Continuous Flow vs Pulse Flow Portable Oxygen Concentrators: Expert Explains, Reviews, and Recommends Top Models
Our Top Picks
Best Combo: Oxlife Liberty 2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
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Best Pulse Flow: Inogen One Rove 6 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
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Most Portable: Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
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High Constant Flow with Built-in Cart: O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence Portable Oxygen Concentrator
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Long Battery Life: Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
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A Quick Comparison of the 5 Best Pulse Flow and Continuous Flow Portable Oxygen
KEY SPECS
Oxygen Output
Continuous flow up to 2 liters per minute. Pulse flow up to setting 10
Pulse Flow Settings 1-6
Pulse Flow Settings 1-3
Continuous flow up to 3 liters per minute. Pulse flow up to setting 6
Pulse flow settings 1-6
Battery Life (single battery) in hrs
Up to 4.5
Up to 6
Up to 2.7
Up to 5
Up to 5
Weight in lbs
6.35
4.7
2.8
18
4.8
Oxygen Delivery Method
Pulse flow and Continuous flow
Pulse flow
Pulse flow
Pulse flow and Continuous flow
Pulse
Noise Levels
Medium
Low
Low
High
Low
Continuous Flow POCs
Continuous flow provides a steady uninterrupted stream of oxygen. Oxygen flow rate is typically measured in liters per minute (LPM) and can be adjusted to meet the user's specific needs as prescribed by their healthcare provider. Here are the most important things to know about continuous flow oxygen:
1.
It provides a steady stream of oxygen at the set flow rate. This ensures the user receives a consistent oxygen supply with each breath.
2.
Most portable oxygen concentrators with continuous flow settings offer adjustable flow rates, typically ranging from 0.5 to 3 LPM or higher.
3.
It is suitable for a wider range of needs than pulse flow oxygen, such as for those who need oxygen during rest, activity, and sleep.
4.
Some POCs also offer pulse flow settings to help conserve oxygen and extend battery life.
Pulse Flow POCs
Pulse flow, on the other hand, is useful for conserving oxygen by delivering it in bursts when you inhale. It is also known as pulse dose or demand flow. Here are the most important things to know about it:
1.
Breath-triggered delivery: The oxygen concentrator detects the user's inhalation and delivers a concentrated pulse of oxygen at the beginning of each breath.
2.
By delivering oxygen only when the user inhales, it significantly reduces oxygen waste compared to continuous flow.
3.
Portable oxygen concentrators with pulse flow typically offer adjustable pulse dose settings to control the volume of oxygen delivered with each breath.
4.
It is generally suitable for users who have a stable respiratory rate and can trigger the breath-detecting mechanism consistently.
Inogen’s Proprietary Pulse Flow Technology
Inogen's Intelligent Delivery Technology® is designed to deliver a measured dose of oxygen when needed. This provides sufficient oxygen for most patients during daily activities and sleep.
The technology ensures oxygen delivery within the first 250 milliseconds of inspiration. The Inogen One also adapts to changing respiratory rates, particularly during sleep, by increasing the amount of oxygen delivered as the breathing rate slows down.
Key features of Intelligent Delivery Technology at night:
●
Oxygenates patients during sleep, rest, and exertion
●
Adapts to changing environments and meters oxygen delivery
●
Increases bolus dose as breathing rate slows
●
Detects shallow mouth breaths and triggers bolus dose based on fixed minute volume
For most people, the Inogen One can serve as a primary oxygen delivery system for all modes of use. This reduces dependence on liquid oxygen systems and tanks. As with any oxygen concentrator, maintaining a backup oxygen system is recommended.
1. O2 CONCEPTS OXLIFE LIBERTY 2
Dual Pulse and Continuous Flow
CPAP/BiPAP compatibility
Highest pulse delivery 1-10 and continuous flow and up to 2 LPM on the market
Simple, easy to use color LCD screen
FAA approved for air travel
Only standard battery option available
Availability, high demand for new “Liberty 2”, more oxygen output than previous “Liberty model”
Best for Nighttime Use - Continuous Flow: O2 Concepts Oxlife Liberty 2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Key Specs:
● Oxygen Flow Settings: 1 to 10 Pulse Flow, up to 2.0 LPM Continuous Flow
● Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours
● Weight: 6.35 pounds
The O2 Concepts Oxlife Liberty 2 is a powerful, versatile POC designed for 24/7 use. It offers both pulse flow, up to setting 10 and continuous flow up to 2 LPM, making it suitable for daytime and nighttime use. The Liberty 2 features a user-friendly LCD screen, simple controls, and a multi-function carry bag for easy portability. For added safety during sleep, it sounds an alarm and automatically switches to continuous flow mode if no breath is detected for 15 seconds. The Oxlife Liberty 2 is also FAA approved and CPAP/BiPAP compatible.
● FAA approved for airline use
● Size: 10” x 3.5” x 9”
● Battery, AC and DC power options for continuous use
2. INOGEN ONE ROVE 6
Industry-leading 8-year life expectancy
Quiet operation at only 38 dBA
Long battery life of up to 13 hours (with standard and extended battery)
6 adjustable pulse flow settings
Intelligent oxygen delivery detects breaths
Oxygen purity monitoring Travel-friendly design with international voltage
Comes with a 3 year warranty
Availability due to demand for 2024 models
Higher price point
Battery life varies based on conditions
Best Battery Life: Inogen One Rove 6 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Key Specs:
● Oxygen Flow Settings: Intelligent Pulse Delivery 1 to 6
● Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with 8-cell battery, up to 13 hours with extended battery
● Weight: 4.7 pounds
● Noise Level: Quiet operation at 38 dBA
The Inogen One Rove 6 stands out as a quiet, lightweight, and powerful pulse dose portable oxygen concentrator. Despite its compact size, it boasts an impressive battery life of up to 13 hours with standard and extended battery options. The Inogen Rove 6 offers 6 adjustable pulse flow settings to accommodate various oxygen therapy needs. Equipped with Inogen's advanced Intelligent Delivery Technology, this POC detects and adjusts to your breathing for optimal oxygen delivery. If no breath is detected, it automatically provides burst of oxygen until breath detection resumes. The Inogen Rove 6 also features an industry-leading 8-year lifespan, oxygen purity monitoring, and a travel-friendly design with international voltage compatibility
● 2-minute power up time
● FAA airline approved
● Compact size: 8.15" x 7.19" x 3.26"
● Battery life is up to 6 hours with 8-cell battery, or up to 13 hours with addition of 16-cell battery
3. INOGEN ONE G4
Lightest weight at only 2.8 lbs
Extremely compact and portable design
Very quiet operation
Small footprint for easy carrying
Shorter battery life than larger models
Limited to only 3 pulse flow settings
No continuous flow oxygen option
Most Portable: Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Key Specs:
● Oxygen Flow Settings: Intelligent Pulse Delivery 1 to 3
● Battery Life: 2.5 to 5 hours on Setting 1 (standard and extended battery options)
● Weight: Only 2.8 pounds
● Noise Level: Quiet operation
For oxygen users prioritizing portability, the Inogen One G4 is the lightest POC on the market at just 2.8 pounds. Its ultra-compact size and quiet operation make it incredibly easy to carry discreetly. While it has a shorter battery life and fewer pulse flow settings than larger models, the G4 still offers essential features like FAA approval for air travel and smartphone connectivity. The optional hip bag enables truly hands-free mobility, perfect for activities like golfing, walking pets, and grocery shopping.
● FAA approved
● Can connect to smartphone via bluetooth
● Dimensions: 2.68" L x 5.91" W x 7.2" D
● The weight is 2.8 lbs on single battery and 3.3 lbs on the double battery
4. O2 CONCEPTS OXLIFE INDEPENDENCE
Dual Pulse and Continuous Flow
CPAP/BiPAP compatibility
Highest continuous flow 3 LPM on the market
FAA approved for air travel
5 Year Machine Warranty standard
Built-in Low O2 sensor
Only standard battery option available
Heaviest model reviewed at 18 pounds, no carry option only cart.
Best for Maximum Continuous Flow: O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Key Specs:
● Oxygen Flow Settings: 1 to 6 Pulse Flow, up to 3.0 LPM Continuous Flow
● Battery Life: Up to 5 hours
● Weight: 18 pounds
● Noise Level: Quiet operation
As the smallest high-flow portable concentrator providing up to 3 LPM continuous flow, the U.S.-made Oxlife Independence caters to a wide range of oxygen needs. Its 5-year warranty, 24/7 usability, and CPAP/BiPAP compatibility make it ideal for both daytime and nighttime use. Though heavier than other models at 18 pounds, the integrated cart with 6-inch wheels and durable metal exterior ensure easy mobility. The Independence runs on a dual battery system and can operate on all settings when plugged into a vehicle's DC power supply.
● FAA approved for airline use
● Size: 20.2” x 10.9” x 8”
● Battery, AC and DC power options for continuous use
5. INOGEN ONE G5
Long battery life ranging from 6 to 13 hours on lowest setting with extended battery combinations
Extremely quiet operation
6 pulse flow settings
Lightweight at only 4.8 lbs
HSA/FSA eligible
Comes with a 3 year warranty
Extended battery costs extra
Lacks recent upgrades made to the Rove 6
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Legacy POC - Reliable Performance: Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Key Specs:
● Oxygen Flow Settings: Intelligent Pulse Flows 1 to 6
● Battery Life: Up to 13 hours with extended battery addition
● Weight: 4.8 pounds
● Noise Level: Very quiet
The Inogen One G5, while lacking the latest upgrades of the Inogen Rove 6, boasts a dependable 5+ year track record. Like the Inogen Rove 6, it offers 6 pulse flow settings, weighs under 5 pounds, and provides extended battery options for all-day use. The G5's long-lasting battery life of up to 13 hours with a double battery ensures uninterrupted oxygen delivery. FAA approved and highly portable, it can be worn comfortably with a shoulder strap. The G5 connects via Bluetooth to the Inogen Connect app, allowing you to monitor device performance and battery life from your smartphone.
● FAA airline approved
● Size: 8.15" x 7.19" x 3.26"
● Convenient travel bag included
● Bluetooth connectivity to Inogen Connect app
The Bottom Line
After thoroughly testing and analyzing these top portable oxygen concentrators on the market, a few models stood out:
The Inogen Rove 6 emerges as the overall best choice for its exceptional battery life of up to 13 hours (dual battery combination), quiet operation, and highly portable 4.7 lb weight without sacrificing oxygen output. While pricier than a few others, its performance and versatility make it well worth the investment.
For those on a tighter budget, but looking for many of the features offered in the Inogen Rove 6, the Inogen G5 would be a good choice. With the 2024 Inogen Rove 6 addition to the Inogen Product line, the Inogen G5 could be discontinued.
No matter which model you choose, a quality portable oxygen concentrator will give you the freedom to stay active while receiving supplemental oxygen therapy. Being untethered from stationary equipment can tremendously improve your quality of life. With the right POC, you can finally have the on-the-go lifestyle you’ve always wanted.
PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR BUYING GUIDE: WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING ONE
Oxygen Output and Flow Type:
Oxygen output is the most crucial factor when selecting a POC. Ensure the device meets your doctor's prescribed oxygen flow rate and delivery method (pulse or continuous flow). Consider investing in a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen saturation levels at home.
Battery Life and Power Options:
Opt for POCs with a battery life of at least 3-6 hours per charge for optimal freedom and mobility. Look for models offering extended battery packs and AC/DC power options for charging flexibility and prolonged use.
Size, Weight, and Portability:
Compact, lightweight designs under 5 pounds are ideal for active lifestyles and easy transportation. However, ultra-portable units may have reduced battery life and oxygen output compared to larger models.
Noise Level:
For discreet use in public settings, choose POCs with sound levels around 42 decibels or lower. The quieter operation ensures the device blends into background sound without drawing unwanted attention.
Additional Features:
Useful extras include carrying bags, user-friendly controls, data displays, low oxygen and battery life alerts, and FAA approval for air travel.
FAQs
What is the strongest portable oxygen concentrator?
The Inogen One Rove 6 offers the highest pulse dose output among compact POCs with settings up to 6, while the Oxlife Liberty 2 provides up to setting 10 pulse flow and 2 LPM continuous flow. For maximum continuous flow, the Oxlife Independence delivers up to 3 LPM.
Which POC is the most travel-friendly?
The Inogen One G4, weighing only 2.8 pounds, is the most portable and travel-friendly option due to its ultra-lightweight design and compact size.
Can I use my POC while sleeping?
Some POCs are suitable for overnight use, but consult your doctor and refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for safe operation. Models like the Oxlife Liberty 2 and Oxlife Independence are designed for 24/7 use and include sleep-mode features.
How long do portable oxygen concentrators last?
With proper maintenance and care, most POCs last 4-7 years. Look for models with comprehensive warranties and extended service coverage for added peace of mind.
Conclusion:
Investing in a high-quality portable oxygen concentrator can significantly enhance your mobility, freedom, and overall quality of life. Among the top models reviewed, the Inogen One Rove 6 stands out for its exceptional battery life, quiet operation, and portability, while the budget-friendly Inogen One G5 offers reliable performance. For ultra-lightweight design, consider the Inogen One G4, and for versatile 24/7 use with both pulse and continuous flow, the Oxlife Liberty 2 and Oxlife Independence are excellent options.
Remember to discuss your individual needs and concerns with your doctor and oxygen equipment provider to ensure you select the best POC for your lifestyle and therapy requirements. Don't hesitate to reach out for personalized guidance and support in making this life-changing decision.
For expert assistance in choosing the perfect portable oxygen concentrator, please visit mainclinicsupply.com and give us a call. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you breathe easier and reclaim your freedom.
Sources
Sources used for research purposes. These peer-reviewed journals are not affiliated with Main Clinic Supply and have been carefully cited to ensure readers are only provided reliable information from academic sources.
1. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/pulse-oximeters-and-oxygen-concentrators-what-know-about-home-oxygen-therapy
2. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories
3. https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-b-covers/getting-oxygen-equipment-supplies-in-certain-situations
4. Chatburn, R. L., Lewarski, J. S., & McCoy, R. W. (2006). Nocturnal oxygenation using a pulsed-dose oxygen-conserving device compared to continuous flow. *Respiratory Care*, 51(3), 252-256. PMID: 16533414. *CHEST*, 116(1), 22-29.