Oxygen Concentrators for EWOT
EWOT, short for exercise with oxygen therapy (also called exercise with oxygen training), means breathing concentrated oxygen through a mask while you work out. The equipment question comes down to one number: how much oxygen flow your setup can deliver while you're breathing hard. This guide covers which concentrators work for EWOT, why most people use a 10 LPM unit, and how to set one up.
What You Need for EWOT
A typical home EWOT setup has three parts:
- An oxygen concentrator that makes continuous flow oxygen from room air. This is the part we sell and service.
- A reservoir bag that fills with oxygen while you rest between breaths, so there's extra oxygen ready when your breathing speeds up.
- A mask and tubing that connect you to the reservoir.
The concentrator is the heart of the system. A reservoir can only hold what the concentrator puts into it, so a weak concentrator means an empty bag halfway through a workout.
Why 10 LPM Is the Usual Choice
When you exercise, you breathe in far more air per minute than any home concentrator produces. The reservoir bag covers the gap, and the concentrator refills it. The faster it refills, the longer you can work before the bag runs low.
- 10 LPM concentrators are the common choice for EWOT. They refill a reservoir twice as fast as a 5 LPM unit and handle longer or harder sessions.
- 5 LPM concentrators can work for light, short sessions, but most people outgrow them.
- Two concentrators linked together add their flow. Two 10 LPM units joined with a Y connector give up to 20 LPM for heavy use.
- Portable concentrators aren't a good fit. Most deliver pulse dose oxygen instead of continuous flow, and they don't produce enough volume to fill a reservoir.
Concentrators We Recommend for EWOT
These 10 LPM continuous flow models are the ones we most often set up for EWOT. Each is available in more than one condition, so you can choose the price point that fits.
| Concentrator | Flow | Available as | Why it works for EWOT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive DeVilbiss 10 LPM | Up to 10 LPM | Reconditioned, demo, new | Dependable, strong output and a strong overall value. The unit we pair most often with chambers and EWOT. |
| AirSep NewLife Intensity 10 | Up to 10 LPM | Reconditioned, demo, new | Higher pressure output than many standard concentrators. |
| Invacare Platinum 10 | Up to 10 LPM | Reconditioned, new | A durable workhorse built for long, steady run times. |
| Philips Millennium M10 | Up to 10 LPM | Reconditioned, new | High-output continuous flow from a proven Philips design. |
Current prices are on each product page. See every option on our 10 LPM oxygen concentrators page.
Reconditioned, Demo, or New?
- Reconditioned units are rebuilt, cleaned, and tested for oxygen purity and output before they ship, and they're backed by Bradshaw Oxygen LLC. They're the most popular choice for EWOT because they cost less than new.
- Demo units sell for less than new.
- New units come with the manufacturer's warranty.
Setting Up for EWOT
- Place the concentrator in an open, well-ventilated spot with several inches of clearance on every side so it can pull in room air and stay cool.
- Let it run for a few minutes before you start so the oxygen purity can come up to normal.
- Connect the tubing to the reservoir bag and let the bag fill before your workout.
- Start at an easy pace. If the bag empties before you finish, slow down, take shorter sessions, or add a second concentrator.
- Turn the concentrator off when you're done, and clean or replace its filter on the manufacturer's schedule.
Oxygen Safety
- Never smoke or allow an open flame, candle, or gas stove near the concentrator or tubing.
- Keep oils, petroleum-based lotions, and aerosol sprays away from the mask and tubing.
- If you have a heart or lung condition or take medication, talk with your doctor before starting EWOT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size oxygen concentrator do I need for EWOT?
Most people use a 10 LPM continuous flow concentrator. It refills a reservoir bag quickly enough for regular workouts. A 5 LPM unit can work for light, short sessions.
Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator for EWOT?
We don't recommend it. Most portables deliver pulse dose oxygen and don't make enough continuous flow to fill a reservoir bag.
Can I link two concentrators for more flow?
Yes. Joining two concentrators with a Y connector adds their flow, so two 10 LPM units give up to 20 LPM.
Can the same concentrator run my hyperbaric chamber?
Often, yes. The Drive DeVilbiss and AirSep 10 LPM units are the same models we pair with soft hyperbaric chambers. See our concentrators for hyperbaric chambers.
Do I need a prescription for EWOT?
No. EWOT is a wellness use, not medical oxygen therapy, so no prescription is required. If a doctor has prescribed oxygen to treat a medical condition, that is medical use, and a prescription applies.
Not sure which one to choose?
Call or text 828-380-6287 and tell us how you plan to use it. We'll recommend a setup.
More guides: Oxygen Concentrator Buying Guide · Oxygen Concentrator FAQ · Reconditioned Oxygen Concentrators