Types of Oxygen Concentrators

 

 

Feature	​​5 LPM​ Oxygen Concentrator	​​10 LPM​ Oxygen Concentrator	​​Portable Oxygen Concentrator​
Flow Rate	​​Up to 5 Liters/Minute​	Up to 10 Liters/Minute	Typically, 1–5 LPM (Pulse Dose)
Oxygen Delivery	Continuous Flow	Continuous Flow	Mostly Pulse Flow (some Continuous)
Use Case	Mild to moderate oxygen need	High oxygen demand	Travel, mobility, light usage
Size & Portability	Medium, not portable	Large, heavy unit	Lightweight, carriable
Power Source	Electricity (AC Power)	Electricity (AC Power)	Rechargeable battery & AC/DC power
Noise Level	Moderate	Slightly higher	Low to moderate
Ideal For	Home use	Critical patients, hospitals	Active users, travelers
Price	INR 35,000 – INR 45,000 approx	INR 58,000 – INR 65,000 approx	INR 1,59,990 – INR 1,95,000 approx

 

​​If you're in the market for an oxygen concentrator—whether for home care or travel—you’ve probably come across different models labeled as 5 LPM, 10 LPM, and Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs). But what do these numbers mean, and which type is best for your needs? ​ 

Understanding LPM: What Does It Mean? 

LPM stands for Liters Per Minute – it refers to the flow rate of oxygen delivered by the concentrator. A doctor will typically prescribe the required LPM based on a patient's oxygen saturation levels and medical condition. 

5 LPM Oxygen Concentrators 

Best for: Home use for patients with mild to moderate oxygen needs. 

Pros:

• Affordable and easily available
• Sufficient for most chronic respiratory conditions
• Lower power consumption

Cons:

• Not suitable for patients requiring high oxygen flow
• Not portable; requires stable electricity supply

 

10 LPM Oxygen Concentrators 

Best for: Home use for patients with mild to moderate oxygen needs. 

Pros:

• Delivers higher oxygen output (critical care or ICU-level support)
• Suitable for serious respiratory conditions like ILD, COPD (severe), etc.

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky
• More expensive
• Higher electricity usage

Portable Oxygen Concentrator (P2) 

Best for: Mobile individuals, frequent travelers, or patients needing oxygen support while on the move. 

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Battery-powered with car charging support
• Ideal for travel (many are FAA-approved for flights

Cons:

• Mostly delivers pulse flow oxygen, not suitable for all patients
• More expensive than home models
• Limited flow rate (usually up to 5 LPM)

How to Choose the Right Oxygen Concentrator? 

Here are a few questions to consider:    

• What is your doctor-prescribed flow rate?
• Will you use it primarily at home or while traveling? 
• Do you need continuous or pulse flow?
• What’s your budget?

Each type of oxygen concentrator—5 LPM, 10 LPM, or portable—has its own use case and advantages: 

• Choose a 5 LPM model for standard home use.
• Opt for a 10 LPM unit for high-dependency or critical care needs.
• Go for a portable oxygen concentrator if you’re active or travel frequently.

Health is non-negotiable. Invest wisely in the right equipment, and ensure you have access to pure, reliable oxygen whenever you need it.

Read More: Oxygen Concentrators: Features, Types, Usage Guide & Price