I have not had a haircut since before Thanksgiving, when I managed to con someone to come to my house to cut it, but that was a one-time deal and expensive, meaning I have a Covid trim (self-inflicted!). Also, After my neighbor took my car and got it inspected and got the sticker for it, back and July, I have not been able to go out there to put the new sticker on. I also have a lot of work I need to do in my shop to sell machines to raise money to pay for things I need (since I can no longer be a woodworker). But the shop is detached and I can’t go out there. SO, yeah, I have no life, an no idea when I will. My doctor is furiously trying to get answers, but up the chain, it seems no one cares. So that’s a rat’s nest all on its own. On the POC’s themselves, I do know they make a bunch of models, but many of them are FAA approved. But also true is that there are only a very few with the capability for enough output to cover folks with more than 2 or 3lpm demands. The biggest factor there is that instead of being continuous output, they are pulse output, which is different, and beyond a certain fairly low point will not work for folks who need more than the small capacities. I have no experience myself yet with one that has the pulse output, but my friend who has an Inogen One G5 (their top model and $$$!) which he bought, is very happy with it, but he needs only 2-3 lpm continuous so it puts out enough in the pulse output to easily cover his needs for most local errands and outdoor stuff. As best I can tell, there are only a couple of portable units capable of a moderate level of lpm continuous flow output, and they ain’t cheap! But I’m like that guy at the steamboat sale. All I can do is run up and down the riverbank yelling “what a deal!” There are some nice POC’s out there, and they cost about the same as a nice used car. Why? I have no idea. The full size one I use at home is available for much, much less. These are just smaller versions, and I happen to know for a fact that they cost less to make. So, IMO, the reason for the pricing of these is the same as the reason for extortionary pricing on a lot of stuff in the medical world. It’s an artificially (price-fixed) jacked up market, designed to reap huge riches from the folks who can least afford it. In other words, standard medical practice. So, good luck to us all in this quest. Just remember, the way these things are sold is the same way cars are sold. Keep your hand on your wallet, your eyes on the magic man who sells them, and ask all the questions. Don’t assume anything, because that’s when they will getcha. And haggle. Unless, of course, you simply enjoy giving away your hard-earned money. Sound cynical? Come back after your foray into it and let us know how you feel then! I will do the same. 
1. whirledpeas Member
 <inline-mention username="kloker" user-id="4235094"/> Thinking about you, and hoping you are managing, while sadly grieving the death of your brother.
2. hite1955 Member
 <inline-mention username="kloker" user-id="4235094"/> I love 💕 My G5 to DEATH!! Had ‘DOUG ‘ since: JUNE 15, 2020!!
tomboyer46 Member
Hi, just to let you know, I have gone through over 100 02 tanks and none have failed. I did have one incidence where the regulator failed. You are correct about the POC's, very expensive reason being is they are needed. Also if you require more than a 3 lpm they are useless for you. I have my cart that handles 2 tanks, each one, when set on continuous 6 will last 1.5 hrs. However when I sit down or just stop to rest I turn it to conserve saving a lot of oxygen. They are with me when ever I am outside. None of this is fun. We do not expect anyone who does not use oxygen to understand and we are glad you don't. (kinda). My home concentrator is usually set on 7 as I have to get up and walk around trying not to get out of breath.. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="tomboyer46" user-id="4140736"/> Hi Tom - nice to see you posting here again. I understand your comment and, I'm sure, my colleague <inline-mention username="John Bottrell, RRT" user-id="2438001"/> does too. After having lengthy conversations with you since you joined us, back in April, I understand a lot about how you view and handle your medical conditions. Sometimes, it takes a bit of coffee in the morning to get started - no worries there! All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. HuzzyGal Member
 I agree with you about tanks.....I have only had one problem and mine, too, was with regulator. I bought a poc - Sequal Eclipse - b/c I did a lot of car travel and I could plug it in and use it at 3lpm....w/o pug in it lasts me about an hour (useless). I got used to the tanks - I even "dress" them for the season. If you gotta use it, might as well flaunt it" (to misquote a familiar refrain),
tracycarnahan Member
I have an Imogen POC that I paid for through Medicare. For years I just used small 02 tanks with an on demand regulator. I carried one in a water bag hiking backpack and had two or tbree more in the car. A small tank would last me this way for about 12 hrs. of daytime use. I havena different company now and they insisted on me using a POC and I just hate it. The oxygen isn't as pure as the oxygen in the tanks and after 15 years in stage 3+ and 4, Im still alive but just barely on my feet and on demand doesn't work for me anymore. I need continuous flow of at least 2 while being immobile and at least 4+ while being mobile. The battery goes dead faster than jt supposed to, the POC makes me nervous in ways the tanks <a href='http://didnt.So' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>didnt.So</a> I end uo dragging the whole plug in wall assembly in my purse, which is huge. I prefer the tanks but oh well
1. kloker Member
 <inline-mention username="kloker" user-id="4235094"/> Wow, this app cut off the whole end of my post! So I will see if I can add the rest here: unreliable. But all of it was still not enough last week when the power went out for a week from the ice storm, so I had to take my main concentrator to the shelter with me! Crazy! So now I am building a go-bag, so that next time, I can just throw my meds in and go!
2. HuzzyGal Member
 I have the Sequal Eclipse and on 3 lpm, it lasts slightly more than an hour.
davidjroll Member
I have been through the experience of looking for a POC. My first one was supplied by a snake oil salesman and gave trouble from day one. Has been at the agents (it's a Philips machine) for over a year in the hopes I can get it fixed. POC's are all pulse and any that aren't, are hardly portable. The battery must be certified as FAA approved (FAA appears to be an international standard) When travelling, the POC has to be able to run 24/7. If not you have to arrange O² or a concentrator at your destination. The POC had to have a local service agent. I live in a small city in South Africa. I do not have anything like the USA's Medicare or the English with their National Health. I live on a privately funded pension and that was the only capital I had. I decided to withdraw R50k (SKI - spending kids inheritance 😀 ) for a new POC. The only unit at the time that met my criteria was the Inogen One G5. 10 months later this too broke down while I was away! The agents were fantastic. The sent a technician the 350 km (220 miles) with bottled O². He was fortunately able to do a temporary repair on the spot. They took the unit in when I was home and kept me supplied with bottles until the unit was returned. Living at the coast I also run a dehumidifier which I find helps.
1. Becky Brooks Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="davidjroll" user-id="2418320"/> Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am glad that the folks from Inogen treated you so well and gave you the customer service you needed. That is wonderful. There are so many things we have to keep in mind when we plan to travel and are dependent upon oxygen. I am glad to hear that running a dehumidifier helps with the moisture on the coast. My best, Becky (author and moderator, COPD.net) 
2. MsMerry1 Member
 <inline-mention username="davidjroll" user-id="2418320"/> thanks for sharing. I found the Inogen 1 people to be very kind and not only helpful as you proved but fast! I am in Canada and not in a large center so I can really appreciate a little of what is NOT available to you. Wishing you only the very best in everything. Virtual Hugs, MsMerry1
MsMerry1 Member
After finding that my oxygen levels were very low I was put on supplemental oxygen at night and I knew I needed to find a unit I could fly with as the airlines are very strict. I did a few searches and found the Inogen 1 available in the US. It is fairly light weight and small so easier to travel with, but expensive. I was so fortunate to have insurance at the time so a portion of my cost was covered. I am in Canada so it was even more expensive. 😀 I remember being on a flight and the Stewardess came and asked me about my unit. She had been helping a couple on the plane with tanks and mentioned that I was on board and she couldn't even tell where my unit was. That made me feel so good to be able to help someone else so I opened my case and showed her and then wrote all the info down for this lovely couple. A portable unit that can be used in a vehicle ( plug into the cigarette lighter ) or on an aircraft. It is one of the top units recognized for air travel. This might help you Becky Brooks and anyone else who has to travel to see family. And PS Becky...the fear around flying and making it thru the airport terminals has me having to talk myself down by closing my eyes for a min. & pursed lip breathing. It really helps. Big Virtual Hugs...MsMerry1
1. HuzzyGal Member
 What airline were you flying that allowed tanks? They don't allow them as far as I know. 
2. MsMerry1 Member
 Huzzy Gal, I am in Canada but I do think most airlines are the same on the tanks. My thinking is that this was a special circumstance and arrangements were done ahead with the airlines. Even flying with my Inogen 1 i had to have clearance from the medical staff on both air lines that I would have flown with. Virtual Hugs your way...
Jojo485 Member
I wish I felt comfortable enough to get away from my stationary big home unit. I have an Inogen G4 and while I was trapped by cars in a fast food drive thru on a hot summer day my car air conditioner stopped working. My machine started beeping the warning beep and it was overheated and shutting down. It was sitting in my passenger seat with plenty of surrounding space. But it couldn’t cool down because it was so hot outside. I thought “ ok don’t panic…breathe right… I can do this…. I can get home” . I made it out of the line and got home. I haven’t been out alone again because of the fear. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="Jojo485" user-id="2438294"/> Hi again, Jojo, and thanks for your reply and further explanation. Glad to hear the portable oxygen concentrator is still working and, that you had the car's air conditioning system fixed so quickly. It's gratifying to learn that you are gradually becoming courageous enough to venture out again. I also think that going out with a friend/companion will help to keep your confidence level up. Please know, we are here to assist you in any way that we can. Please feel free to reach out to me or any other moderator / team member should you need us. And kindly, if you don't mind, please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress moving forward. We are all pulling for you! Warmly, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. eat2017 Member
 <inline-mention username="Jojo485" user-id="2438294"/> that is a scary situation. I’m glad you managed to calm yourself.
hite1955 Member
I did, May 14, 2020, shopped for POC with BEST BATTERY 🔋 2 Settings: 9 Hours 1 Setting: 13 Hours 6 PULSE SETTINGS DRAWBACK: NON CONTINUOUS 6 — 1260 / 1.26 LITRE
CommunityMember5ea1e1 Member
what are the requirements for airlines becouse of copd
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMember5ea1e1" user-id="2455677"/> Hi CM5ea1e1, and thanks for your post and question - it's a good one. As it turns out, each airline has their own set of guidelines when it comes to oxygen usage while flying. The best way for you to determine what you'll need to do would be to check in with customer service for the particular air carrier you will be using. I also thought you might gain some additional insight from this article, which speaks to using supplemental oxygen while traveling: https://copd.net/living/traveling-with-oxygen. You will also want to read this article, by our own Jackie English, in which she shares her experiences when traveling with oxygen. You will note there is some good information here about flying with oxygen: https://copd.net/living/traveling-oxygen. I do hope this brief response addresses your concerns. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://COPD.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
CommunityMember61d9a1 Member
A simple formula for comparing pulse oxygen numbers to continuous flow numbers. As a starting point, you can expect to use a pulse number that is double or higher the number of continuous liters per minute you use. So, for example, if you use 3 lpm continuous flow, you will need a pulse number that is double that or higher. A pulse 6 might give you support similar to 3 lpm. Only one of the under-10-pound POCs has a pulse 6. More explanation. One of the great problems with using pulsed oxygen is knowing how to compare it with continuous flow oxygen, which is what our prescriptions are given in and what we use with our home concentrators and with straight regulators on tanks. Pulsed oxygen is more "efficient" - with continuous oxygen we only get benefit when we are breathing in, so most of our continuous oxygen is "wasted" back into the air. As a rough guideline, we breathe in about 1/3 of the time so if we are using 3 liters per minute of continuous oxygen, we get benefit from about 1 lpm of that and the other 2 lpm are pumped out into the air around us. So, theoretically, under perfect conditions, if a POC gives us about 1 lpm of oxygen, delivered at the precise right time, it could match 3 lpm of continuous oxygen. Most POCs provide about 1 lpm at pulse 5. Unfortunately, perfect conditions do not exist. The oxygen from a POC has a lower percentage of purity. Continuous oxygen has some additional advantages. So... we need to use a higher pulse setting than the "perfect" situation calculation. If you use 2 lpm continuous, you will need a pulse number of 4 or higher. If you use 3 lpm, you will need pulse 6 or higher. (Only one the under-10-pound POCs has a pulse 6, the Inogen One G5.) If you need more than 3 lpm for activity, none of the smaller POCs can meet that need. There is one machine - the Sequal Eclipse 5 - that provides pulse settings up to 9 along with continuous oxygen settings up to 3 lpm. A person might get support on the high pulse settings similar to using 4 lpm or a bit higher - but the unit weighs about 20 pounds and has to be pulled on wheels at at pulse 9 runs about an hour on each heavy, expensive battery, so this is only a realistic choice for flying or traveling in vehicles. An E tank on a cart weighs less and lasts longer. One last note - if you use oxygen with a CPAP at night, pulsed oxygen machines do not work. For travelers using a CPAP and oxygen, they either need to have a home concentrator, tanks, or one of the continuous flow (heavy) portable oxygen concentrators.
CommunityMember61d9a1 Member
The article is accurate. Unfortunate that whoever edited it put a banner photo on it that shows only non-portable oxygen machines, not POCs. I almost didn't open this because I figured "how good can an article about POCs be if a they don't even know what a POC looks like?"
1. Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMember61d9a1" user-id="8591879"/>! I just wanted to let you know that the writers, who are people like me with COPD or who work in the healthcare field. We do not make the illustrations for the articles. They are made by a different department. We will be sure to pass this on to them. I am glad that you still read the article. Thank you, for bringing this to our attention. Best, Jackie (Moderator)

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