Home units often sell for $500–$2,000, while portable concentrators usually run $1,500–$3,500 before insurance or rentals.
Shopping for oxygen equipment brings two big questions: what type do you need, and what will it cost out of pocket? This guide breaks down new and used prices, rentals, and the add-ons that change the bill. You’ll also see how insurance and Medicare treat oxygen gear, plus tips to trim running costs and dodge surprise fees.
Cost Of Home Oxygen Concentrators: What To Expect
Stationary machines stay plugged in near a chair or bed and push a steady flow. New five-liter models from mainstream brands often list between the mid hundreds and about two thousand dollars, depending on warranty length, noise performance, and service bundles. Retailers commonly advertise sale prices at the lower end for open-box or overstock units.
Refurbished options drop the price even more. Many suppliers sell professionally serviced units with a short warranty for only a few hundred dollars. If budget is tight and your prescription fits a standard flow rate, a vetted used unit can be a smart starter.
| Device Type | Typical New Price | Used/Refurb Price |
|---|---|---|
| Home concentrator (5 L/min) | $600–$2,000 | $400–$1,200 |
| High-output home unit (8–10 L/min) | $1,200–$2,500 | $700–$1,600 |
| Portable concentrator (pulse-dose) | $1,500–$3,500 | $800–$2,000 |
| Portable concentrator bundles | $2,800–$5,500 | Varies by battery count |
Portable machines cost more because they include batteries, compact compressors, and airline-friendly packaging. Premium models from well known brands often start around the low three thousands when sold with an extra battery.
What Insurance And Medicare Pay
With Medicare Part B, oxygen gear is treated as durable medical equipment. After the annual deductible, you owe 20% coinsurance on the Medicare-approved amount while a supplier bills monthly. The supplier owns the equipment and must maintain it during a 36-month rental span, then continue service duties up to five years while medical need continues. See Medicare’s page on oxygen equipment coverage for the rules.
Commercial plans often mirror the rental model, though coinsurance and caps vary. If you want to own a device outright, ask whether your plan allows a purchase option or only rental. Some suppliers offer cash-price discounts for customers who decline billing through insurance.
Portable Vs Home: Price Drivers That Matter
Flow And Delivery
Home units provide continuous flow, which suits sleep and high liter needs. Most portable devices deliver pulse doses timed with each breath. Higher settings, longer battery life, and FAA-cleared models push prices up.
Battery Setups
One small battery keeps sticker price lower, but many users add a large pack for all-day outings. A second battery can add several hundred dollars. Check cycle life, charge time, and whether a car charger comes included.
Noise, Weight, And Warranty
Quieter compressors and lighter shells cost more. Warranty terms range from one to three years for portable devices and up to five years for many home machines. Service coverage, loaners, and shipping policies change the real cost of downtime.
Rental Pricing And When It Makes Sense
Short-term travel, post-surgery recovery, or a trial period are common reasons to rent a portable system. Weekly rates often land in the low hundreds, while monthly rentals may run several hundred dollars depending on brand, batteries, and insurance handling. Always ask what happens if a flight delay or weather event extends your trip—extra days can add up fast.
Electricity Costs: What You’ll Spend To Run A Home Unit
Most stationary machines draw between 300 and 600 watts at higher flows. If your local electricity rate is 18¢ per kWh and your device averages 350 watts for 10 hours per day, you’ll use 3.5 kWh daily, or about 63¢ per day and roughly $19 per 30-day month. Higher flows push wattage up; larger 10-liter units use more power than 5-liter models.
To estimate your own bill, multiply average watts by hours of use to get watt-hours, divide by 1,000 for kWh, then multiply by your utility’s kWh rate. Ask your supplier or check the rear label for the listed wattage range.
Some utilities offer baseline credits. Check eligibility.
How To Save Without Sacrificing Safety
Match The Prescription
First, confirm flow rate, delivery type, and portability needs with your clinician. Buying a device that can’t meet peak demand creates risk and ends up costing more when you return it.
Shop Certified Sellers
Stick with suppliers that provide serial-numbered invoices, return windows, and phone support. Be wary of marketplace listings that offer vague specs or no warranty. For safety basics and device use tips, the FDA’s consumer update on at-home oxygen therapy gives practical guidance.
Go Refurbished When It Fits
Refurb units that include new filters and a replaced sieve bed can be reliable. Look for a clear service history, a minimum 6- to 12-month warranty, and return shipping terms in writing.
Balance Batteries And Budget
Portable freedom comes from battery capacity. If you can charge at work or in the car, a small pack may be enough. Airline travel or full-day outings usually call for at least one large pack.
What Real-World Prices Look Like
Public retailer listings offer a snapshot. New five-liter home units commonly appear around the upper five hundreds when on sale, while mainstream portable models with a starter battery often list around three thousand and up. Bundles that pair a home unit with a portable device can cross five thousand.
Sample Listings And Ranges
| Item | Seen Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DeVilbiss 525 home unit (open-box) | ~$580 | Sale price at large DME retailer |
| New home units (assorted) | $595–$2,000 | Typical posted range at specialty stores |
| Refurbished home units | $395–$1,500 | Supplier-serviced with short warranty |
| Inogen Rove 6 portable | $3,295+ new | Common starting price with one battery |
| Portable rental weekly | $95–$210 | Varies by brand and batteries |
| Portable rental monthly | $235–$1,000 | Check what services are included |
| Home + portable bundle | $4,250–$5,500 | Package with extra batteries |
Fees And Extras That Change The Bill
Shipping And Setup
Large retailers often ship free within the mainland, while local shops may charge delivery and setup. Ask whether tubing, cannulas, and a humidifier bottle are included or billed separately.
Quick Buying Checklist
- Prescription details: flow in L/min, delivery type, and hours per day.
- Home only, out-and-about only, or both?
- Battery plan: total hours needed between charges.
- Weight limit you can carry comfortably.
- Noise level at night and while watching TV.
- Warranty length and service location.
Safety And Suitability
Use a device only with a prescription and training. Keep at least six inches of space around the intake, never smoke near oxygen, and place the unit on a firm surface. Check alarms, keep vents clear, and watch for unusual heat. Stay current on recall notices for your brand.
Sample Cost Scenarios
Home Only, Standard Flow
New five-liter unit at $800 with a five-year maker warranty, plus a spare cannula pack and a humidifier bottle places the initial bill near $860 before tax. Electricity at 350 watts for 8 hours daily adds roughly $15 per month at 18¢/kWh.
Medicare Rental Path
Qualify through testing, meet the criteria your clinician documents, and a supplier bills monthly for up to 36 months. After the deductible, you pay 20% coinsurance of the allowed amount. The supplier keeps ownership and must maintain your gear through year five while medical need continues.
Bottom Line Price Ranges
For most buyers in the U.S., a solid home unit falls between the mid hundreds and about two thousand dollars, with refurbished picks starting near four hundred. Portable systems commonly run near three thousand for a modern setup with one battery, and bundles that include both home and portable gear often pass four thousand. Rentals give flexibility when you face short-term needs or travel.