Used Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Reclaiming Mobility, Cutting Costs, and Staying Safe
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) have become the gold standard for on-the-go oxygen therapy, but brand-new units can run into the thousands of dollars. Today, a vibrant secondary market makes the same freedom available at a fraction of the price—if you know where to look and what to check. Below is a narrative tour of the used-POC landscape, complete with head-to-head vendor comparisons, warranty realities, financing tricks, and shopping tips.
Sticker shock is the first hurdle for many shoppers. What looks like a $3,000 purchase is frequently marketing optics;pricing often reflects the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price, and reputable resellers can slash that number by 30-60 %.
The Major Players in the Refurbished Market
• Respiration Nation – The company is known to offer portable oxygen concentrators at significantly reduced prices compared to new units and backs them with a 90-day warranty (three years on new stock). Financing can dip as low as $65 /month or $99 on rent-to-own plans.
• Bridge To Care USA – Their technicians thoroughly test, recondition, and inspect every pre-owned concentrator , so budget-friendly never means “as-is.â€
• OxygenPlus Medical Systems – With 30 years in the industry, this Virginia outfit offers reconditioned units that start with a 6-month warranty, extendable to five years , and most orders arrive in 48 hours.
• Help Medical Supplies – Their webstore lists an Inogen One G5 at $1,275 and a Philips SimplyGo Mini at $949 (both certified refurbished) , each with a one-year warranty and financing or rental options.
• Oxygen Concentrator Store – Every unit undergoes a 30-Point Inspection before earning the “recertified†label , and the company boasts 250,000 users served since 2001.
Vendor Snapshot
| Vendor | Warranty on Used Units | Notable Financing / Perks | Popular Models in Stock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Respiration Nation | 90 days (3 yr new) | $65 -/mo financing, free ship >$1,000 | Inogen G3/G4/G5, Philips SimplyGo |
| Bridge To Care USA | Varies by unit; fully reconditioned | Flexible financing, frequent restocks | AirSep, Inogen, Philips Respironics |
| OxygenPlus Medical | 6 mo standard, up to 5 yr optional | Low monthly payments, 48-h ship | SeQual Eclipse 5, Oxlife Independence |
| Help Medical Supplies | 1 yr on refurbished POCs | Purchase, rent, or finance | Inogen G5, SimplyGo Mini, Eclipse 5 |
| Oxygen Concentrator Store | 30-Point recertification, warranty varies by age/hrs | Price-match, loyalty points | CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort, Rove 6 |
Quality & Safety Checks
Used does not mean unvetted. Bridge To Care’s reconditioning includes part replacements, recalibration, and performance checks , while Oxygen Concentrator Store’s technicians replace gaskets, valves, and filters during their 30-point audit. Many vendors also sanitize units to medical standards and log total operating hours so buyers know how much life remains (Respiration Nation cites life expectancies up to 40,000 hours ).
What About Warranty & Repairs?
Extended coverage matters—replacement sieve beds alone can cost $200-300. OxygenPlus lets buyers stretch coverage to a full five years on parts and workmanship , while Help Medical Supplies includes a one-year warranty by default. Many sellers also stock inexpensive accessories: Respiration Nation ships extra batteries “at a fraction of the typical cost.â€
Financing & Payment Hacks
Cash-flow is often the make-or-break factor. Respiration Nation’s no-credit-check plan with payments as low as $65 per month sets a baseline, but other vendors get creative:
| Financing Tool | How It Works | Where Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Low-down payment ($299) + $99/mo | Split purchase over 12-18 months | Respiration Nation |
| 0 % APR promotional credit | Pay in 6-12 mo with no interest | Oxygen Concentrator Store (via third-party lenders) |
| Rent-to-own | Weekly or monthly rental rolls into purchase | Help Medical Supplies, Respiration Nation |
| Trade-in credits | Swap old tanks or POCs for discounts | LPT Medical guidance |
Machine-Level Specs: Lightweight Doesn’t Mean Light Duty
Below is a sampling of popular used portable units, mixing classic workhorses with newer featherweights:
| Model | Weight | Battery Time (Pulse Setting 2) | Flow Type | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inogen One G5 (refurb) | 4.7 lb | Up to 13 h (16-cell) | Pulse 1-5 | 39 dBA |
| Philips SimplyGo Mini (refurb) | 5.0 lb | Up to 9 h (extended) | Pulse 1-5 | 43 dBA |
| Oxlife Independence (used) | 16.7 lb incl. cart | Up to 5 h (dual batteries) | Pulse + Continuous 0.5-3 LPM | 45 dBA |
| FYY01 by Hacenor (used) | 1.43 lb | 4 h internal, +5 h external | Continuous 1.5 LPM | ≤ 50 dBA |
| 8-Hour Battery Mini (Charmingkey) | 600 g (≈1.3 lb) including battery | 8 h | Continuous | Low noise claim |
Note: weights and battery times can vary by accessory package and usage setting.
Practical Buying Tips
- Ask for the hour meter. Anything under 5,000 hours is considered “low mileage.â€
- Verify FAA approval if you plan to fly—most Inogen and CAIRE units qualify.
- Match flow type to prescription. COPD patients needing nighttime oxygen often require continuous-flow capability (e.g., Oxlife Independence).
- Don’t ignore accessories. A spare battery and a DC car charger can add 4-6 hours of runtime for under $200 from most vendors.
- Leverage return windows. Help Medical Supplies offers a 7-day money-back guarantee —plenty of time to make sure your pulse setting covers daily activities.
Bottom Line
Used and refurbished portable oxygen concentrators are no longer second-tier choices; they’re mainstream solutions that combine freedom of movement with financial sanity. Whether you spring for a like-new Inogen G5 from Help Medical Supplies, a faith-based bargain from Respiration Nation, or a meticulously recertified unit from Oxygen Concentrator Store, the key is to balance price, warranty, and your clinical needs. With informed shopping and the resources above, breathing easier doesn’t have to break the bank.
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