Home Oxygen Concentrators: Complete Buying Guide for Stationary Units
By Lisa Rodriguez, Respiratory Equipment Specialist · Published 2025-01-18 · 13 min read
Learn how to choose the best home oxygen concentrator for continuous flow therapy. Compare top stationary units including Inogen At Home, Philips EverFlo, and Invacare Perfecto2.
How to choose a home oxygen concentrator:
- Confirm your prescribed flow rate (LPM) with your physician.
- Choose a unit rated for continuous flow at or above that rate, with headroom to spare.
- Compare noise level if the unit will run in a bedroom overnight.
- Check the warranty length and availability of local service.
- Decide between purchase and rental based on how long you'll need therapy.
What Is a Home Oxygen Concentrator?
A home oxygen concentrator (also called a stationary oxygen concentrator) is a medical device designed to provide continuous flow oxygen therapy in your home. Unlike portable units, stationary concentrators plug into a standard wall outlet and deliver a steady supply of medical-grade oxygen 24/7.
Why Choose a Home Unit Over Portable?
- Higher flow rates — Up to 10 LPM continuous flow
- Unlimited runtime — Plugs into wall power, no battery concerns
- Ideal for nighttime use — Continuous flow works perfectly during sleep
- Lower cost — Generally more affordable than portable units
- Higher oxygen concentration — Typically 87-96% purity at prescribed flow rates
How Home Oxygen Concentrators Work
Home oxygen concentrators use a process called Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA):
- Ambient air intake — Room air (21% oxygen) enters the machine
- Compression — Air is compressed by an internal compressor
- Nitrogen separation — Zeolite sieve beds filter out nitrogen
- Oxygen delivery — Concentrated oxygen (87-96%) is delivered via nasal cannula
- Nitrogen exhaust — Filtered nitrogen is safely released back into the room
Top Home Oxygen Concentrators for 2025
Philips Respironics EverFlo Q — Best Overall
Price: Starting at $595
The EverFlo Q is the industry standard for home oxygen therapy, trusted by hospitals and home care providers worldwide.
Specifications:
- Flow Rate: 1-5 LPM continuous
- Weight: 31 lbs
- Noise Level: 40 dBA
- Oxygen Purity: 93% ± 3%
- Power Consumption: 350 watts
Why We Recommend It: Proven reliability, quiet operation, energy efficient, and the most widely serviced unit in North America.
Inogen At Home — Lightest Stationary Unit
Price: Starting at $1,495
At just 18 pounds, the Inogen At Home is the lightest home concentrator available, making it easy to move between rooms.
Specifications:
- Flow Rate: 1-5 LPM continuous
- Weight: 18 lbs
- Noise Level: 40 dBA
- Oxygen Purity: 90% minimum at 5 LPM
- Power Consumption: 288 watts
Why We Recommend It: Ultra-lightweight for a stationary unit, extremely energy efficient, intuitive controls.
Invacare Perfecto2 V — Best Value
Price: Starting at $495
The Perfecto2 V delivers reliable continuous flow oxygen at the most affordable price point.
Specifications:
- Flow Rate: 1-5 LPM continuous
- Weight: 42 lbs
- Noise Level: 45 dBA
- Oxygen Purity: 93% ± 3%
- Power Consumption: 390 watts
Why We Recommend It: Affordable, durable, easy-to-replace filters, widely available parts.
CAIRE Companion 5 — Best for High-Flow Needs
Price: Starting at $695
The Companion 5 combines quiet operation with robust oxygen delivery for users who need dependable high-flow therapy.
Specifications:
- Flow Rate: 0.5-5 LPM continuous
- Weight: 34 lbs
- Noise Level: 43 dBA
- Oxygen Purity: 93% ± 3%
- Power Consumption: 340 watts
Newlife Intensity 10 — Best High-Flow Unit
Price: Starting at $2,495
For patients requiring flow rates above 5 LPM, the Intensity 10 delivers up to 10 LPM of continuous flow oxygen.
Specifications:
- Flow Rate: 1-10 LPM continuous
- Weight: 53 lbs
- Noise Level: 53 dBA
- Oxygen Purity: 92% ± 3% at 10 LPM
Home Oxygen Concentrator Comparison
| Model | Flow Range | Weight | Noise | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EverFlo Q | 1-5 LPM | 31 lbs | 40 dBA | 350W | $595 |
| Inogen At Home | 1-5 LPM | 18 lbs | 40 dBA | 288W | $1,495 |
| Perfecto2 V | 1-5 LPM | 42 lbs | 45 dBA | 390W | $495 |
| Companion 5 | 0.5-5 LPM | 34 lbs | 43 dBA | 340W | $695 |
| Intensity 10 | 1-10 LPM | 53 lbs | 53 dBA | 600W | $2,495 |
Choosing the Right Home Oxygen Concentrator
Key Factors to Consider
- Prescribed flow rate — Your doctor's prescription determines the minimum LPM you need
- Noise sensitivity — If the unit is in your bedroom, choose one under 43 dBA
- Room size — All units work in standard rooms; ensure adequate ventilation
- Electricity costs — Lower wattage units save on monthly power bills
- Portability within home — Lighter units are easier to move room-to-room
When Do You Need a Home Unit?
- Nighttime oxygen therapy — Continuous flow is required during sleep
- High flow requirements — Prescriptions above 3 LPM continuous
- 24/7 oxygen therapy — When you need oxygen around the clock at home
- Backup to portable unit — Many patients use both for maximum flexibility
Medicare & Insurance Coverage
Home oxygen concentrators are covered by Medicare Part B when medically necessary. Requirements include:
- A qualifying oxygen saturation test (SpO2 ≤ 88% or PaO2 ≤ 55 mmHg)
- A valid Certificate of Medical Necessity (CMN) from your physician
- The equipment must be prescribed by a Medicare-enrolled physician
At 800Oxygen, we help navigate the insurance process and offer flexible payment options.
Setting Up Your Home Oxygen Concentrator
- Place on a hard, flat surface away from walls (12+ inches clearance)
- Ensure adequate ventilation — never place in enclosed spaces
- Keep away from heat sources and open flames
- Use with a backup pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels
- Schedule regular filter cleaning per the manufacturer's guidelines
Browse our home oxygen concentrators or call (877)699-4365 for expert recommendations.