24/11/2021
While getting a newer portable oxygen concentrator is always a good idea, purchasing an older model might be the more economical choice, especially if it is a used or refurbished model. The life of a portable oxygen concentrator depends all on how much it was used over a period of time. Some of the newer models will most likely last much longer than an older one, even if used for the same amount of time, simply because newer models feature better technology.
Most portable oxygen concentrators, however, will last for around 4 to 7 years or more, depending on how often it was used and how well it was maintained. Maintenance for the average portable oxygen concentrator is very minimal, and usually only consists of cleaning a filter.
The component of a portable oxygen concentrator that usually runs down before anything else is the battery, whether its the internal or external battery. Around 300 recharges is when a battery will no longer charge all the way to 100%. Many POC batteries will only recharge from 0% to 80% after 300 recharges.
Even a spare battery that you never use should be charged up to 100% twice a month to give it a longer life span. A battery that is never used a left sitting for extended periods of time will slowly drain, and being idle will actually cause them to deteriorate quicker.
1-2L Portable Oxygen Concentrator