Was this helpful?
- Portable units offer up to 6.5 hours of battery life
- Portable concentrators offer pulse flow
- FAA-approved
Precision Medical Portable Oxygen Concentrators Review 2024
Oct 13, 2023
Fact Checked
Our Reviews Team researched and reviewed Precision Medical portable oxygen concentrators.
Precision Medical
Key Takeaways
- Precision Medical products include three portable, pulse-dose oxygen concentrators for travel and home use.
- These oxygen concentrators can provide up to 1 liter of oxygen per minute.
- All models weigh less than 7 pounds and come with a carry bag.
Precision Medical products include three portable oxygen concentrator (POC) models. These lightweight machines are easily transported to help you maintain an active lifestyle.
Although POCs are available for purchase through many retailers, the American Lung Association recommends buyers look for portable oxygen concentrators that: are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA); require a prescription; and meet their oxygen needs based on a physician’s guidance. [1]American Lung Association. Oxygen Therapy: Getting Started with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator. May 5, 2023. Found on the Internet at https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/getting-started-portable-oxygen-concentrator
Keep reading our Precision Medical portable oxygen concentrator review and discover the pros, cons, and costs of each model so you can determine the best POC for you.
Why you can trust our Reviews Team’s expert review
Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 1,000 hours carrying out in-depth research on portable oxygen concentrators to give you the most accurate review. To make our selections, we:
- Engaged in independent research
- Mystery shopped four brands and three models of portable oxygen concentrators
- Surveyed 600 oxygen machine users and caregivers of oxygen machine users
- Reviewed academic research into the efficacy of portable oxygen concentrators
- Read real reviews from verified customers on trusted third-party websites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot
Pros and cons of Precision Medical oxygen concentrators
Pros
Lightweight and quiet
Come with a custom carry bag
All models are FDA-approved
Cons
No wheels or handles for transport
No reviews on BBB or Trustpilot
Would not be suitable for someone needing continuous-flow oxygen
Table 1 Comparison of Precision Medical oxygen concentrators, as of October 2023
| Precision Medical model | Live Active Five | EasyPulse Portable Oxygen Concentrator 3-Liter (EasyPulse POC3 (PM4130) | EasyPulse Portable Oxygen Concentrator 5-Liter (EasyPulse POC3 (PM4130) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost* | $2,310 for the starter kit; $2,562 for the power bundle | $975 for the unit itself; $994 for the unit and backpack; Optional external battery costs an additional $124 | $2,081 for the unit itself; $2,113 for the unit and backpack; Optional external battery costs an additional $220 |
| Battery life | Up to 6.5 hours based on user setting | Up to 5.5 hours based on user setting | Up to 4.7 hours based on user setting |
| Flow type | Pulse flow with 5 settings | Pulse flow with 3 settings | Pulse flow with 5 settings |
| Maximum oxygen output (liters per minute) | 1 | 0.52 | 0.78 |
| Weight (pounds) | 5 | 4.9 | 6.6 |
| Dimensions (width x depth x height in inches) | 3.2 x 8.5 x 8.4 | 6.5 x 4.5 x 8.5 | 6.5 x 4.5 x 10.1 |
| Oxygen | 87%–95% | 87%–95% | 87%–95% |
| Noise level in decibels** | 40 at setting 2 | 42 at setting 2 | 40.6 at setting 2 |
| FAA-approved | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Portable oxygen concentrator: 5 years Live Active Five sieve bed assembly: 1 year Batteries, AC power supply, DC power supply, accessory bag, carry bag: 1 year Repaired and replaced products and accessories: 90 days | Portable oxygen concentrator: 5 years Battery:1 year | Portable oxygen concentrator: 5 years Battery:1 year |
*Oxygen concentrator pricing can vary if you live in Massachusetts or New Jersey, as these states require a licensed respiratory therapist to deliver, set up, and adjust the oxygen dose of your concentrator.
**40 decibels is about the sound of a running refrigerator.
Precision Medical oxygen concentrator models
Live Active Five
The Live Active Five portable oxygen concentrator is a lightweight POC with lithium-ion battery packs lasting up to 6.5 hours. Additional batteries are sold separately.
According to Precision Medical, the Live Active Five provides vacuum pressure swing adsorption technology, which can help keep the sieve bedsⓘ The filters inside the oxygen concentrator. clean and the oxygen level high quality.
The Live Active Five model has a pulse flow at five different settings. At setting 2, the sound level is about 40 decibels, similar to the sound of a library. It is 8.4 inches tall and 3.2 inches wide and weighs 5 pounds. It provides 87%–95% oxygen concentration.
Accessories
The Live Action Five starter kit includes:
- Portable oxygen concentrator
- One lithium-ion battery
- AC power adapter with AC power cord
- DC car adapter
- Custom carrying bag with adjustable shoulder strap and handle
- Accessory bag
- Nasal cannula
- Three-year device warranty
- One-year battery warranty
- One-year sieve bed warranty
The Live Action Five power bundle includes the Live Active Five starter kit items plus an additional lithium-ion battery.
Drawbacks
The Live Active Five is easy to carry and use on the go, but it would not be suitable for someone requiring a continuous flow of oxygen. Additionally, pulse flow is not ideal for someone with sleep apnea. Although lightweight, this model does not include carry handles or wheels for ease of transport.
EasyPulse portable oxygen concentrator 3- and 5-liter
The EasyPulse portable oxygen concentrator comes in 3- and 5-liter versions. An internal lithium-ion battery powers each POC. The 3-liter model gives you up to 5 1/2 hours of runtime, and the 5-liter model provides almost 5 hours at the lowest setting.
The EasyPulse models do not require or include an external battery, but you may purchase one separately to enable you to stay away from home longer. “Battery longevity impacts your freedom. If you love long outings or travel frequently, opt for a device with a long-lasting battery,” said Jill Beavers-Kirby, DNP, a nurse practitioner with 39 years of experience in health care. “Car charging features can also be a plus,” Kirby added.
The EasyPulse is built with controlled minute volume technology to deliver a fixed amount of oxygen. Additionally, this POC produces 87%–95% oxygen, according to Precision Medical.
The 3-liter model is about 42 decibels at setting 2, similar to the sound of a quiet office. [2]International Noise Awareness Day. Common Noise Levels – How Loud is Too Loud? Found on the Internet at https://noiseawareness.org/info-center/common-noise-levels/ It is 8.5 inches tall and 4.5 inches wide, weighing 4.9 pounds.
The 5-liter model is about 40.6 decibels at setting 2. It is larger than the 3-liter model, at 10.1 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide, and weighing 6.6 pounds.
Replacement accessories, such as a sieve bed, are available for purchase separately. The sieve bed is a one-piece replacement, so you can change it using a Phillips-head screwdriver. The Precision Medical website has a video showing the step-by-step instructions.
Drawbacks
The EasyPulse models offer pulse flow oxygen with three to five pulse settings, but it would not be suitable for someone with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring continuous oxygen flow. Although lightweight, these models do not have carry handles or wheels for ease of transport, but you can purchase a backpack for an additional cost: $124 for the 3-liter model and $220 for the 5-liter model.
Cost
Check with your health care and insurance provider to see if part or all of the cost of a POC is covered. “If your insurance doesn’t cover the cost, be wary of the price,” says Kirby. She recommends choosing a device to meet your health needs without breaking the bank.
Precision Medical charges the following for its portable oxygen concentrators:
- Live Action Five: $2,310 for the starter kit and $2,562 for the power bundle
- EasyPulse Portable Oxygen Concentrator 3-Liter: $975 for the unit itself, $994 for the unit and backpack, and an additional $124 for an optional external battery
- EasyPulse Portable Oxygen Concentrator 5-Liter: $2,081 for the unit itself, $2,113 for the unit and backpack, and an additional $220 for an optional external battery
Why might pricing vary?
If you live in Massachusetts or New Jersey, you may see a higher price for your oxygen concentrator. These states require a licensed respiratory therapist to deliver, set up, and titrate (adjust the oxygen dose of) your concentrator. The unit’s total price reflects the cost of this service. The requirement of a licensed respiratory therapist to set up the POC can be beneficial as it offers an opportunity to ask questions and be sure your device is working correctly.
Pricing may vary based on the models and oxygen requirements of the buyer. It may also vary by distributor.
If you purchase from Precision Medical, standard shipping is free for purchases of $200 or more. Precision Medical offers other location-based shipping options for the following additional fees:
- UPS Next-Day: $44.99
- UPS 3-Day: $19.99
- UPS 2-Day: $24.99
- UPS Saturday Delivery (if available): $59.99
Does insurance or Medicare cover oxygen concentrators?
Most insurance policies offer coverage for oxygen concentrators as long as you have an oxygen-dependent diagnosis and a prescription for supplemental oxygen. Medicare and most private insurance policies consider oxygen concentrators and necessary components as durable medical equipment. [3]Medicare.gov. Oxygen Equipment & Accessories. Found on the Internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories Medicare Part B covers rental oxygen equipment and accessories as durable medical equipment that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. Always contact your insurance provider for information about your Medicare coverage before purchasing an oxygen concentrator.
How to pay for oxygen concentrators
The Precision Medical website indicates buyers should call customer service at 1-800-272-7285 or email orders@precisionmedical.com to place an order. Our Reviews Team member spoke to a customer service representative over the phone who said the company accepts all major credit cards, but payment plans are not an option. The customer service representative mentioned buyers can also purchase through participating distributors, which you can find on its website by searching for a location near you.
If you purchase through the Precision Medical website, you will check out by entering your address and preferred shipping method and then clicking the Place Order button. You will not enter any payment information at this time. A Precision Medical representative will review your order for accuracy and contact you to complete the purchase and collect payment information.
Warranty, maintenance, and care of Precision Medical products
Precision Medical products returned for credit or exchange must be shipped in unopened original packaging within 30 days of purchase. Products credited or exchanged will be subject to a restocking fee. Custom items, including hose assemblies, are not returnable for credit or exchange.
In addition, Precision Medical notes restock fees may apply to returns:
- If returned within 30 days with no exchange, there will be a 25% restock fee.
- If returned within 30 days with an exchange, the 25% restock fee may be waived at the discretion of Precision Medical.
- Precision Medical does not accept returns after 30 days.
The user manuals with each model offer maintenance tips, including cleaning the devices’ exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild soap before air drying.
Customer reviews of Precision Medical products
At the time we wrote this article, there weren’t any Precision Medical, Inc. reviews on the BBB or Trustpilot.
You can use an online form on the Precision Medical website to reach out to customer service or sales. You must enter your name, country, and telephone number to submit comments to the company. Our Reviews Team reached out to Precision Medical to ask questions about discounts, but they have not received a response via email.
Table 2 Precision Medical portable oxygen concentrators vs. other brands comparison as of October 2023
| Brand | Portable oxygen concentrator models | Price range | Decibels | Battery life |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precision Medical | Live Active Five | $2,310.00–$2,562.00 | 40 at setting 2 | Up to 6 hours |
| CAIRE | Freestyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator | $2,995 | 39 | 8-cell battery lasts up to 4 hours on a setting of 2; optional large 16-cell battery lasts up to 8 hours |
| Inogen | Portable Oxygen Concentrator G4 model | $1,895–$2,650 | 40 | Up to 2.25 hours on setting 2 |
| Phillips | SimplyGo Mini | $2,595 | 43 at setting 2 | Up to 4.5 hours with the standard battery and 9 hours with the extended battery |
Our review methodology
Our Reviews Team consulted with three geriatric care experts and one respiratory therapist to learn more about portable oxygen concentrators and how they can enhance users’ quality of life. Based on our expert consultations and research, we found various factors essential for our readers when shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator unit, including cost, ease of use, and oxygen delivery method. An expert in the field medically reviewed all our selections to ensure each brand and model is appropriate for our readers’ needs.
Read more about our oxygen machines review methodology.
Bottom line
The Precision Medical product line includes lightweight, FDA-approved oxygen concentrators for different oxygen needs. You may want to consider a different brand if you need an oxygen concentrator with a continuous flow option or longer battery power. At this article’s publication time, there weren’t any positive or negative customer-verified reviews on BBB or Trustpilot, so we recommend asking your health care provider if they are familiar with this brand before making a purchase.
If Precision Medical portable oxygen concentrators aren’t right for you, you may want to consider another brand, such as CAIRE, which offers lightweight, quiet oxygen concentrators, with extended battery life. Another option is Inogen, which provides pulse flow oxygen concentrators and one at-home continuous flow model.
Frequently asked questions
Precision Medical offers several lightweight, portable oxygen concentrator models: the Live Active Five, the EasyPulse Portable Oxygen Concentrator 3-Liter, and the EasyPulse Portable Oxygen Concentrator 5-Liter. Selecting the best one for you may depend on your specific oxygen needs or prescription.
Yes, Precision Medical is a legitimate brand of portable oxygen concentrators. Precision Medical does not have verified customer reviews on BBB or Trustpilot. Ask your health care provider about this brand when researching POC machines.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
- American Lung Association. Oxygen Therapy: Getting Started with a Portable Oxygen Concentrator. May 5, 2023. Found on the Internet at https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/oxygen-therapy/getting-started-portable-oxygen-concentrator
- International Noise Awareness Day. Common Noise Levels – How Loud is Too Loud? Found on the Internet at https://noiseawareness.org/info-center/common-noise-levels/
- Medicare.gov. Oxygen Equipment and Accessories. Found on the Internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/oxygen-equipment-accessories