Portable Oxygen Concentrators

I Have a Portable Oxygen Concentrator – Now What?

By Lily – Registered Respiratory Therapist

Portable oxygen concentrators or POCs provide oxygen support both in and out of the home. POCs are smaller and lighter than the home stationary oxygen concentrators and can run on battery power. POCs were designed for the end user to use in the community as an alternative to oxygen cylinders.

Your pulmonologist will be able to prescribe a POC at the flow rate that will best sustain a healthy blood oxygen level. Unlike the home stationary oxygen concentrators, a POC delivers oxygen, on demand, in a pulse dosage. Oxygen is only received upon inhalation by the end user. The home stationary oxygen concentrators provide oxygen on a continuous flow based on the flow rate set within. These two types of oxygen therapy are very different and only your Pulmonologist will know which you require to keep your oxygen saturation in a healthy range.

One POC, the Philips Simply Go, is unique due to the continuous mode option. This POC works on a pulse dosage, 1 – 6 lpm, AND continuous flow up to 2 lpm. The continuous option makes this POC great for both community use and nocturnal oxygen therapy.

Respshop carries POCs that are FAA approved but we always suggest checking with the airline you are traveling with. The Philips Simply Go comes with a cart option and the Philips Simply Go mini has a backpack option. You are ready to travel!

You can find oxygen tubing, finger pulse oximeters, and extra batteries for the POCs in stock. External battery chargers provide the convenience of always having a full battery ready to go. Respshop also carries cords, both DC and AC, for each of the portable oxygen machines if you require an extra. 

If you would like more information, please call in and speak to our medical staff who will be happy to help you choose the correct portable oxygen machine.