A new oxygen concentrator costs anywhere from about $600 to $3,500, depending on whether you need a stationary home unit or a portable model you can carry with you. That’s the out-of-pocket price if you’re buying one yourself. If you have Medicare or private insurance, your costs could be significantly lower, though the coverage structure has some quirks worth understanding.
Home (Stationary) Concentrator Prices
Stationary oxygen concentrators sit in one spot in your home and plug into a wall outlet. They’re larger and heavier than portable models, but they deliver a steady, continuous flow of oxygen and cost considerably less.
A standard 5-liter-per-minute unit, which covers most home oxygen prescriptions, typically runs between $600 and $950. Budget models start around $618 to $695, while well-known brands like the Philips EverFlo sell closer to $950. These prices usually include a bundled package with basic accessories like tubing and a nasal cannula.
If you need higher flow rates, 10-liter-per-minute units cost between $1,400 and $2,000. These are less common and generally prescribed for people with more severe oxygen needs. The price jump reflects the more powerful compressor and larger size of these machines.
Portable Concentrator Prices
Portable oxygen concentrators run on rechargeable batteries and weigh as little as 5 pounds, letting you move around freely, travel, or leave the house. That convenience comes at a higher price. New portable units generally cost between $1,495 and $3,495, depending on the model, battery life, and included accessories.
Used portable concentrators are an option if budget is a concern. Prices range from $800 to $2,000 depending on how many hours the machine has logged, the remaining warranty, and overall condition. When buying used, pay attention to the hour count on the device, since internal components wear out over time, much like mileage on a car.
Renting Instead of Buying
If you only need oxygen temporarily (for recovery after surgery, for example, or for a trip), renting can make more sense than purchasing. Rental rates for portable concentrators start around $35 per day or $240 per week. Longer rental periods typically come with lower daily rates.
Medicare uses a rental model by default. Rather than purchasing equipment outright, Medicare pays a supplier a monthly rental fee for 36 months. During that time, you pay 20% of each month’s rental fee as your coinsurance after meeting the Part B deductible. After those 36 months, you stop paying rental fees entirely, though the supplier still technically owns the equipment. The supplier is required to keep maintaining it and providing supplies for up to five years total.
What Medicare and Insurance Cover
Medicare Part B covers oxygen equipment and accessories when your doctor documents that your blood oxygen levels fall within a qualifying range and that supplemental oxygen could improve your health. If you qualify, your share is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for each monthly rental payment, plus the annual Part B deductible.
There are a few ongoing costs to be aware of even after the initial 36-month rental period ends. If you use oxygen tanks or cylinders that require refills, you’ll continue paying 20% coinsurance for those deliveries each month. If you use a concentrator at home, the supplier may bill you for in-home maintenance visits every six months during the final 24 months of the five-year obligation period, and you’ll owe 20% of that service cost as well.
If your oxygen needs continue beyond five years, your supplier can stop providing equipment. At that point, you choose a new supplier and a fresh 36-month rental cycle begins. Private insurance plans vary, but many follow a similar structure of covering oxygen equipment as durable medical equipment with a copay or coinsurance percentage.
Ongoing Costs to Factor In
The sticker price of the concentrator is only part of the picture. Replacement batteries for portable models are a significant recurring expense, typically ranging from $250 to $620 per battery. Double-capacity batteries that extend your time away from an outlet tend to land at the higher end of that range. Most portable concentrator users keep at least two batteries on hand so one can charge while the other is in use.
Other ongoing costs are more modest. Nasal cannulas and tubing need regular replacement for hygiene reasons, usually every few weeks, and cost just a few dollars each. Intake filters should be cleaned or replaced periodically to keep the machine running efficiently. Electricity is another factor for home units. A stationary concentrator running continuously uses roughly the same power as a large window air conditioner, which can add $30 to $50 to your monthly electric bill depending on local rates.
Portable vs. Stationary: Choosing Based on Cost
If you primarily need oxygen at home and don’t travel often, a stationary concentrator in the $600 to $950 range is the most cost-effective option. It delivers continuous flow, requires no expensive batteries, and will last for years with basic filter maintenance.
If mobility matters to you, a portable unit offers freedom but at two to four times the upfront cost, plus ongoing battery expenses. Some people buy an affordable stationary unit for home use and rent a portable concentrator only when they travel, which can be a practical middle ground. Your total cost over time depends heavily on which route you choose, so it’s worth thinking about your daily routine and how often you’ll need oxygen away from home before committing to a purchase.