Portable vs Stationary Oxygen Concentrator: Cost, Pros & Cons Compared

Key Takeaways

• Portable oxygen concentrators offer mobility, battery-powered independence, and FAA approval for travel, making them the better choice for active users who want freedom outside the home.

• Stationary oxygen concentrators deliver continuous-flow oxygen and plug-in reliability, providing the steady, high-volume therapy many patients need during sleep or when using CPAP or BiPAP.

• Overall costs vary, with portable and stationary units priced by features, but owning each type through the Main Clinic Supply bundle packages often gives patients the best long-term value.

• Main Clinic Supply simplifies the decision-making process by offering expert consultations, FDA-cleared Inogen models, financing options, and nationwide fast shipping, so patients can choose the oxygen setup that fits their lifestyle and prescription.

Understanding Your Oxygen Concentrator Options

Choosing between portable and stationary oxygen concentrators affects your daily comfort, independence, and quality of life. 

Both types draw in ambient air, filter out nitrogen, and deliver medical-grade oxygen. However, they accomplish this in fundamentally different ways, each designed for specific situations.

Understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice that aligns with your prescription, daily activities, and long-term goals.

What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?

A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a lightweight, battery-powered medical device designed for oxygen therapy on the move. These FDA-cleared devices deliver oxygen at 90% ± 3% concentration using pulse dose technology, delivering a precise bolus of oxygen each time you inhale.

Modern POCs like the Inogen Rove 6 and Inogen Rove 4 are FAA-approved for air travel, allowing you to fly domestically and internationally. The Rove 6 weighs 4.8 pounds and offers six pulse flow settings and extended battery life. The ultra-lightweight Rove 4 weighs just 2.8 pounds and offers four pulse settings.

Advanced Inogen models feature Intelligent Oxygen Delivery, which delivers oxygen early in each breath when it's most effective. The system adapts bolus size and timing breath-by-breath to match your activity level, delivering smaller boluses more frequently during faster breathing and larger boluses when breathing slows. This sensitive detection works for many users even during rest or light sleep.

POCs like the Inogen Rove 6 deliver medical-grade oxygen therapy while maintaining mobility and travel capability.

Continuous Flow Portable Options

While most lightweight POCs use pulse dose technology, we also carry continuous flow portable devices for patients who require steady oxygen delivery on the go:

• Shoulder-Carry Models: The O2 Concepts Oxlife Liberty and GCE Zen-O provide continuous-flow oxygen in portable, shoulder-carry formats.

• Rolling Cart Models: The CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 and O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence are the only portable devices capable of delivering 3 liters per minute (LPM) of continuous flow oxygen. These units require a built-in cart due to their weight.

What Is a Stationary Oxygen Concentrator?

A stationary oxygen concentrator provides continuous flow oxygen therapy measured in liters per minute (LPM). These units plug into standard AC outlets and deliver a steady, uninterrupted stream of medical-grade oxygen throughout the day and night.

The Inogen At Home (GS-100) weighs approximately 18 pounds and delivers 1–5 LPM. Despite its compact size, it provides the full capacity needed for most home oxygen therapy prescriptions. The newer Inogen Voxi 5 offers an even more compact design with the same 1–5 LPM continuous flow capacity.

This continuous delivery makes stationary concentrators essential for patients whose prescriptions require steady oxygen flow, particularly during sleep or when using CPAP or BiPAP machines.

Stationary oxygen concentrators are home-based devices that plug into electrical outlets and deliver continuous oxygen flow up to 95% purity without needing refills or batteries.

Cost Comparison: What to Expect

When evaluating oxygen concentrator costs, consider not just the initial purchase price but the total cost of ownership over time. Both portable and stationary concentrators from Main Clinic Supply represent a one-time investment in equipment you own outright, unlike DME rental programs, where you pay monthly fees indefinitely without owning the device.

POCs vary in price based on features like flow settings, battery life, and weight. For example, our certified pre-owned Inogen concentrators start at just $1,295, providing an accessible entry point while maintaining full functionality and warranty coverage.

Stationary oxygen concentrators like the Inogen At Home generally cost around $1,703. However, many patients find that owning both types through a bundle package provides the best value and most complete oxygen solution.

Main Clinic Supply offers bundle packages that combine a portable concentrator for daytime activities with a stationary unit for nighttime continuous flow. These bundles often include a free travel case and represent significant savings compared to purchasing separately. Check our website for current pricing.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Freedom & Mobility

POCs provide the independence you need. You can grocery shop, visit friends, attend religious services, and participate in family gatherings without worrying about running out of oxygen. Your concentrator weighs as little as 2.8 pounds for the Inogen Rove 4 or 4.8 pounds for the Inogen Rove 6.

2. Travel Without Restrictions

All Inogen portable concentrators are FAA-approved for commercial airline travel. You can fly to visit grandchildren, take vacations, or travel for medical care without arranging oxygen at your destination. Your concentrator adapts to international voltages, making worldwide travel possible with just a plug adapter.

3. Battery Backup During Power Outages

When storms knock out power, your portable concentrator continues operating on battery power. This critical safety feature ensures uninterrupted oxygen therapy during emergencies. With spare batteries on hand, you maintain complete independence from the electrical grid.

4. Compact & Lightweight Design

Modern POCs fit comfortably in a shoulder bag or backpack. They're small enough for tight spaces like airplane seats, restaurant booths, or crowded shopping aisles.

5. Hot-Swappable Battery Systems

Most Inogen POCs allow you to swap batteries without powering down. This means unlimited runtime for all-day outings, cross-country road trips, or international flights.

Cons 

1. Pulse Dose Delivery Only

POCs use pulse dose technology, delivering oxygen only when you inhale. While this works excellently for daytime activities and for many patients during sleep, some individuals require continuous flow oxygen at night. Patients who mouth-breathe during sleep or use CPAP or BiPAP devices typically need a stationary concentrator for nighttime therapy.

2. Battery Management Requirements

While batteries provide freedom from power cords, they require planning. You need to remember to charge batteries, monitor remaining runtime, and carry spares for extended outings.

3. Limited Flow Settings

POCs typically offer pulse flow settings rather than the high continuous liter-per-minute capacity of stationary units. While these settings effectively deliver prescribed oxygen therapy for most patients, those requiring very high oxygen volumes may need supplemental continuous flow at home.

Stationary Oxygen Concentrators: Pros & Cons

Pros 

1. Continuous Flow Oxygen Delivery

Stationary concentrators deliver oxygen in liters per minute (LPM), providing a steady stream regardless of your breathing pattern. This continuous flow is essential for patients prescribed higher oxygen volumes and those using CPAP or BiPAP machines.

The Inogen At Home delivers from 1 to 5 LPM, covering the prescription needs of most oxygen therapy patients. You simply set your prescribed flow rate, and the concentrator maintains that exact delivery 24 hours a day.

2. No Battery Management

Stationary concentrators plug into standard household electrical outlets and run indefinitely without recharging. You never worry about battery life or charging schedules. This provides peace of mind, especially for patients with cognitive challenges.

3. Reliable 24/7 Oxygen Supply

As long as your stationary concentrator has electrical power, it delivers consistent oxygen therapy without interruption. This reliability is crucial for patients who depend on oxygen around the clock.

4. Quiet, Unobtrusive Operation

Modern stationary concentrators like the Inogen At Home operate quietly at approximately 40 decibels, quieter than normal conversation. They won't disturb your sleep or daily activities.

5. Perfect for Sleep Therapy

Many oxygen therapy patients also use CPAP or BiPAP devices for sleep apnea. Stationary concentrators integrate seamlessly with these machines, providing the continuous oxygen flow they require.

6. Longer Lifespan with Minimal Maintenance

Stationary concentrators are built for continuous, long-term operation. With basic maintenance, such as weekly filter cleaning and annual sieve bed replacement, these units reliably serve patients for many years.

Cons

1. Restricted Mobility

The most significant limitation is their requirement for AC power and their weight. While 18 pounds is manageable for moving between rooms, these units aren't practical for carrying out of the home.

2. Long Tubing Requirements

To move around your home while using a stationary concentrator, you need long oxygen tubing, sometimes 25 to 50 feet. This tubing can tangle on furniture, create tripping hazards, and limit where you can comfortably go.

3. Vulnerable to Power Outages

When electrical power fails, your stationary concentrator stops working. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in areas prone to severe weather or unreliable electrical service.

4. Less Convenient for Active Lifestyles

If your daily life involves frequent outings or regular travel, a stationary-only oxygen solution restricts your independence.

Portable vs Stationary Oxygen Concentrator: Comparison Table

*Note: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Oxygen concentrators require a prescription and must be used under the oversight of a licensed medical professional. We encourage patients to research their options so they can have informed discussions with their provider.

Why Choose Main Clinic Supply for Your Oxygen Concentrator

The proper oxygen concentrator supports your unique lifestyle and therapy needs.

At Main Clinic Supply, we understand that choosing an oxygen concentrator is an investment in your independence, quality of life, and peace of mind. We've built our company on the same principle that guides our neighbors at Mayo Clinic: "The needs of the patient come first."

What truly sets Main Clinic Supply apart is our rare dual authorization as both an Authorized Inogen Reseller and Authorized Inogen Service Center. This distinction means we can perform authorized Inogen warranty repairs in-house, often completed the same day, while most resellers must ship devices back to Inogen's factory, which can take weeks. 

In addition to providing same-day repairs and overnight replacements, we also stock genuine Inogen replacement parts, including filters, batteries, sieve beds, and accessories. You never wait weeks for essential maintenance supplies.

Our thousands of five-star customer reviews reflect our commitment to putting patients first. Our A+ BBB rating demonstrates our commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction.

We believe quality oxygen therapy should be accessible to everyone. Through CareCredit financing, we offer 6 months no-interest and 24-48 month fixed-rate payment plans. Unlike DME rental programs, where you pay monthly fees indefinitely without owning the equipment, our financing helps you build equity toward outright ownership.

Our Oxygen Specialists understand the technical details of every concentrator we sell and the real-world challenges oxygen therapy patients face. Call us at 1-800-775-0942 to speak with a specialist who genuinely cares about finding the right solution.

Get your reliable oxygen concentrator today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a POC at night while sleeping?

Many patients successfully use POC during sleep, and pulse dose delivery works well for most oxygen therapy patients at night. However, some individuals require continuous flow oxygen for nighttime use, particularly mouth breathers during sleep or those using CPAP or BiPAP devices.

Discuss this with your physician. They may recommend an overnight oximetry test to verify that your oxygen saturation remains stable with pulse dose delivery during sleep.

Which type of oxygen concentrator does Medicare cover?

Medicare generally classifies Inogen POCs as luxury items and does not cover their purchase, except in rare cases through DME providers. Most private insurance companies take the same stance. However, a few insurance companies will reimburse all or part of your purchase after you buy it and submit the required claim forms.

While insurance coverage is limited, the long-term cost savings of ownership versus rental often make purchase more economical. Contact our Oxygen Specialists at 1-800-775-0942 to discuss your specific insurance situation.

Can I travel with a stationary oxygen concentrator?

While stationary concentrators are designed primarily for home use, the Inogen At Home weighs just 18 pounds, making it light enough to transport for extended stays at vacation homes or family visits. It automatically adapts to international voltage requirements.

However, stationary concentrators are not FAA-approved for airline travel. If your travel plans include flying, you need a POC like the Inogen Rove 6 or Rove 4.

Does Main Clinic Supply help me choose between portable and stationary concentrators?

Yes! Our expert Oxygen Specialists understand the technical details of every Inogen model we carry and can help you determine which type best fits your prescription, lifestyle, and budget. We review your oxygen prescription to ensure you receive equipment that fully meets your therapy requirements. 

Whether you need a POC for active living, a stationary unit for home use, or a bundle package combining both, we provide personalized guidance without pressure or sales tactics. Contact us to discuss your specific needs, and we'll help you make an informed decision with same-day shipping available on most systems.

 

*Note: Pricing and product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.