Portable Oxygen: How to Get It, Use It, and Pay for It - GoodRx (2024)

If you’re using home oxygen, you know it can help you feel better and be more active. But even though home oxygen is easy to use, oxygen canisters and home concentrators are often large and heavy. And this means it’s not really a treatment that you can use “on the go.” Many people who use home oxygen end up feeling socially isolated. They may miss out on travel, family events, and work opportunities.

But if you’re among the 1.5 million people in the U.S. who use oxygen, there’s a smaller, more lightweight option that could help you get out more often. It’s called a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). A POC can go just about anywhere you go — from the grocery store and the movies to a baseball game or an outdoor picnic. Though they can be expensive, POCs can help you live a full life while also getting the oxygen your body needs.

How do portable oxygen concentrators work?

POCs work by taking the air around you and turning it into pure, fresh oxygen. The oxygen then travels through a small tube to your nose. This delivers oxygen into your body with every breath, helping you to feel better physically.

Some POCs deliver a steady stream of oxygen (continuous flow). Others deliver oxygen in short bursts every time you inhale (pulse flow). Many POCs can deliver both types, too.

What are the benefits of portable oxygen concentrators?

For many people, using an oxygen tank or home oxygen concentrator works just fine.

All the same, there are a couple of benefits to using a POC:

• It’s portable. POCs are smaller and more lightweight than oxygen tanks or home oxygen concentrators. This makes them easier to take with you outside of the home.

• No more oxygen refills. You don’t need to refill POCs with oxygen. It pulls all the oxygen it needs from the air around you. Some people find this more convenient than a classic oxygen tank.

But keep in mind: POCs do run on a rechargeable battery. Most batteries last for several hours — but it depends on what type of machine you have and how fast you’re breathing. And once the battery runs out, you’ll either have to recharge it (or use a spare battery) before you can get your oxygen again.

Who should use portable oxygen?

Portable oxygen therapy can help anyone whose blood oxygen levels are too low. It’s mostly used to increase blood oxygen levels in people with:

• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

• Interstitial lung disease

• Cystic fibrosis

• Pulmonary hypertension

• Pulmonary fibrosis

• Severe heart failure

• Lung cancer

When to talk to your doctor about oxygen therapy

Having a low oxygen level can cause many different symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any of the conditions listed above and you’re experiencing the following symptoms:

• Tiredness

• Shortness of breath

• Memory and concentration problems

• Confusion or “brain fog”

• Coughing and wheezing

• Headache

• Rapid heart rate

• Bluish color in your skin, fingernails, and lips

If your provider is worried about your oxygen levels, they might suggest some additional tests, including:

• Spirometry: This test measures how well you can breathe air out of your lungs.

• Pulse oximetry: This is a sensor that attaches to your finger and measures your blood oxygen levels.

• Treadmill test: This test measures how your breathing and oxygen levels change when you’re physically active.

These tests can help your doctor decide whether you need additional oxygen and if so, how much. Some people just need oxygen at certain times or in certain situations. Other people need to use it all the time.

How do you get a portable oxygen concentrator?

First, get a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Once you have a prescription, you need to find a medical equipment supplier. You can find one online or go to a local store in your neighborhood.

What are the best portable oxygen concentrators?

According to the American Lung Association, look for a POC that is:

• FDA approved

• Only available by prescription

• Able to deliver the right amount of oxygen that your body needs

If you have questions about how to choose a safe and effective POC, the American Lung Association has a helpline where you can call for advice (1-800-LUNGUSA). The National Council on Aging also has a list of top picks for POCs based on price, weight, battery life, and more.

Does insurance pay for portable oxygen?

It depends. Portable oxygen concentrators are pretty expensive — usually upwards of $2,000. But if you meet certain requirements, your health insurance might cover part of the cost.

Here are some tips for paying for your portable oxygen concentrator:

• Work with your insurance provider. Talk with your insurance company first so you can see what options are available.

• Set up a payment plan. Some POC vendors offer payment plans, so the cost is spread out over many months or years.

• Apply for financial assistance. Need-based programs are available to help you afford your medical treatment —including prescriptions, medical equipment like POCs, and other expenses.

• Consider renting. If you only need a POC for a specific event or a short period of time (like a wedding or a vacation), short-term rentals are available.

• Consider the X-PLOR portable oxygen concentrator. This X-PLOR is a POC that’s available to GoodRx users at a discounted rate.

Can you get portable oxygen without seeing a doctor?

No. Genuine portable oxygen concentrators are only available with a prescription.

Though you might see POCs for sale without a prescription, the American Lung Association warns against using them.

It can be tempting to try these machines, especially since they’re often cheaper than prescription POCs. But here’s the reality: These machines don’t work very well, and they won’t deliver the right amount of oxygen to your lungs and body.

How to use portable oxygen

All portable oxygen machines are different, so make sure to learn how to operate yours.

Once you understand how your machine works, here are the basics:

• Connect the nasal tube to the machine, and turn on the device.

• Set the oxygen flow to the rate prescribed by your doctor.

• Make sure you have enough battery life remaining.

• Once the oxygen is flowing, put the nasal tube on your face.

And remember: Using oxygen can cause fires. Make sure that you stay safe. Never use your portable oxygen near an open flame or while smoking.