Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are more than devices—they’re your lifeline to adventure and freedom. They offer oxygen therapy on the go, no matter your location or mode of transport, especially if you suffer from respiratory issues like COPD and asthma.
Whether it’s a short trip for groceries, a visit to family, or a long scenic drive from coast to coast, the proper POC keeps you going strong. Here, we have highlighted the best portable oxygen concentrator for car travel.
While this section provides a more detailed review of each device, it's important to consult with your doctor before making a purchase. Their professional assessment will help determine if this device is suitable for you.
Pulse flow (9 settings)
-Setting 1-6 delivers 16 to 96 ml/breath
-Setting 6-9 delivers 128 to 192 ml/breath
It‘s a good choice if you are going on a road trip for over 5 hours and need a portable oxygen machine with minimal downtime.
The Eclipse 5 is clinically effective oxygen delivery with Smart technology. It has:
This car and home oxygen concentrator offers both continuous and pulse-dose oxygen. Even though it weighs 18.7 lbs, it's compact and easily transportable. Still, this weight is on the higher end compared to its competition.
The good news is that it makes it up with over 5 hours of battery life and quiet operation at 40 dBa. The comprehensive 3-year warranty also helps.
The biggest perk? It comes with both DC and AC power battery chargers. The only catch is that to charge it on a DC port in your car, ensure the engine is already running before you connect it.
Our foremost perk when using this Ready O2 model is it's lightweight. At just 4.37 lbs, it's as portable as carrying a pair of water bottles. Then there is the pulse dose delivery giving you the convenience of only using what you need.
Then, at an oxygen concentration of 90% to 96%, expect nothing but premium air with every inhale.
Suppose it detects no breathing; it releases oxygen every 4 seconds until it does. Then, its sixth setting kicks in and continuously delivers oxygen at 1700 ml/min. The average human takes about 12 to 20 breaths a minute. The downside of this sixth setting is that you only get an oxygen concentration lower than 60%.
It produces only 48 dB of noise and allows faster DC power car charging. Its intelligent alarm system and easy-to-use LCD make it a hassle-free solution for drivers.
The Inogen G5 is as versatile as they come, with a very long battery life. The double battery will suffice if you are going on a long road trip, 13 hours long. A 6.5-hour trip? A single battery is enough.
The only downside is that recharging takes a long time—3 hours for a single battery, 6 hours double.
Regardless, this POC offers six flow settings and delivers up to 1260 ml of oxygen per breath. The oxygen concentration is also impressive, at a maximum of 96% purity.
It's also quieter at 38 dBA. The G5 DC charging also has one rule: Connect only when the engine runs. If you jump-start a car while connected, it might cause damage to the POC.
Have you ever been unsure if your oxygen concentrator will last through a long drive? With models like the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort, those worries disappear.
If you thought the Inogen G5 was your true long-road trip buddy, this one is better. It offers an exceptional 16-hour battery life on a 16-cell battery and 8 hours on a single cell. Sixteen hours is a drive from California to New York, an approximately 2,800-mile distance.
The only catch is that this 16-hour duration only applies if the POC is on setting 1. It lowers as the settings go up.
DC charging allows car and boat charging but not airplane charging.
Like the Caire Eclipse 5, this one also has pioneering tech: autoSAT, UltraSense, and the myCAIRE tool. It also had autoDOSE, which automatically releases oxygen when no breath is detected. Here, it sounds an alarm and pulses out oxygen at 20 breaths/min at the set flow setting until the issue is resolved.
The simple-to-use LED screen is easy to operate, minimizing distractions on the road.
In our opinion, the Philips SimplyGo POC is perfect for short drives, flights, grocery visits, and quick trips. This FAA-approved oxygen machine offers only 3 hours in pulse mode and just under an hour in continuous mode.
Thankfully, it easily adapts to varying oxygen needs because it combines continuous flow (0.5 to 2 LPM) and pulse dose delivery (12 mL to 72 mL per breath).
Its weight of about 10 pounds will be cumbersome if you are an active user. But if you are always in the car, like a taxi driver, it suffices.
Another win is its sleep mode, which automatically switches to 2 LPM continuous flow if no breath is detected. Its intuitive controls and clear display ensure hassle-free use.
POCs help supply oxygen therapy to offset the effects of hypoxemia, but one major problem in using them shines through. That issue is their constant need for electric power supply to operate.
A 2019 study on oxygen devices and delivery systems highlights that you always need backup. Suppose a POC battery runs out mid-trip and you have no extra battery packs or charging stations, you’re in trouble. So having the car act as a backup generator makes sense.
Therefore, to choose what suits you, prioritize the following:
Imagine loading your car with luggage, snacks, and hefty oxygen tanks. Not ideal, right? Lightweight, compact models are a must for hassle-free travel.
Running out of battery mid-drive is the ultimate buzzkill. So, choose a POC with 12V car-charging capabilities to keep your oxygen therapy uninterrupted, no matter how far you roam.
Battery life can make or break a road trip. If traveling long distances, opt for a model with extended battery options to avoid interruptions.
Battery life varies, but most devices provide several hours of continuous oxygen use on a single charge.
You need a portable oxygen concentrator that provides consistent and reliable supplemental oxygen. Before your trip, consult your doctor about your travel needs to determine the type of oxygen support that suits you best.
Travel should be relaxing, not noisy or stressful. A simple, user-friendly interface and minimal noise are vital for comfort. So, choose a portable concentrator that’s easy to operate while driving and doesn't disrupt travel.
Also, note that the device meets safety standards. We’re talking automatic shutdown features, alarms, or notifications for low oxygen or battery levels. Then, there are additional perks like carrying bags, battery packs, and more.
Now that you have your POC set up, always use these tips to ensure a longer life with the POC.
A portable oxygen concentrator for car travel offers unmatched freedom and peace of mind for those who rely on oxygen therapy. They allow you to charge them as you drive, which is convenient.
But you just do not pick any you see on a shelf. You must prioritize key features like portability, car charging compatibility, and battery life.
Talk to your doctor to find out what suits you best, refer to the user manual, and always charge it before use. This ensures you have it in full operational mode before hitting the road.
Remember—doctor’s and manufacturer’s consultation, no open flames, proper storage, and ventilation. With these five picks, you have a portable oxygen concentrator for all your long and short car travels.
Oxygen on the go? Check. Long battery life? Check. Does it fit in your car? Double-check. Your POC is ready for its road trip debut.