If you’ve recently been prescribed oxygen therapy or you’re helping a family member understand their options, it’s natural to have questions.
Portable oxygen concentrators, often called POCs, can support mobility for some oxygen users. However, the right device depends on more than its size or battery life. Oxygen-delivery mode, prescribed setting, activity needs, and travel plans all matter.
At PulseAir Heart & Lung Centre, we help patients understand prescribed oxygen therapy and available equipment. The answers below explain how portable concentrators work, how they differ from oxygen cylinders, and which questions to discuss with your oxygen provider.
At a Glance: Portable Oxygen Concentrator Basics
- Portable oxygen concentrators create concentrated oxygen from room air.
- Not all devices deliver oxygen the same way.
- Some provide pulse dose, while others offer continuous flow.
- Battery life varies by device, settings, and usage.
- Many models can be used for travel when approved by the carrier.
- Oxygen settings should only be adjusted according to a prescription.
Jump to a Section
- What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
- Pulse Dose versus Continuous Flow
- POC Versus Oxygen Cylinder
- How Portable Are POCs?
- What Affects Battery Life?
- Why Oxygen Settings Require a Prescription
- Questions to Ask Your Oxygen Provider
- Frequently Asked Questions
1 What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
A portable oxygen concentrator is a medical device that takes in the air around you, removes much of the nitrogen, and delivers concentrated oxygen at your prescribed setting.
Unlike an oxygen cylinder, a portable concentrator doesn’t carry a stored supply of oxygen. It makes concentrated oxygen while it’s running, so it needs a charged battery or another approved power source.
A portable oxygen concentrator may be prescribed for someone whose heart or lungs aren’t getting enough oxygen into the blood.
Depending on the device and prescription, it may be used:
- Around the home
- During errands and appointments
- While visiting family and friends
- During certain types of travel
- During day-to-day activities
Not every portable concentrator can meet every person’s oxygen needs. The right device depends on your prescription, whether you need pulse-dose or continuous-flow oxygen, your daily activities, and your healthcare team’s recommendations.
Important: Device selection should be based on your prescribed oxygen needs, not simply on size, weight, or battery life.
2 What’s the Difference Between Pulse Dose and Continuous Flow?
Portable oxygen concentrators don’t all deliver oxygen in the same way.
Pulse-Dose Oxygen
A pulse-dose device detects the beginning of a breath and delivers a measured burst of oxygen during inhalation.
A pulse setting, such as 2 or 3, isn’t the same as 2 or 3 litres per minute of continuous-flow oxygen. Pulse-dose performance can also differ from one device to another.
Continuous-Flow Oxygen
A continuous-flow device delivers oxygen at a steady prescribed rate, including between breaths.
Some portable concentrators provide continuous flow, but these units may be larger, heavier, or use battery power more quickly than pulse-dose-only models.
Keep in Mind: A person who uses continuous flow shouldn’t assume that any pulse-dose portable concentrator will meet the same need.
Device selection should be based on the prescription and an assessment by the healthcare team or oxygen provider.
3 How Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Different From an Oxygen Cylinder?
A portable oxygen concentrator produces concentrated oxygen from room air while powered. An oxygen cylinder carries a stored supply of compressed oxygen.
Portable Oxygen Concentrator vs. Oxygen Cylinder
| Feature | Portable Oxygen Concentrator | Oxygen Cylinder |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Source | Concentrates oxygen from room air | Stores compressed oxygen |
| Refilling | Doesn't require oxygen refills but does require power | Requires refilling or replacement |
| Power Source | Battery, household electricity, or an approved vehicle power source, depending on the model | Doesn't normally require electrical power to deliver stored oxygen |
| Duration | Operates while adequately powered and maintained | Limited by the amount of oxygen stored |
| Oxygen Delivery | Pulse dose, continuous flow, or both, depending on the model | Depends on the regulator and prescription |
| Portability | Designed for mobility, but size and weight vary | Portability depends on cylinder size and cart or carrying system |
One option isn’t automatically better than the other. Some patients may use more than one type of oxygen equipment for different situations.
The right system depends on the prescribed oxygen requirement, activity level, power access, ability to manage the equipment, and backup plan.
Related Reading: Learn About PulseAir Home Oxygen Services
4 How Portable Are Portable Oxygen Concentrators?
Portable oxygen concentrators are designed for mobility, but their size, weight, carrying system, noise level, and battery duration vary by model.
Some may be carried over the shoulder or in a backpack-style case. Larger units may be transported on a rolling cart.
People commonly use portable oxygen therapy while:
- Shopping
- Attending appointments
- Visiting family
- Participating in community activities
- Travelling, when the device and arrangements meet the carrier’s requirements
Before choosing equipment, consider whether the device can provide the prescribed mode and setting during rest, activity, and other circumstances identified by the healthcare provider.
Related Reading: How to Fly With Oxygen in Canada
5 Can You Fly With a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
Many airlines allow approved portable oxygen concentrators, but requirements differ by carrier and device.
Before booking or travelling:
- Confirm that the exact make and model is accepted.
- Ask whether medical approval or documentation is required.
- Follow the airline’s advance-notice requirements.
- Confirm how much battery power must be carried.
- Plan for the full journey, including airport time and delays.
- Ask how spare lithium batteries must be packed and protected.
- Confirm whether the device may be used during every phase of the flight.
Travel Tip: Airline requirements can change over time. Confirm current oxygen and medical-device policies directly with your carrier before every trip.
For example, Air Canada instructs travellers who need to use a POC onboard to contact its Accessibility Services at least 48 hours before departure, obtain medical approval, use an approved device, and bring battery capacity equal to 1.5 times the total travel time. Airline requirements can change, so confirm current rules directly before each trip. Review Air Canada’s current medical-device and oxygen requirements.
6 How Long Does a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Battery Last?
There isn’t one battery duration that applies to every portable oxygen concentrator.
Battery life may be affected by:
- Device make and model
- Standard versus extended battery
- Battery age and condition
- Prescribed oxygen setting
- Pulse-dose versus continuous-flow use
- Frequency of breathing-triggered oxygen delivery
- Temperature and environmental conditions
- Charging and storage practices
Higher settings or continuous-flow operation may reduce battery duration on devices that offer those options.
Questions to Ask About Battery Life
Before a longer outing, ask your oxygen provider:
- How long should this battery last at my prescribed setting?
- Are extended or additional batteries available?
- Can the device be charged safely in my vehicle?
- What backup equipment should I carry?
- How should batteries be stored and maintained?
- What should I do if the device loses power or alarms?
Important: Use manufacturer-approved batteries, chargers, and power accessories.
7 Why Do Oxygen Settings Require a Prescription?
Oxygen is a medical treatment. Its flow rate, pulse setting, duration, and timing should follow the prescription and clinical instructions provided for the individual.
A higher numerical setting doesn’t necessarily mean better symptom relief. Pulse settings also aren’t equivalent across all devices or directly interchangeable with continuous-flow litres per minute.
Using too little oxygen may not meet the prescribed need. Changing settings without guidance may also delay evaluation of worsening symptoms or create other medical concerns.
Important: Never adjust oxygen settings on your own unless your healthcare provider has specifically instructed you to do so.
If you notice a change in breathlessness, activity tolerance, alertness, or oxygen readings within an established monitoring plan, contact your healthcare provider rather than adjusting the device on your own.
Pulmonary function testing, oxygen assessment, and other clinical testing may provide information that helps the healthcare team understand your respiratory needs. PFTs don’t determine the oxygen prescription by themselves.
8 Questions to Ask Your Oxygen Provider
Before selecting or using a portable oxygen concentrator, consider asking:
- Is this device suitable for my oxygen prescription?
- Does it provide pulse dose, continuous flow, or both?
- When should I use it: at rest, during activity, while sleeping, or in specific situations?
- How much does the device weigh, and how should I carry or transport it?
- How long should the battery last at my prescribed setting?
- Is this equipment suitable for travel?
- What cleaning and maintenance is required?
- What happens if the equipment stops working?
- What backup oxygen or power plan should I have?
Helpful Tip: The more information you have, the easier it is to feel confident using your equipment at home and on the go.
Get Answers About Portable Oxygen
If you’ve been prescribed oxygen and want to understand the equipment available for home or travel, speak with your oxygen provider about your prescription, daily routine, and backup needs.
Need More Information?
Learn more about available oxygen services, equipment options, and support resources to help you feel confident using portable oxygen therapy.
Learn About Home Oxygen Services
This information is intended for general education and isn’t a substitute for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions may require a portable oxygen concentrator?
Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed for some people with heart or lung conditions that result in low blood oxygen levels. Testing and clinical assessment determine whether oxygen is appropriate.
Can I travel with a portable oxygen concentrator?
Yes. Many portable oxygen concentrators are designed for travel. Before your trip, check with your oxygen provider and transportation carrier to confirm any battery, equipment, or documentation requirements.
Do portable oxygen concentrators need refills?
No. A portable oxygen concentrator produces concentrated oxygen from room air and doesn’t need oxygen refills. However, it requires adequate battery or electrical power to operate.
Are portable oxygen concentrators covered by funding programs?
Coverage varies based on individual circumstances, insurance plans, and available funding programs. Your oxygen provider can help explain options that may be available to you.
Can I adjust my oxygen settings myself?
No. Use the setting prescribed for you. Contact your healthcare provider if you believe your oxygen needs or symptoms have changed.
What happens if my battery runs low?
Portable concentrators generally provide a low-battery alert, but alarm behaviour varies by model. Follow the device instructions, carry the recommended backup power or oxygen, and plan enough battery capacity for the full outing.
Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator while sleeping?
Only when the specific device, delivery mode, and setting have been assessed and prescribed for sleep. Some pulse-dose devices may not be suitable for every person during sleep.
How do I know which oxygen equipment is right for me?
The appropriate equipment depends on your prescription, oxygen-delivery needs, mobility goals, ability to operate the device, access to power, and backup plan. Your healthcare team and oxygen provider can help assess these factors.