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Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are different from continuous-flow concentrators in that they detect when you inhale and deliver a bolus dose of oxygen on-demand. Concentrators with pulse-flow technology are intuitive and responsive by automatically adjusting the amount of oxygen they deliver based on your breathing rate.
Pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators are small, lightweight, and run on battery power. They tend to weigh less than 8 pounds and come with over-the-shoulder carrying cases to make them comfortable to wear as you go about daily activities.
In this article we will introduce you to the top four portable oxygen concentrators on the market and look at what makes each one unique. We'll help you compare the most important features that you look for in a portable concentrator, including:
- Size and weight
- Battery life
- Oxygen output
- Available accessories
- Comfort features
- And more!
The portable oxygen concentrators reviewed in this article are listed in no particular order. Let's get started by looking at the powerful and long-lasting Inogen One G3.
Inogen One G3
The Inogen One G3 is one of the best portable oxygen concentrators on the market, and it certainly has the features to back up it's reputation. It is a preferred choice because of its compact size, its uniquely responsive pulse flow technology, and its powerful battery.
Features Included in the Inogen One G3
Compared to previous models, the Inogen One G3 has a longer battery life and is lighter than ever. Its compact size makes it ideal to carry for easier breathing and comfort wherever you go.
The G3's sleek, lightweight design paired with a comfortable carrying case allows you to feel free to be active at home or away. It's so small and discrete that you won't feel like you're lugging around medical equipment as you go about your day.
Superior Oxygen Output
Oxygen output is always the first thing you should consider when shopping for the best portable oxygen concentrator, and the Inogen One G3 has that feature well covered. This oxygen concentrator offers pulse settings 1-5, which covers a wide range of patient needs.
Having five settings means the Inogen One G3 is extremely versatile. If you end up needing a higher flow rate you can simply adjust your pulse setting instead of having to buy a completely new portable concentrator.
The Inogen One G3 also adapts in real-time to your breaths per minute. During increased activity the G3 stays efficient by reducing the amount of oxygen it delivers with each pulse, and, alternatively, increases the amount of oxygen per pulse when your breathing rate decreases (such as during rest or sleep.)
High-Power Battery Options
With the Inogen One G3, you can choose from two different batteries: the powerful 16-cell battery or the lighter 8-cell battery.
8-Cell Battery:
If you're going for a smaller, lighter option, the 8-cell battery is the way to go, weighing only 4.8 pounds together with the portable concentrator. At pulse setting 2, this smaller battery will last about 4 hours before needing another charge. It takes up to 5 hours to recharge the battery, although some users report it takes even less.
Estimated 8-Cell Battery Life at Each Flow Rate:
- Flow rate 1: Up to 4.5 hours
- Flow rate 2: Up to 4.0 hours
- Flow rate 3: Up to 3.0 hours
- Flow rate 4: Up to 2.0 hours
- Flow rate 5: Up to 1.7 hours
16-Cell Double Battery:
If battery life is more important to you than weight, then you should consider the 16-cell battery. A single full charge will last you about 8.5 hours at pulse setting 2, and the extra battery cells increase the weight by an extra pound, bringing the concentrator's total weight to 5.8 lbs. This battery takes up to 8 hours to recharge.
Estimated 16-Cell Battery Life at Each Flow Rate:
- Flow rate 1: Up to 9.5 hours
- Flow rate 2: Up to 8.5 hours
- Flow rate 3: Up to 6.0 hours
- Flow rate 4: Up to 4.0 hours
- Flow rate 5: Up to 3.3 hours
Innovative Oxygen Delivery Technology
The Inogen One G3's Intelligent Delivery Technology detects your breathing more quickly and seamlessly than most other portable concentrators. It detects inspiration immediately and delivers a pulse of oxygen no later than 400 milliseconds after you begin to inhale.
Effectively, the Intelligent Delivery Technology utilized by the Inogen One G3 allows you to have the immediate oxygen access that continuous flow concentrators give you along with the added benefits of pulse-flow technology.
This means better comfort, because you will get a burst of oxygen right when you breathe in without the delay that some concentrators have. This quick detection makes it even more effective at delivering oxygen to the lungs and makes sure you get your full dose of oxygen with every breath.
The Inogen One G3's oxygen delivery system isn't just fast, but extra sensitive as well. It has no problem detecting even the most shallow breaths when you sleep.
Its smart technology also tracks your breath rate, responding to changes in your breaths-per-minute and adjusting the amount of oxygen it delivers accordingly. That way, when your breath rate decreases at night, the Inogen One G3 automatically adjusts the size of your dose (often referred to as the “bolus”) to make sure you're getting an adequate amount of oxygen.
It can even detect breaths when you inhale through your mouth, making it a perfect choice for around-the-clock use unlike some other pulse flow concentrators.
Simple, Easy Maintenance
The Inogen G3 is a very low-hassle machine. The only maintenance you should have to perform on it regularly is to change or clean out the filters weekly.
Fortunately, cleaning the filters in an Inogen One G3 is easy to do, and shouldn't take you more than a few minutes. It's a simple 3 step process:
- Turn off the machine and remove the two filters, one from each side
- Rinse out each filter with warm water and mild soap
- Leave both filters out to air-dry
Once the filters have dried out completely, your weekly maintenance is done! Just pop them back into your Inogen One G3 concentrator and it's immediately ready to use.
For long-term maintenance, the G3 simply needs its sieve beds replaced once every couple years, or more often if you use it heavily. But, luckily, the Inogen One G3 has made it as convenient as possible with removable and replaceable sieve beds that take minimal time and effort to change out.
Items Included in the Inogen One G3 Package
- Inogen One G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
- 1x 8-Cell Battery
- AC Power Supply
- DC Power Supplies
- Custom Carrying Case
- Filters
- Tubing
- Manual
- 3 Year warranty
Inogen One G3 Available Accessories
- 8-Cell Battery
- 16-Cell Battery
- AC Power Supply
- DC Power Supply
- External Battery Charger
- Custom Carrying Case
- Custom Backpack
- Filters
Product Specs for the Inogen One G3
- Weight: 4.8 lbs with 8 cell battery, 5.8 lbs with 16 cell battery
- Dimensions: 8.75 inches high, 7.25 inches long, 3 inches wide
- Flow Rate: Pulse flow settings 1-5
- Battery Life: Up to 4 hours with 8 cell battery, Up to 8 hours with 16 cell battery
- Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 11-16 VDC
- FAA Approved: Yes!
- Warranty: 3 Year warranty
Why the Inogen One G3 is One of the Top Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrators
The Inogen One G3 delivers more oxygen per pound than almost any other oxygen concentrator and comes with a variety of pulse settings and accessories. It's not the newest model in the Inogen One series, but it still remains one of the best options on the market because of its reputation and reliability.
The double battery for the Inogen One G3 has an impressive battery life, with up to 8 hours of use per charge. Maintenance and upkeep takes minimal time and cost, making it one of the easiest and most convenient oxygen concentrators to own.
If you're looking for a powerful yet lightweight pulse-flow oxygen concentrator, you're not going to find anything much better than the Inogen One G3. Its strong track record has earned it a large fan base and a well-deserved space at the top of best selling lists everywhere.
The Inogen One G4
The newest product in the Inogen One series, the Inogen One G4 meets the same standards of convenience and quality as its predecessors. It weighs less than three pounds and offers three pulse flow settings: settings 1-3.
It has a similar feature set to the G3, but in a smaller, lighter package.
Features Included in the Inogen One G4
With its sleek look, small size, and impressive feature set, the Inogen One G4 is quickly becoming one of the most popular oxygen concentrators in its class. Its unique features include its extremely compact design, its high oxygen output, and its great battery life.
Small, Compact, and Portable Design
At only 2.8 pounds, the Inogen One G4 is one the tiniest and most powerful pulse flow oxygen concentrators on the market. It's less than 6 inches long, 7.2 inches high, and small enough to carry just about anywhere.
The G4 is so tiny you could slip it into a small bag or purse and is so lightweight you will hardly know it's there. To make wearing the G4 on the go even more comfortable, you can get a custom carrying case with an extra-padded strap.
High Oxygen Output in a Small Package
Despite it's compact design, the Inogen One G4 doesn't lack in quality. It uses the same powerful Intelligent Delivery Technology as the G3, which ensures that you always get a full pulse of oxygen within milliseconds of inhaling.
Its three flow settings, settings 1-3, allow it to serve a range of oxygen patients' needs. This feature also gives you the flexibility to adjust your pulse flow during periods of worsened breathlessness if your doctor advises you to do so.
The Inogen One G4's high sensitivity for detecting shallow breathing during sleep makes it even a viable overnight oxygen choice for some patients and it's one of the best high flow portable oxygen concentrators on the market.
Great Battery Life
Like the G3, the Inogen One G4 has two battery size options: the single and double battery.
Single Battery:
The standard single battery lasts a little more than two hours on a charge, and together with the G4 oxygen concentrator weighs a total of 2.8 pounds. This is the more lightweight option.
Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate Using the Single Battery:
- Flow Rate 1: Up to 2.7 hours
- Flow Rate 2: Up to 2.25 hours
- Flow Rate 3: Up to 1.33 hours
Double Battery:
The double battery lasts about 4.5 hours on a single charge, and remains lightweight, having only an extra .5 pounds compared to the single battery. Together with the G3 concentrator, it weighs a total of 3.3 pounds.
Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate Using the Double Battery:
- Flow Rate 1: Up to 5.0 hours
- Flow Rate 2: Up to 4.5 hours
- Flow Rate 3: Up to 2.5 hours
Compared to other portable oxygen concentrators of such a small size, the G4 has a vastly superior battery life. The only other portable concentrator in it's class, the AirSep Focus, provides only 1.5 hours of battery life on one charge.
Items Included in the Inogen One G4 Package
- Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
- Single Battery
- AC Power Supply
- DC Power Supply
- Custom Carrying Case
- Padded Shoulder Strap
- Filters
- Manual
- 3 Year Warranty
Inogen One G4 Available Accessories
- Single Battery (4-Cell Battery)
- Double Battery (8-Cell Battery)
- AC Power Supply
- DC Power Supply
- External Battery Charger
- Custom Carrying Case
- Shoulder Strap
- Filters
Product Specs for the Inogen One G4
- Weight: 2.8 lbs with single battery, 3.3 lbs with double battery
- Dimensions: 7.2 inches high, 2.86 inches wide, 5.96 inches long
- Flow Rate: Pulse flow settings 1-3
- Battery Life: up to 2 hours on single battery, up to 4.5 hours on double battery
- Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 11-16 VDC
- FAA Approved: Yes!
- Warranty: 3 year warranty
Why the Inogen One G4 is one of the Top Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrators
The Inogen One G4's best feature is its compact, lightweight design. Unlike some bulkier portable oxygen concentrators, the G4 doesn't feel like a burden, leaving you free to go about your active life without weighing you down.
The next best thing about the G4 is its customizability. With three flow settings and two battery options, the Inogen One G4 is one of the best choices for daily use, in or out of the house.
You can use the G4's standard single battery for light activity and adjust it's flow settings whenever the need arises. When you're away from home for longer, the double battery will allow you to depend on the portable concentrator for twice the amount of time.
Finally, the G4's Intelligent Delivery Technology gives you a reliable, nearly instant pulse of oxygen every time you inhale. It's versatility and sensitive pulse flow technology makes it one of the most powerful and comfortable pulse flow oxygen concentrators you can find.
The LifeChoice Activox 4L
Another great choice for a lightweight portable oxygen concentrator is the LifeChoice Activox 4L. It comes with a long-lasting built-in battery and, at less than 5 lbs in weight, is easy to wear on-the-go.
Patients who use the Activox 4L often choose it for its long battery life and versatile carrying case. With the ability to deliver more than 4 liters of oxygen per minute and adapt each oxygen pulse to your breathing rate, you'll have a hard time finding a more powerful and responsive portable concentrator.
Features Included in the LifeChoice Activox 4L
The Lifechoice Activox 4L comes packed with 4 pulse flow settings and a battery life that puts most other portable oxygen concentrators to shame. Its small size and weight makes it easy to carry and it comes with a unique carrying case that allows you to adapt it to all kinds of activities and personal preferences.
Impressive Battery Life
Very few small, portable oxygen concentrators can beat the battery power of the LifeChoice Activox 4L. On just one charge, the Activox 4L lasts up to a whopping 8.25 hours on pulse flow setting 2.
Unlike the Inogen One G3 and G4, the LifeChoice Activox 4L's battery is built in to the device, so you never have to worry about changing it out. But if you really want to supercharge the Actovox 4L's battery life, you can get an optional external battery that packs an extra 3.75 hours of power.
That means the LifeChoice Activox 4L can keep going for a total of up to 12 hours when paired with the external battery. That's an incredibly impressive battery life for such a small portable oxygen concentrator!
Estimated Battery Life for Each Flow Rate:
- Flow Rate 1: up to 10.25 hours on internal battery, up to 15 hours when combined with external battery
- Flow Rate 2: up to 8.25 hours on internal battery, up to 12 hours when combined with external battery
- Flow Rate 3: up to 5 hours on internal battery, up to 7.75 hours when combined with external battery
- Flow Rate 4: up to 4 hours on internal battery, up to 6.25 hours when combined with external battery
Convenient and Versatile Carrying Case
One of the LifeChoice Activox 4L's most beloved features is its comfortable and unique carrying case. Unlike typical single-strap cases that come with most portable oxygen concentrators, the Activox 4L carrying case has 4 straps that allow you to use the device hands-free or however is most comfortable for you.
The LifeChoice Activox 4L carrying case allows you to wear it in four different ways:
- Over the shoulder (like a traditional carrying case)
- Backpack style
- Strapped around your waist
- Briefcase style
Patients with the LifeChoice Activox 4L find that its carrying case makes all the difference when it comes to convenience in daily activities. No matter where you go, your versatile Activox 4L carrying case can be adjusted to stay comfortable and out of your way.
Perfect for Round-the-Clock Everyday Use
The LifeChoice Activox 4L comes fully equipped with adaptable pulse flow technology that includes a sleep mode for nighttime use. That paired with its unmatched battery life makes it one of the best portable concentrator for any occasion, day or night.
The Activox 4L can deliver up to 4 liters of oxygen per minute, allowing it to serve a much wider range of oxygen needs than the original Activox, which supplied only 1-3 liters per minute. It also has a responsive Auto Mode feature built in that adapts the amount of oxygen it delivers based on your breathing pattern for maximum comfort.
In sleep mode, the Activox 4L keeps you covered by increasing its sensitivity by ten. This feature allows it to detect shallow breathing and even shallow mouth breaths while you rest.
Items Included in the LifeChoice Activox 4L Package
- LifeChoice Activox 4L Portable Concentrator
- Internal Battery
- AC Power Supply
- DC Power Supply
- Custom Carrying Case
- 4-Way Strap System
- Accessory Bag
- Tubing
- Manual
- 3 Year Warranty
LifeChoice Activox 4L Available Accessories
- External Battery
- AC Power Supply
- DC Power Supply
- Custom Carrying Case
- 4-Way Strap System
- Accessory Bag
Product Specs for the LifeChoice Activox 4L
- Weight: 4.8 lbs
- Dimensions: 7.8 inches high, 9 inches long, and 4.38 inches wide
- Flow Rate: Pulse Flow Settings 1-4
- Battery Life: Up to 8.25 hours on internal battery, up to 12 hours when combined with external battery
- Power: 100-245 VAC, 50/60 Hz; 11-16 VDC
- FAA Approved: Yes!
- Warranty: 3 Year limited warranty
Why the LifeChoice Activox 4L is one of the Top Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrators
Its extended battery life and versatile carrying straps makes the LifeChoice Activox 4L a great portable oxygen concentrator for any occasion. The 4L's four flow rate settings make it an ideal choice for a variety of patients with different oxygen needs, and its lightweight design makes it easy to wear
The Activox 4L's extra-sensitive sleep mode makes it a perfect choice for overnight oxygen needs, especially when you use it with the powerful external battery. With a variety of adjustable features and its unique, wear-as-you-like-it carrying case makes it one of the most comfortable and beloved portable oxygen concentrators available.
The Respironics SimplyGo Mini
The Respironics SimplyGo Mini is another great pulse flow concentrator from one of the most trusted oxygen brands. At only five pounds, the SimplyGo Mini is truly portable and won't weigh you down during activity.
With five different pulse flow settings, it is a viable option for a variety of patients with different oxygen needs.
Features Included in the Respironics SimplyGo Mini
The Respironics SimplyGo Mini is a popular choice because of the Respironics brand's solid reputation. Respironics consistently produces some of the most reliable and durable oxygen concentrators on the market, and the SimplyGo Mini is no exception.
Like the Inogen G3 and G4, this portable concentrator uses removable batteries and offers two choices for battery size. Unlike its larger version, the SimplyGo, the SimplyGo Mini is a pulse-flow concentrator only, which allows it to be less than half the size of the SimplyGo and more lightweight than ever.
Slim & Stylish Look and Feel
One of the first things you'll notice about the Respironics SimplyGo Mini is its aesthetic appeal. Its clean, smooth design makes it possibly the best-looking portable oxygen concentrator on the market.
At only 5 pounds in weight, the SimplyGo Mini is both thin and compact. The white outer casing with green accents gives it a modern look, and its full-color screen is the perfect finish.
The Respironics SimplyGo Mini's sleek design and fashionable carrying case makes it inconspicuous and discrete. It won't make you feel awkward or stand out as an obvious piece of medical equipment unlike some of the uglier, bulkier portable concentrators.
Control Panel with Touch Screen
The SimplyGo Mini's full touch screen is a great feature that makes it stand out against its competitors. You'll find the that the touch screen makes it especially convenient for learning and operating its different settings.
Another advantage of the SimplyGo Mini's touchscreen it its improved visibility in all kinds of conditions. Whether you need to operate it in bright sunlight or low light conditions, you'll be able to easily read and use the display.
Long-Lasting Battery
The Respironics SimplyGo Mini works with two different sized batteries: the light single battery and the slightly heavier extended battery.
Single Battery:
The standard, single battery lasts up to 4.5 hours on a single charge and together with the portable concentrator device weighs only 5 pounds.
Estimated Battery Life for the SimplyGo Mini Single Battery at Each Flow Rate:
- Flow Rate 1: Up to 4.5 hours
- Flow Rate 2: Up to 3.5 hours
- Flow Rate 3: Up to 2.5 hours
- Flow Rate 4: Up to 2 hours
- Flow Rate 5: Up to 1.5 hours
Extended Battery:
The extended battery doubles the concentrator's life on a single charge, for up to 9 hours of continuous use. Together with the extended battery, the portable concentrator weighs 6 pounds, one pound more than when it's used with the standard battery.
Estimated Battery Life for the SimplyGo Mini Extended Battery at Each Flow Rate:
- Flow Rate 1: Up to 9.0 hours
- Flow Rate 2: Up to 7.0 hours
- Flow Rate 3: Up to 5.0 hours
- Flow Rate 4: Up to 4.0 hours
- Flow Rate 5: Up to 3.0 hours
Both batteries provide enough charge to get you through most daily activities and outings. You can also increase the amount of use you get between charges by taking an extra, pre-charged battery along so you can switch it out with the old battery once it's drained.
Versatile Carrying Options
Like the Activox 4L, the SimplyGo Mini has a comfortable carrying case that can be worn in a variety of ways. The standard case is lightweight with padded shoulder and handle straps for maximum comfort.
You can even wear the SimplyGo Mini like a backpack with the optional backpack accessory that comes in either black or brown to fit your personal style. The standard case can also be carried over-the-shoulder, briefcase style, or across your chest like a messenger bag.
However you like to carry your portable oxygen concentrator, the SimplyGo Mini can adapt to your preferences and give you a level of comfort that allows you to stay active and healthy every day.
Items Included in the Respironics SimplyGo Mini Package
- Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator
- AC Power Supply
- DC Power Supply
- Single Battery
- Custom Carrying Case
- Padded Shoulder and Handle strap
- Tubing
- Manual
- 3 Year Warranty
Respironics SimplyGo Mini Available Accessories
- Single Battery
- Extended Battery
- AC Power Supply
- DC Power Supply
- External Battery Charger
- Custom Carrying Case
- Custom Backpack
- Accessory Bag
Product Specs for the Respironics SimplyGo Mini
- Weight: 5 lbs
- Dimensions: 9.4 inches high, 8.3 inches long, 3.6 inches wide
- Flow Rate: Pulse flow settings 1-5
- Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours for single battery, up to 9 hours with extended battery
- Power: 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 19 VDC
- FAA Approved: Yes!
- Warranty: 3 Year Warranty
Why the Respironics SimplyGo Mini is one of the Top Pulse Flow Oxygen Concentrators
The Respironics SimplyGo Mini is one of the most stylish portable concentrators on the market and it comes from one of the most trusted and reliable brands. It is very compact, user-friendly, and light enough to wear during hours of activity.
The SimplyGo Mini differentiates itself from its competitors with a high-visibility touch screen that you can use to check the battery life or adjust its settings in harsh light conditions indoors or outdoors. These features along with its impressive battery life makes the SimplyGo Mini a well-rounded, great choice for everyday oxygen needs.
Conclusion
All four of the pulse flow portable oxygen concentrators on this list are great, reliable choices for patients who need oxygen on-the-go. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it introduces you to some of the most innovative, best-selling, and feature-packed portable pulse-flow oxygen concentrators on the market.
