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Oxygen Concentrator Buying Guide

Oxygen Concentrator Buying Guide — Bradshaw Oxygen

Choosing the right oxygen concentrator depends on your intended use, required flow rate, whether you need portability, and whether a prescription applies to your situation. This guide covers the key decisions so you can choose with confidence. If you have questions after reading, the Bradshaw Oxygen team is available to help.

Step 1: Determine Your Intended Use

Oxygen concentrators serve a wide range of applications. Knowing your primary use will narrow your options significantly.

  • Medical oxygen therapy at home: Requires a physician prescription. A stationary 5 LPM or 10 LPM concentrator is typically recommended by the prescribing provider.
  • Hyperbaric chamber support: Most soft-shell home hyperbaric chambers require a 10 LPM concentrator. Confirm the requirement with your chamber manufacturer before purchasing.
  • EWOT (Exercise With Oxygen Training): Typically requires a 10 LPM concentrator to deliver adequate flow during exercise.
  • Glassblowing, lampworking, and jewelry torch work: No prescription required. Flow rate depends on your torch and fuel type. Most glassblowers use a 5 LPM or 10 LPM concentrator.
  • Pet oxygen and veterinary use: No prescription required for non-human use. A 5 LPM concentrator is commonly used.
  • Portable oxygen while traveling: Requires a portable concentrator with FAA approval if flying. Flow rate and battery life are the key specs.
  • Industrial, ozone generation, or lab use: No prescription required. Flow rate and purity requirements vary by application.

Step 2: Choose the Right Flow Rate

Oxygen concentrators are rated by liters per minute (LPM) of continuous flow oxygen output.

  • 5 LPM concentrators: The most common choice for home medical oxygen therapy, pet oxygen, glassblowing with smaller torches, and general wellness use. Lighter, quieter, and more energy-efficient than 10 LPM units.
  • 10 LPM concentrators: Required for most hyperbaric chamber setups, EWOT, and higher-demand industrial or torch applications. Larger and heavier than 5 LPM units.
  • Portable concentrators: Measured in pulse dose settings rather than continuous LPM in most cases. Not suitable for hyperbaric chamber use.

Browse by flow rate: 5 LPM Oxygen Concentrators | 10 LPM Oxygen Concentrators | Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Step 3: New vs. Certified Pre-Owned

Bradshaw Oxygen offers both new and certified pre-owned (reconditioned) oxygen concentrators.

  • New concentrators come with a manufacturer warranty and are a good choice when warranty coverage is a priority or when the unit will be used heavily over a long period.
  • Certified pre-owned concentrators are inspected, cleaned, tested, and serviced before sale. They are a cost-effective option for customers who want a reliable unit at a lower price point. Bradshaw Oxygen backs reconditioned units with its own warranty.

Both options are available across our most popular brands. Contact us if you have questions about the condition or history of a specific unit.

Step 4: Do You Need a Prescription?

  • Medical use: A prescription is required. If you do not have a prescribing provider, Bradshaw Oxygen can connect you with a licensed telemedicine provider.
  • Industrial, glassblowing, veterinary, or B2B use: No prescription required.
  • Hyperbaric chamber support: A prescription is required for the hyperbaric chamber itself. The concentrator purchased as part of a chamber package follows the same prescription requirement.

If you are unsure whether a prescription applies to your situation, contact Bradshaw Oxygen before ordering.

Step 5: Choose a Brand

Bradshaw Oxygen carries concentrators from trusted brands with proven track records in home and clinical oxygen delivery.

  • Invacare: Known for durable stationary concentrators including the Perfecto2, Perfecto2 V, Platinum 5 XL, and Platinum 10. HomeFill compatible models available.
  • Philips Respironics: Known for the EverFlo and Millennium series. Energy-efficient and widely used in home oxygen therapy.
  • Drive DeVilbiss: Known for the 10 LPM series, a popular choice for hyperbaric chamber and EWOT use.
  • AirSep: Known for the NewLife Intensity 10 LPM, a reliable high-flow option for hyperbaric and industrial applications.
  • Inogen: Known for portable concentrators designed for travel and active use.

Availability changes. Contact us if you are looking for a specific brand or model.

Step 6: Consider the HomeFill System

If you use portable oxygen cylinders at home, the Invacare HomeFill system allows you to fill compatible cylinders directly from a compatible concentrator. This can reduce dependence on cylinder deliveries and give you more flexibility for portable use.

HomeFill compatibility depends on the concentrator model and cylinder type. Contact Bradshaw Oxygen to confirm compatibility before purchasing.

Financing

Financing options may be available for qualifying customers and products. View Bradshaw Oxygen financing options here.

Why Buy from Bradshaw Oxygen?

  • Family owned oxygen equipment company
  • Over 246 five-star Google reviews
  • Nationwide shipping
  • Experienced support before and after the sale
  • Warranty backed by Bradshaw Oxygen LLC on reconditioned units
  • After hours support line for customers
  • Prescription assistance through a licensed telemedicine provider when appropriate

Read what our customers say: Google Reviews | Testimonials | Why Choose Bradshaw Oxygen

Related Resources

A prescription is required if this equipment is being used for medical purposes. No prescription is required for industrial use (such as welding, glassblowing, or veterinary applications) or for B2B purchases. Prescriptions can be emailed directly to us or call or text 828-380-6287 for assistance.