Portable Oxygen Concentrators

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that extracts oxygen from ambient room air, concentrating it to a therapeutic level typically between 87% and 96% purity. Unlike oxygen cylinders, a concentrator does not require refilling — it operates continuously from a mains or battery power supply.

The device draws in room air, passes it through a molecular sieve material (usually zeolite) that absorbs nitrogen and other gases, and delivers the concentrated oxygen to the patient via a nasal cannula or mask.

Continuous flow concentrators deliver a constant stream of oxygen at a set flow rate measured in litres per minute (LPM).

Pulse dose concentrators detect the patient's inhalation and deliver a bolus of oxygen only at the start of each breath, conserving oxygen and extending battery life in portable units.

In the UK, oxygen concentrators are regulated medical devices. While a formal prescription is not a legal requirement for purchase, supplemental oxygen therapy must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified clinician. Using supplemental oxygen without clinical assessment and appropriate titration can be harmful, particularly in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or hypercapnic respiratory failure.

A clinical assessment including arterial blood gas or oximetry measurements is required to determine the correct flow rate and delivery method. Self-prescribing oxygen is strongly discouraged.

For institutional procurement by NHS Trusts, care providers or private hospitals, we can supply on purchase order without a patient prescription. Contact our clinical procurement team for details.

Home stationary concentrators are designed for fixed bedside or room use. They are larger, heavier and typically deliver higher continuous flow rates — commonly up to 5 LPM, with high-flow models reaching 10 LPM or more. They operate from a standard mains supply and are not intended for transport.

Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are lightweight, battery-powered devices designed for use during daily activities and travel. Most portable models are pulse dose only, though some offer low-rate continuous flow. They are significantly smaller and are approved for use on most commercial airlines when carried as medical equipment.

Some patients use both: a stationary unit at home for overnight therapy and a portable unit for daytime mobility. Your prescribing clinician will advise on the appropriate device combination for your oxygen requirements and lifestyle.

Home ventilators are designed for long-term ventilatory support in domiciliary settings. They are typically used for patients with chronic respiratory failure due to neuromuscular disease, chest wall deformity, obesity hypoventilation syndrome or COPD. Most home ventilators deliver non-invasive ventilation (NIV) via a mask interface, though some support invasive ventilation via tracheostomy for complex patients.

Hospital and ICU ventilators are full critical care devices capable of managing patients with acute respiratory failure. They support a wider range of ventilation modes, have advanced alarm systems, high-precision flow and pressure monitoring, and are designed for use in intensive care, high-dependency and anaesthetic settings.

Hospital ventilators require specialist clinical training to operate safely. If you are procuring ventilators for a clinical facility, our team can advise on appropriate models and provide technical documentation.

Transport ventilators are compact, ruggedised devices designed for use during patient transfer — whether within a hospital, between facilities or in pre-hospital emergency settings including ambulances, air ambulances and helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS).

Key requirements for transport ventilators include extended battery life, resistance to vibration and environmental extremes, compatibility with a range of oxygen sources including cylinders, and the ability to operate in limited space. Many models are MRI-conditional, allowing continued ventilation during imaging when certified for this use.

Transport ventilators typically support invasive ventilation via endotracheal tube and, in some models, non-invasive ventilation. They are intended for use by trained paramedics, doctors and critical care transport teams.

Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) is prescribed for patients with chronic hypoxaemia — a persistently low blood oxygen level. The most common underlying conditions include:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — the most frequent indication for LTOT in the UK.

Interstitial lung disease including pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary hypertension.

Cystic fibrosis in advanced disease.

Chronic heart failure with associated hypoxaemia.

Neuromuscular diseases that impair respiratory muscle function, including motor neurone disease and muscular dystrophy.

Ambulatory oxygen is prescribed for patients who desaturate on exertion but maintain acceptable resting saturations. Short-burst oxygen may be used for symptomatic relief in palliative settings. All oxygen prescriptions should be initiated and reviewed by a respiratory clinician.

Most portable oxygen concentrators are approved for in-cabin use on commercial flights, provided the device carries FAA approval or equivalent certification and the airline has been notified in advance. A letter from your prescribing clinician confirming your oxygen requirement is typically required by the airline.

Oxygen cylinders are not permitted as carry-on luggage on commercial aircraft. If you use a continuous flow concentrator that exceeds the battery capacity required for your flight duration, advance planning is essential — some airlines provide onboard oxygen as a separate service.

Always contact your airline well in advance of travel, as policies vary. We can provide technical documentation for specific concentrator models to support your airline application if required.

Weekly: remove and rinse the intake filter in warm water. Allow it to dry completely before reinserting. A blocked intake filter reduces oxygen output and causes the compressor to overwork.

Monthly: wipe the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth. Check all tubing connections for signs of wear or cracking. Inspect the nasal cannula or mask and replace if discoloured or degraded.

Annually: a full service by a qualified biomedical engineer is recommended, including oxygen purity testing, compressor inspection and sieve bed assessment. Most manufacturers recommend annual preventive maintenance to ensure the device continues to deliver therapeutic oxygen concentrations.

Do not obstruct the air intake or exhaust vents. Keep the concentrator at least 30cm from walls and furniture to allow adequate airflow. Never use the concentrator in the presence of naked flames or while smoking.

Yes. Selfimed UK supplies respiratory equipment to NHS Trusts, independent hospitals, care homes, community healthcare providers and private clinics. We can process orders by purchase order, provide VAT invoices and arrange delivery directly to clinical departments or central stores.

For larger orders, framework supply arrangements or equipment demonstrations, please contact our clinical procurement team directly. We can provide technical datasheets, IFUs and CE/UKCA documentation for any device on request.

We are able to supply on a next-day basis for many items held in stock. Lead times for specialist or imported equipment will be confirmed at the point of order.

Yes. Oxygen concentrators and respiratory support devices are eligible for VAT Relief under Group 12 of Schedule 8 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994, when purchased by an individual with a qualifying chronic illness or disability for personal or domestic use.

To claim VAT Relief, tick the declaration at checkout confirming your eligibility. This reduces the purchase price by 20%. The declaration must be truthful — making a false declaration is a criminal offence under UK law.

Institutional purchases by NHS Trusts, registered charities and certain other bodies may be eligible for zero-rating under separate VAT reliefs. Please contact us to discuss your organisation's eligibility before placing a large order.