How much does a portable oxygen concentrator cost?
- Beth McCormick, MS
- Jul 23
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 24
The price of portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) ranges from approximately 1995.00 to about $4995.00. Used POCs are less expensive, ranging from approximately $600.00 to about $2000.00. When purchasing a used POC, be sure to buy a certified or warrantied unit from a reputable company.
Factors that influence cost
· Continuous vs pulse-only flow: some models of POC, such as the GCE Zen-O ($3145.00 with 2-battery bundle) and Caire Sequal Eclipse 5 ($3200.00 with 2 batteries) offer continuous flow options. Because of this additional, specialized feature, they are often more expensive than pulse-only models.
· Extended warranty: some models, such as the Inogen POCs can be purchased with an extended or lifetime warranty. The additional warranties add $275.00 to $800.00 to the price.
· Batteries: It is sometimes necessary to purchase a number of additional batteries to increase the amount of time you can be away from an electrical outlet for power.
Other considerations
Minimum advertised pricing: Some manufacturers have a minimum advertised pricing (MAP) policy, which means that retail companies cannot advertise a unit for less than a certain price. If you find a unit for sale that is much less than the price of most other retailers, you should be cautious of the company as they are likely violating the MAP policy.
Oxygen purity limits: The standard oxygen concentrator prescribed by physicians for treatment of medical conditions such as COPD provide oxygen purity levels of 86-96% purity. Some retailers sell machines that are considered healthcare machines, not medical devices. These machines may deliver oxygen with a purity level as low as 33% and are not considered appropriate for individuals with specific medical conditions, such as COPD. They are sometimes advertised for outdoor activities such as hiking at altitude, and may be priced as low as $300.00. When purchasing a POC to treat a medical condition, be sure to find a unit that has the proper level of oxygen purity and is approved by the FDA.
Customer service policies: All oxygen concentrators must periodically have the sieve canisters replaced and may also require repair from time to time. For this reason, it is important to understand the return and repair policies of the company you purchase your unit from. In addition, retailers often close down, so it is important to know the customer service policy of the manufacturer. Some manufacturers will not deal directly with customers and it can be difficult to find someone to help with machine repairs. Reviews can be helpful, and it is a good idea to read a bit about the company you are buying from to ensure they can provide the service you need.
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