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Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are a must for anyone needing oxygen therapy. A 2019 study reports that noise and vibrations are among the disadvantages of stationary oxygen concentrators.
Thankfully, one of the positives of POCs over older models is lower noise. Quiet POCs offer discrete usage while ensuring constant and reliable oxygen therapy.
This piece highlights the best portable oxygen concentrator quiet devices. We evaluated multiple models for their sound performance, portability, and overall reliability.
FreeStyle Comfort has a lower noise level of 39.9 dBA. This is the equivalent of a soft conversation, meaning this one fits right in in quiet indoor spaces. These entail offices and classrooms (during lectures, not exams).
In addition to the low volume, the battery life of between 8 to 16 hours is impressive.
The difference in timings is based on setting levels and the number of cells per battery.
We also found that it is designed for ease; its lightweight, curved design hugs the body for comfort. Smart technologies like autoSAT® and UltraSense® ensure precise oxygen delivery tailored to your activity.
A user-friendly LCD with large fonts and a glow-in-the-dark keypad simplifies tracking. This makes it perfect for seniors with deteriorating vision. It's also FAA-approved, allowing anyone flying to use it—noise-free.
If you are usually in intimate settings, like one-on-one tutoring sessions, the One G5 is the best POC. Its operation is only 38 dBA, notably quieter than a library. It is also the perfect POC for night use, where you require a silent night to rest.
Our experience using this lightweight POC—at 4.7 lbs—also demonstrated its unmatched versatility. It offers six pulse flow settings and delivers up to 1260 ml of medical-grade oxygen per breath.
Its dual power source (battery or wall power) also ensures flexibility. Extra batteries may be needed for outings exceeding seven hours.
Another plus is that the parent company is not new to the game. Their innovation shines through in this and other advanced, user-focused designs.
If you have ever heard the rustling of leaves, that is exactly what the G4’s noise levels compare to. This makes it the perfect fit for outdoor surroundings because the 40dBA sound will get drowned and become one with the environment.
Another plus we experienced is its lightweight and compact design. Even with the extended battery attached, it weighs a low 3.3 lbs. The G4 just screams on-the-go use with zero disturbance.
This unit also has advanced software adjustments that change the bolus volume (amount of oxygen). This amount is based on your breathing rate. So, if you are running, it adjusts to offer more oxygen and vice versa.
Unfortunately, for a 3-hour outdoor activity, the G4 on a single battery will not suffice. Since it caps the time at 2.7 hours, you might need an extra battery that will add two more hours to make 5 hours.
The other perks are its simple controls, a clear LCD, and worldwide compatibility with AC/DC power supplies.
This device makes daily usage and taking shorter trips a breeze.
Pulse flow (9 settings)
-Setting 1-6 delivers 16 to 96 ml/breath
-Setting 6-9 delivers 128 to 192 ml/breath
The CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5 stands out for its adjustable oxygen delivery. With CAIRE’s autoSAT® Technology, users can customize the pulse dose to match their needs.
It delivers oxygen with both continuous flow and pulse dose systems. In continuous flow, it operates with six settings, 0.5 to 3.0 LPM, adjustable in 0.5-liter additions. When you switch it to pulse dose, you get 9 settings.
From setting 1 to 6, you get 16 to 96 ml/breath by adjusting in 8 ml increments. From settings 7 to 9, the oxygen delivery is between 128 to 192 ml/breath with increments of 32 ml.
Features like alterable bolus rise time and trigger sensitivity let you fine-tune the device to match your breathing pattern. A bolus rise refers to the increase in the concentration of a substance in the bloodstream, in this case, pure oxygen.
This adjustability makes the Eclipse 5 a versatile option for users who need tailored oxygen therapy. It also works on both AC and DC power supplies.
Just like most other POCs, you also require a prescription to buy one.
Starting us of on the best portable oxygen concentrator quiet devices is the ReadyO2 Pro model.
We found this device to be compact and lightweight, with an impressively low operating volume of only 48 dB. From a better perspective, this is about the same as light rainfall in a calm room.
This is probably because of its CECA Oxygen Molecular Sieve technology. According to a 2023 study, this tech offers:
A 2023 study shows that these sieves operate at noise levels lower than 55 dB (similar to a quiet office environment). The lower numbers might be because the system uses an automatic multi-filter system.
You’ll also be glad to know that it delivers oxygen every 4 seconds until it detects your breath, averaging about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. The copper compressor is energy-efficient but still powerful, and the LCD screen keeps you updated on oxygen flow and battery life.
Plus, with DC charging, you can easily recharge on the go. At low noise levels, you can use it in the office, library, or even while driving without any distractions.
Each of the five portable oxygen concentrator quiet devices has its pros and cons, fitting different settings. Below is a table that shows you a comparison of the five we just looked at.
When selecting a quiet POC, the first thing to do is check its decibel rating, which is noted as dB or dBA. So what is the difference?
Of the two, dBA is more tailored to human hearing and is, therefore, a more accurate representation of how we perceive noise. However, dB readings might differ from person to person since we might have different ear sensitivities.
A higher decibel count means a higher volume. So, anything below 50 dB is a hush device, and it will not cause any disturbance. If it falls between 70-90 dB, it's loud because it is equivalent to a loud office or a busy street.
Don’t stop there, though. Also, dive into user reviews on testimonials left behind by past users on trusted sites. These give you a better insight into the device's real-world usage besides what the brand offers, which can sometimes be exaggerated.
If possible, give the brand a test run. You can diverge into renting solutions before committing, which lets you test out the POC in different settings. Testing is vital because a dead-silent POC in an office might sound different from that in a library.
Sometimes, users come later and complain that a previously quiet POC is now making noise. So, what could be the issue?
For one, that could be improper maintenance and care.
To do it right, here are a few tips:
Now, finding and maintaining a portable oxygen concentrator device should become a breeze.
It's straightforward: check decibel levels, check user reviews, and test whenever you can.
Maintaining, cleaning, storing, replacing filters, and tightening moving parts helps. This will ensure your portable oxygen concentrator remains quiet for years.
The best part is that you have a couple of brands to select, each matching a different setting. Quiet comfort starts with smart choices and simple upkeep!
