Are Stationery Oxygen Concentrators Loud?

One of the top questions asked by our customers when purchasing an Oxygen Concentrator, is "how loud is it?". Our standard answer is typically "about the sound of a box fan put on medium" as this seems to be something most people can relate to. Lets see if we can expand on this a little further.

Most "older" oxygen concentrators like the Invacare Mobilaire 5, the Puritan Bennett 590, old Airsep Newlife, and many others typically had their internal compressor mounted on rubber vibration mounts. The rubber mounts were designed to absorb the vibrations and noises of the compressor, and ensure the machine operated as quiet as possible. Over time, and with the internal heat of the machine, the rubber would rip, crack or sag. This would cause the internal compressor to rub or vibrate on the chassis of the machine which would cause loud vibrations and humming to emit from the concentrator. This is typically what most people complain about with old machines.

Nowadays, since technology and design has improved, most all Oxygen Concentrators have put their compressors on actual springs. This means the machines run quieter than ever, and never have to be replaced due to wear! Some larger oxygen concentrators that have these quieter spring motor mounts would be the Invacare Platinum(48dBA), and Airsep Elite (48dBA). These machines are larger and have bigger motors inside. These machines are a little louder but tend to last longer due to the larger internal components. Some of the smaller oxygen concentrators that have these quieter spring motor mounts would be the Invacare Perfecto (39dBA), Respironics EverFlo (40dBA), and Airsep VisionAire (40dBA). These machines also feature a smaller motor inside that operates quieter, and generate less heat!

If you want an even quieter machine, you might want to look at the Respironics EverFlo Q. The Q stands for quiet! These machines feature extra sound deadening foam, a special quieter four way valve, and a different exhaust muffler. When combined, you get one of the quietest machines on the market!

Only $625.00

Are Portable Oxygen Concentrators Loud?

Not really. As technology improves, and these machines get smaller and lighter, and quieter!

When it comes to Portable Oxygen Concentrators, technology is on your side. Since about 90% of oxygen patients use 2LPM on pulse, most Portable Oxygen Concentrators run real quiet at this setting. As you increase the flow, the compressor will speed up to meet the increased demand, and will then emit extra sound. As you lower the demand, the compressor will again slow down and become quieter. Some of the quietest portables that deliver both pulse and continuous flow would be the Respironics SimplyGo (43dBA) which provides .5-2LPM continuous flow or 1-6LPM Pulse. This is about the level of a refrigerator turning on. If you need more oxygen, the SeQual Equinox is a great choice. Able to deliver up to a whopping 3LPM on continuous flow, the loudest it will get is about 37dBA and will only get quieter as you turn the flow rate down.

If all you need is pulse flow, we would recommend the Precision Medical EasyPulse 5LPM (43dBA) or the Inogen One G3 5LPM (38dBA). These units deliver oxygen as you breathe, and will be smaller, lighter and quieter.