Portable oxygen concentrator

I really appreciate the information. I did get a prescription & letter from my doctor. Again thank you!

I read here about the double battery abs called to inquire. Our insurance does not cover double which exceeds $600 so we decided not to purchase one.
The Inogen ran hot on two brief occasions and when I phoned to see what we had done wrong they replaced it the next day voluntarily.
It escaped such a pleasant experience.

It seems Inogen is the most popular with folks. Glad to hear they replaced the one you were having problems with. Thanks for responding!

Greetings All.
I have just been prescribed portable oxygen 2L/min flow rate by Pulmonologist.
I am looking for any information on portable oxygen concentrators, and what I should consider in selection of one. And are there any issues I should watch for when choosing the provider? I am covered by traditional Medicare and my Medigap policy so I just need a company that will bill Medicare directly. Medicare gave me the name of five companies in the area and I am checking them out
My Pulmonologist mentioned Inogen G5 as very good. But I just spoke to one provider who no longer carries it but instead has new RHYTHM HEALTHCARE P2-E7 PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR
Thanks for your comments and suggestions!

Hubby was given a Rhythm Healthcare POC, and likes it.
He's currently using 3L/min.

Keep some cylinders on hand for emergencies too.

I had the Inogen G5 when I was on oxygen. It worked well and was relatively quiet. You did have to worry about it overheating in the summer though if it wasn't getting enough ventilation. When it overheats, it sounds an alarm and shuts off. The Inogen G5 would go up to 6 liters, which proved not to be enough for me later on. If you renting, it may not be as important, but you might want to make sure of what level it will go up to.

Thank you!

One thing I forgot to mention is that I had a back up battery. This is important if you are going to be out for a while (not in car). You can charge the machine while using it via regular plug or car plug, but in the car (at least for me) it just keeps the battery at what it was. When you go to the doctor's ask for a tank so that you don't use up the battery on your machine.

I have the Inogen G4 Portable (pulse flow) and DeBliss (continuous flow to use with my CPAP machine). Both are contracted directly through Inogen and both required a 5 year contract and physician order. When my 5 year contract with Inogen is up, I am going to contract with a local supplier. A local supplier will provide oxygen tanks in the event of an emergency or equipment failure. Inogen will not and it takes several days to get replacement equipment from Inogen. Inogen will not upgrade your equipment to a newer model during your contract time. I have 2 batteries for the portable.

Airlines have different policies about taking oxygen concentrators on the plane. I usually fly Delta. Delta requires that you submit their form to get approval to take the portable on the plane. This is done through email in advance. Have a copy of the approval the day you travel. Keep in mind that the airlines pressurize the cabin to 8,000 feet. My health has improved so I don't need oxygen at home with light activities at 4500 feet, but I do need oxygen on the plane or traveling to higher elevations.

The oxygen concentrators need to be in their own bin through security. Sign up for wheelchair when you book your flight.

Original Medicare and Medigap Plan F pay for both concentrator's and supplies.