How long do oxygen concentrators last?
When it comes to buying a medical oxygen concentrator, cost is often the biggest factor in the decision. But it's important to consider other important factors like the intended life and warranties that come with the concentrator. Getting an idea of how long a concentrator might last before you buy it can help you save you a lot of time and money in the long run. It can also save you from the stress and discomfort of living with a poor-quality product for years.
In this article, we'll explain the difference between oxygen concentrator warranty periods and what you can expect when it comes to the intended life of a medical oxygen concentrator.
How long do oxygen concentrators last?
The average intended life of oxygen concentrators has changed a lot over the years due to advances in manufacturing and technology. How long a concentrator will last greatly depends on the manufacturer, brand, and model.
Determining how long an oxygen concentrator will last depends on several factors:
- Warranty
- Serviceability
- Age of the technology
- Wear and tear
- Environmental factors
- Hours of use
We'll explain what each of these means.
Warranties
With a reputable brand, you can normally expect an oxygen concentrator to last several years past its warranty. A good rule of thumb for gauging the intended life of a model is to look at its warranty.
- How long is the warranty period?
- Does it cover factory service?
- Are there costs associated with service?
Because the intended life of the concentrator is directly related to the quality of the engineering, examining the warranty gives you an idea of:
- How confident the manufacturer is in its product
- The quality of the components used in the product
If a manufacturer offers a generous warranty, that means it's confident that the product can hold up for at least that long under normal use. But some warranties come with fine print and upcharges, so be sure to look at the terms of the warranty. It's important to know upfront if there might be costs associated with getting service if something happens to your oxygen concentrator.
Serviceability
Oxygen concentrators are your lifeline, so it's important to make sure you will be able to get fast support and service when something goes wrong. Make sure you ask the following questions:
- What happens if my oxygen concentrator breaks?
- How hard or easy is it to get replacement parts?
- Where can I get the concentrator serviced?
- How long do repairs take?
- Will a loaner be available while my concentrator is being repaired?
Age of technology
Because the quality of an oxygen concentrator directly influences the quality of life of the user, it's important to look at the age of the technology behind the concentrators you're considering.
The newer the technology, the more likely that it will last longer. A concentrator with newer technology is also more:
- Reliable due to developments in engineering
- Portable which equates to freedom in and out of the house
- Lightweight which means less fatigue for you, and ability to pursue hobbies and travel
- User-friendly with informative displays, Bluetooth, and mobile app support
- Serviceable because service providers are more likely to carry the parts
Wear and tear, environmental factors, and hours of use
These factors depend on you, the user.
- How many hours per day do you need to use the unit?
- What setting do you need to use it on?
- Where are you using it?
Made in the USA oxygen concentrators
We're always hearing, "They don't make 'em like they used to" when it comes to consumer products. Changes in the economy and supply chain issues in recent years mean American manufacturers turning to foreign suppliers for components. Some manufacturers may import parts and assemble the machines in the USA, and "Made in the USA" no longer means what it used to. This is why it's important that you find a reputable seller who is honest about the origins of their products.
How to read an oxygen concentrator warranty
Portable oxygen concentrator warranties
How long should a portable oxygen concentrator last?
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) have a typical intended life of 4–7 years. This means you should look for a POC model with a warranty that will last for most of its life.
Portable oxygen concentrator 3-1-1 warranty
- 3 years for the machine
- 1 year for the battery
- 1 year for the columns
Portable oxygen concentrator 5-1-1 warranty
- 5 years for the machine
- 1 year for the battery
- 1 year for the columns
Always make sure you check the standard warranty of the model and make sure it doesn't come with upcharges.
Hours of use for portable oxygen concentrators
Hours of use on a POC are covered as long it's still under warranty. If your unit's warranty is expired, get an estimate for service. If it's 7 years or older, it may not be serviceable and we recommend replacing it so you can benefit from newer and better technology.
Stationary Oxygen Concentrator warranties
How long does a stationary concentrator last?
Stationary oxygen concentrators also have a typical intendelife of 4–7 years. Stationary oxygen concentrators usually come with a 3-year warranty that can be upgraded to a 5-year warranty by the manufacturer. When you're choosing a stationary oxygen concentrator, be sure to choose a model that comes with a warranty replacement exchange if it fails.
Hours of use for stationary oxygen concentrators
If a stationary oxygen concentrator has exceeded 20,000 of use, we recommend replacing it. If your machine hasn't reached 20,000 hours, check the warranty status and contact the company you originally purchased it from.
We're here to help
All the questions and considerations that come with choosing a medical oxygen concentrator can be a little overwhelming. It's important that you find a reliable seller who can guide you through the process. A reliable provider will help you answer all the above questions and help you choose a concentrator that can hold up under your needs.
We'll help you navigate:
- Your doctor's prescription
- Which models fit the prescription
- Your living space
- Your lifestyle and hobbies
- Financial considerations
We carry only genuine parts
Don't risk damaging your machine with 3rd party accessories parts that may not fit properly. We carry all the genuine parts and accessories for your Inogen and Oxygo concentrator. If you can't find a part or accessory on our website, feel free to get in touch with us to help you find what you need.
We're here to help
If you need help choosing the right concentrator for your lifestyle or finding the right parts or accessories for your exisiting concentrator, don't hesitate to contact us.