Is there a continuous flow portable oxygen concentrator on the market?

Q: Are there portable oxygen concentrators with continuous flow?

A: Yes, continuous flow is an option in some portable oxygen concentrators (POCs). While most provide only pulses of oxygen, there are a number of POCs that have continuous flow settings, including the GCE Zen-O, the O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence, the Caire Sequal Eclipse 5, and the Respironics SimplyGo. [1,2,3,4]

Key Features:

·       Consistent Oxygen Delivery: continuous flow POCs provide a steady stream of high-purity oxygen and are ideal for those with greater oxygen needs.

·       CPAP Compatibility: for individuals who need both oxygen and a CPAP, a continuous flow POCs can be used in conjunction with a CPAP, while a pulse-only POC cannot.

·       Weight and Size: continuous flow POCs require a larger compressor to provide steady oxygen delivery, so they are heavier and larger than pulse-only models (10-18 lbs vs 3-5lbs).

·       Portability: although they are somewhat larger than pulse-only POCS, the continuous flow models are designed to be used for travel or other excursions outside the home.

Model Comparisons:

·       GCE Zen-O: the GCE Zen-O provides up to 2 liters per minute (lpm) on continuous flow, weighs just 10.75 lbs, has a double-battery option (6 hrs at 0.5 lpm), and can automatically adjust the volume of air delivered based on your activity level.

·       Respironics SimplyGo: the Respironics SimplyGo also provides up to 2 lpm on continuous flow, weighs 10 lbs, and has a battery life of about 3 hrs at 0.5 lpm. However, it is currently not being manufactured and can only be purchased used/refurbished.

·       Caire Sequal Eclipse: the Caire Sequal Eclipse provides a higher level of continuous flow (up to 3 lpm) and a longer battery life (4.4 hrs at 0.5 lpm). However, it weighs 18.4 lbs. and realistically needs to be pulled on a cart rather than carried on a should strap.

·       Oxlife Independence:  the Oxlife Independence has a maximum continuous flow rate of 3 lpm, and a battery life of 5.75 hrs at 0.5 lpm. However, it is also a heavier unit (16.7 lbs) and has mounted wheels, requiring that it be pulled rather than carried.

Units	GCE Zen-O	Respironics SimplyGo	Sequal Eclipse	Oxlife Independence
Max continuous flow volume	2 lpm	2 lpm	3 lpm	3 lpm
Battery life @ 2 lpm continuous flow	45 min @ 2 lpm	54 min at 2 lpm	2 hrs @ 2 lpm	2.5 hrs @ 2 lpm
Weight	10.27 lbs	10 lbs	18.4 lbs	16.7 lbs
Available New	Yes	No	Yes	Yes

Both the Sequal Eclipse and Oxlife Independence provide higher flow rates and longer battery life, but at the cost of much great weight. This is due to the need for a much larger compressor to provide higher flow rates and increased battery life.

The GCE Zen-O and Respironics SimplyGo are light enough to be carried on a should strap, making them more portable. However, the SimplyGo can no longer be purchased new. If you’re looking for a new, light weight, portable oxygen concentrator with continuous oxygen delivery options, the GCE Zen-O is the best choice.

REFERENCES

[1] GCE Zen-O portable oxygen concentrator https://www.gce-medical.com/en-us/products/zen-o-portable-oxygen-concentrator

[2] Philips Respironics SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator https://www.documents.philips.com/assets/20170523/b2ce19265736477f86aea77c01668826.pdf

[3] Oxlife Independence portable oxygen concentrator https://www.o2-concepts.com/products

[4] Caire Sequal Eclipse portable oxygen concentrator https://www.caireinc.com/product/sequal-eclipse-5/

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