The Complete Guide to Home Oxygen Concentrators — 5 LPM & 10 LPM Models for Home Oxygen Therapy

MDSMedical Department Store Respiratory TeamOur respiratory equipment specialists have been helping patients and caregivers select home oxygen concentrators across our five Southwest Florida locations — Venice, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and Naples — for over 25 years. We ship nationwide and support every product we sell before and after purchase. If you have a question this guide doesn't answer, call us.March 2026

A home oxygen concentrator gives you a continuous, reliable supply of supplemental oxygen without the cost, logistics, or safety concerns of managing oxygen tanks. It plugs into a standard wall outlet, draws oxygen from the room air around it, and delivers concentrated oxygen through a nasal cannula — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no refills, no deliveries, and no running out.

Medical Department Store carries a carefully selected range of home oxygen concentrators from trusted manufacturers including CAIRE, DeVilbiss, AirSep, Inogen, Rhythm Healthcare, and McKesson. Whether you need a quiet 5 LPM model for everyday home use or a high-flow 10 LPM concentrator for advanced respiratory needs, this guide will help you find the right unit — and understand what separates one model from another.

A physician prescription is required for all home oxygen concentrators. Please consult your doctor or respiratory therapist before purchasing.

Prescription Required
Home oxygen concentrators are medical devices that require a valid prescription from a licensed physician or respiratory therapist before shipment. Flow rate and oxygen concentration settings must be configured according to your physician's instructions. If you need assistance obtaining or submitting your prescription, call us at 866-218-0902 — we are happy to help coordinate with your provider.
Need help choosing the right concentrator?Call 866-218-0902— Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM · Sat 9AM–3PM · Nationwide Shipping · Local SW Florida Support

How Home Oxygen Concentrators Work

Home oxygen concentrators use a process called pressure swing adsorption (PSA) to separate oxygen from the nitrogen in room air. Room air is drawn in through an intake filter, compressed, and passed through sieve beds filled with zeolite, which traps nitrogen and allows concentrated oxygen to pass through. The result is a continuous stream of 87%–96% pure oxygen delivered directly to the user through a nasal cannula or mask.

Unlike portable oxygen concentrators — which are battery-powered and designed for mobility — home concentrators plug into a standard AC wall outlet and are designed for stationary use at home, in a care facility, or at a bedside. They are the most cost-effective and reliable source of long-term supplemental oxygen for most patients, and they eliminate the logistics and expense of managing oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen deliveries.

Need Oxygen on the Go Too?

Home concentrators are designed for stationary use and require a wall outlet — they are not intended for travel, errands, or time away from home. Many patients use a home concentrator at rest and overnight, and a portable oxygen concentrator when they leave the house. If you spend time away from home and need oxygen therapy during those periods, a portable concentrator may be the right complement to your home unit.

Browse Portable Oxygen Concentrators → — Battery-powered, lightweight, FAA-approved models for travel and daily mobility. Pulse dose and continuous flow options available.

5 LPM vs. 10 LPM — Choosing the Right Flow Rate

5 LPM Concentrators
Deliver up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute — suitable for the vast majority of home oxygen patients. Most COPD, emphysema, and pulmonary fibrosis patients prescribed supplemental oxygen require flow rates between 1 and 5 LPM. 5 LPM models are lighter, quieter, and more energy-efficient than 10 LPM units. If your prescription is at or below 5 LPM, a 5 LPM model is the right choice.
10 LPM Concentrators
Deliver up to 10 liters of oxygen per minute — required for patients with advanced respiratory conditions or high-flow prescriptions above 5 LPM. 10 LPM models are also used to power high-flow oxygen masks, large-volume nebulizers, and cylinder transfill systems. If your prescription exceeds 5 LPM, or you need to run a nebulizer or transfill portable tanks, a 10 LPM model is required.
Not Sure Which You Need?
Your physician's prescription will specify the flow rate in liters per minute (LPM). If you are unsure of your prescribed flow rate or need help interpreting your prescription, call us at 866-218-0902. Our respiratory specialists will help you identify the right model before you buy.

What to Look for When Choosing a Home Oxygen Concentrator

Flow Rate — Match Your Prescription Exactly

Your prescription will specify a flow rate in liters per minute (LPM). Never purchase a concentrator that cannot reach your prescribed flow rate. If your prescription is at 5 LPM, any 5 LPM model will work. If your prescription is above 5 LPM — even at 5.5 LPM — you need a 10 LPM model. Always confirm your flow rate with your physician before purchasing.

Weight and Mobility Around the Home

Home concentrators are stationary units but most users move them between rooms throughout the day. Weight ranges from about 18 lbs (Inogen At Home) to 58 lbs (AirSep NewLife Intensity 10). Lighter models with built-in casters and top handles are significantly easier to move between the bedroom, living room, and other spaces. If mobility within the home is a concern, prioritize lighter models.

Noise Level

Most home concentrators operate between 40 and 55 decibels — roughly equivalent to a quiet library or a running refrigerator. Quieter models like the CAIRE Companion 5 (40 dBA at 2 LPM) and the DeVilbiss 525DS (48 dBA) are better suited for bedroom use or noise-sensitive environments. If you plan to run the concentrator overnight or in a shared space, noise level is an important factor.

Energy Efficiency and Power Consumption

Home concentrators run continuously — 24 hours a day in many cases — so power consumption has a direct impact on your electricity bill. 5 LPM models typically consume between 150 and 350 watts depending on the flow setting. 10 LPM models consume more, typically 590–640 watts. Models with energy-saving technologies like CAIRE's autoFLOW™ or DeVilbiss's Turn-Down Technology reduce consumption at lower flow settings and can save meaningful money over time.

Oxygen Purity Monitoring

Some models include built-in oxygen purity monitoring that continuously measures the concentration of oxygen being delivered and alerts the user if it drops below a safe threshold. The DeVilbiss OSD (Oxygen Sensing Device) and the AirSep OPI (Oxygen Percentage Indicator) are examples of this feature. Oxygen purity monitoring adds an important layer of safety for long-term users and is worth prioritizing if available.

Warranty

Most home concentrators carry a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Because these are long-term medical devices used daily, warranty coverage is an important consideration — particularly for high-flow 10 LPM units that run under greater mechanical load.

Accessories & Supplies — What You May Also Need

Most home oxygen concentrators ship with a starter set of accessories — typically a nasal cannula, humidifier connector, and particle filter. For ongoing daily use, you will need replacement supplies on a regular basis. Common accessories include:

• Nasal cannulas — replaced regularly for hygiene; standard and comfort-fit styles available
• Oxygen tubing — most concentrators support up to 50 feet of tubing, allowing freedom of movement around the home
• Humidifier bottles — add moisture to oxygen flow to reduce nasal dryness during extended use
• Replacement intake filters — cleaned or replaced on a regular schedule to maintain optimal concentrator performance
• Bacteria filters — typically a longer-life internal filter requiring less frequent replacement
• Cylinder transfill systems — for 10 LPM models with an auxiliary port, allowing you to fill portable oxygen tanks from the concentrator

Call us at 866-218-0902 if you need help identifying the correct accessories or replacement supplies for your specific concentrator model.

5 LPM Home Oxygen Concentrators

Lightest 5 LPM Model · Most Energy Efficient

Inogen At Home Oxygen Concentrator

At approximately 18 pounds, the Inogen At Home is one of the lightest, quietest, and most energy-efficient 5 LPM home oxygen concentrators available — roughly half the weight of comparable models. It is the easiest to move between rooms and the lowest-cost to operate on a daily basis. An ideal choice for patients who prioritize mobility within the home and lower energy costs.

• Flow rate: Up to 5 LPM continuous flow
• Weight: ~18 lbs — lightest 5 LPM model in the category
• Best for: Home use where room-to-room mobility and low power draw are priorities

View the Inogen At Home →

Newest CAIRE Model · Lightest CAIRE · 95.5% O2

Caire IntenOxy 5 Stationary Oxygen Concentrator

The IntenOxy 5 is CAIRE's newest and most compact 5 LPM home concentrator — smaller than any other CAIRE model and one of the smallest in the category overall. Delivers up to 95.5% oxygen concentration from 0.5 to 5 LPM with a simple interface, clear alerts, and low power consumption under 350W. At 34.2 lbs it is lighter than the Companion 5. Includes humidifier bottle and tubing. 3-year warranty.

• Flow rate: 0.5–5 LPM · O2 concentration: up to 95.5%
• Weight: 34.2 lbs · Power: <350W at 5 LPM · 3-year warranty
• Best for: Patients wanting CAIRE's newest, most compact technology

View the Caire IntenOxy 5 →

CAIRE autoFLOW + ultraSILENT · 40 dBA · Bundle

Caire Companion 5 ECO Oxygen Concentrator Bundle

The Companion 5 ECO is CAIRE's proven 5 LPM home concentrator, built around autoFLOW™ technology that reduces power consumption at lower flow settings and ultraSILENT™ technology that keeps noise to just 40 dBA at 2 LPM — one of the quietest in the category. The ECO bundle includes accessories to get started immediately. At 36 lbs with built-in casters and a top handle. 3-year warranty.

• Flow rate: 0.5–5 LPM · Noise: 40 dBA at 2 LPM
• Weight: 36 lbs · Power: 250W at 2 LPM / max 350W · 3-year warranty
• Best for: Noise-sensitive environments, overnight use, energy-conscious patients

View the Caire Companion 5 ECO Bundle →

Made in USA · Turn-Down Technology · OSD

DeVilbiss 5LT Oxygen Concentrator (525DS)

The DeVilbiss 525DS is one of the best-selling home oxygen concentrators in the category — assembled in the USA, built for long-term daily use, and backed by patented Turn-Down Technology that automatically reduces compressor load at lower flow settings, cutting power consumption by 15% or more and extending component life. The built-in OSD continuously monitors oxygen purity. Operates at 48 dBA. 36 lbs. 3-year warranty.

• Flow rate: 0.5–5 LPM · Noise: 48 dBA · O2: 87%–93%
• Weight: 36 lbs · Power: avg 310W · Made in USA · 3-year warranty
• Best for: Long-term home use, reliability, energy efficiency

View the DeVilbiss 525DS →

McKesson · OSD Oxygen Sensing · Proven Platform

McKesson 5-Liter Compact Concentrator with Oxygen Sensing Device

The McKesson 5-Liter Compact Concentrator is built on the proven DeVilbiss 525DS platform with a standard oxygen sensing device (OSD) that continuously monitors output purity for patient safety. A dependable, straightforward 5 LPM option for home and clinical settings backed by McKesson's support infrastructure.

• Flow rate: Up to 5 LPM · OSD oxygen sensing standard
• Best for: Home and clinical use, proven platform with purity monitoring

View the McKesson 5-Liter →

Lightweight · Auto-Shutdown Safety · Budget Friendly

Rhythm Healthcare 5L Oxygen Concentrator

The Rhythm Healthcare LM5BA is a compact, lightweight 5 LPM home concentrator at just 35.5 lbs — among the lightest in its class. Delivers dependable oxygen flow from 0.5 to 5 LPM at 93% concentration with built-in auto-shutdown protection for power surges, high and low pressure, high temperature, and low oxygen concentration. Suitable for home use, nursing facilities, and patient care centers.

• Flow rate: 0.5–5 LPM · O2: 93% (+/- 3%) · Weight: 35.5 lbs
• Safety: Auto-shutdown for power surges, pressure, temperature, and low O2
• Best for: Home and care facility use, budget-conscious patients

View the Rhythm Healthcare 5L →

Portable + Stationary · 5 LPM Continuous Flow

Precision Medical Live Active Five Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The Precision Medical Live Active Five bridges portable and home use — a 5 LPM continuous flow concentrator designed for both stationary home use and active daily living. An ideal option for patients who need continuous flow oxygen both at home and on the go without purchasing two separate devices.

• Flow rate: Up to 5 LPM continuous flow
• Best for: Patients needing both home and on-the-go continuous flow oxygen

View the Precision Medical Live Active Five →

Also Considering a Portable Concentrator?

Several patients use a stationary home concentrator at rest and overnight, and a lightweight portable concentrator when they leave the house for errands, appointments, or travel. If you think you may need oxygen therapy away from home as well, browse our full range of portable options — including FAA-approved models for air travel.

Browse Portable Oxygen Concentrators → — Pulse dose and continuous flow models available. Battery-powered. FAA-approved options included.

10 LPM Home Oxygen Concentrators

Lightest 10 LPM · Made in USA · OSD · Transfill Port

Drive DeVilbiss Compact 10 Liter Oxygen Concentrator (1025DS)

The Drive DeVilbiss 1025DS delivers up to 10 LPM of continuous flow oxygen in the same compact shell as the 525DS 5-liter unit — substantially lighter and smaller than competitive 10 LPM models at just 42 lbs. Built-in DeVilbiss OSD continuously monitors oxygen purity. Rear auxiliary port connects to cylinder transfill systems. Compatible with high-pressure masks and large-volume nebulizers. Assembled in the USA. 3-year warranty.

• Flow rate: 2–10 LPM · O2: 87%–96% · Weight: 42 lbs
• Power: avg 639W · OSD standard · Auxiliary transfill port · Made in USA
• Best for: High-flow prescriptions, nebulizer use, cylinder transfill

View the Drive DeVilbiss 1025DS →

High Pressure · 20 psig · Nebulizer Compatible

AirSep NewLife Intensity 10 Liter Oxygen Concentrator

The AirSep NewLife Intensity 10 is a uniquely capable 10 LPM concentrator — the only model in the category that combines high-flow delivery with high-pressure output at 20 psig, twice the pressure of most home concentrators. This enables it to power nebulizers and meet the pressure requirements of certain clinical applications. Available in single or dual flow configurations with optional low flowmeter blocks for pediatric use. 3-year warranty.

• Flow rate: Up to 10 LPM · Outlet pressure: 20 psig · Weight: 58 lbs
• Noise: 55 dBA · Power: avg 590W · Dual flow option available
• Best for: High-pressure needs, nebulizer use, dual-flow clinical applications

View the AirSep NewLife Intensity 10L →

High Pressure · 20 psig · Built-In Purity Indicator

AirSep NewLife Intensity 10 Liter with OPI

The same AirSep NewLife Intensity 10 platform with the addition of an integrated Oxygen Percentage Indicator (OPI) — a built-in monitor that continuously verifies oxygen concentration levels, providing real-time confirmation of oxygen purity without a separate monitoring device. The OPI upgrade is particularly valuable for long-term high-flow patients and caregivers who want continuous purity confirmation.

• Flow rate: Up to 10 LPM · Outlet pressure: 20 psig · Weight: 58 lbs
• OPI: Built-in oxygen purity indicator — continuous concentration monitoring
• Best for: High-flow patients who want integrated real-time purity monitoring

View the AirSep NewLife Intensity 10L with OPI →

10 LPM · SensO2 Option · Bundle with Accessories

Platinum 10L Oxygen Concentrator Bundle

The Platinum 10L is a reliable, easy-to-use 10 LPM home oxygen concentrator available in standard configuration or with the SensO2 oxygen sensing option for continuous purity monitoring. The bundle includes accessories for immediate use — a practical, well-rounded high-flow option for patients with advanced oxygen requirements.

• Flow rate: Up to 10 LPM
• Options: Standard or with SensO2 oxygen sensing · Bundle includes accessories
• Best for: High-flow patients, long-term home oxygen therapy

View the Platinum 10L Bundle →

Home Oxygen Concentrator Comparison Guide

Inogen At Home
~18 lbs · 5 LPM · Lightest in category · Most energy efficient · Best for frequent room-to-room movement
Caire IntenOxy 5
34.2 lbs · 5 LPM · 95.5% O2 · Newest CAIRE model · Smallest CAIRE footprint · 3-yr warranty
Caire Companion 5 ECO
36 lbs · 5 LPM · 40 dBA · autoFLOW + ultraSILENT · Best for quiet/overnight use · Bundle included
DeVilbiss 525DS
36 lbs · 5 LPM · 48 dBA · Turn-Down Technology · OSD · Made in USA · 3-yr warranty
McKesson 5L
5 LPM · OSD oxygen sensing · DeVilbiss platform · Reliable home and clinical option
Rhythm Healthcare 5L
35.5 lbs · 5 LPM · 93% O2 · Auto-shutdown safety · Budget-friendly home and care facility option
Precision Medical Live Active Five
5 LPM · Portable + stationary · Best for patients needing both home and on-the-go continuous flow
Drive DeVilbiss 1025DS
42 lbs · 10 LPM · OSD · Made in USA · Lightest 10 LPM · Transfill port · 3-yr warranty
AirSep NewLife Intensity 10L
58 lbs · 10 LPM · 20 psig high pressure · Nebulizer compatible · Dual flow option
AirSep NewLife Intensity 10L with OPI
58 lbs · 10 LPM · 20 psig · Built-in oxygen purity indicator · Best for purity monitoring
Platinum 10L Bundle
10 LPM · SensO2 option · Bundle with accessories · Dependable high-flow home option

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a prescription to buy a home oxygen concentrator?

Yes. Home oxygen concentrators are medical devices and require a valid prescription from a licensed physician or respiratory therapist before shipment. Your prescription will specify the flow rate in liters per minute (LPM) and the hours of use per day. If you need help obtaining or submitting your prescription, call us at 866-218-0902.

What is the difference between a home concentrator and a portable concentrator?

A home concentrator plugs into a wall outlet and is designed for stationary use — at home, in a care facility, or at a bedside. It delivers continuous flow oxygen 24/7 with no battery limitations. A portable concentrator is battery-powered and designed for use away from home — during errands, travel, and outdoor activities. Many patients use both: a home concentrator for stationary use and a portable unit when they leave the house. Browse our portable oxygen concentrators →

What is the difference between a 5 LPM and 10 LPM concentrator?

A 5 LPM concentrator delivers up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute and suits the vast majority of home oxygen patients. A 10 LPM concentrator is required for patients with prescriptions above 5 LPM, or those who need to power a nebulizer or transfill portable oxygen tanks. Your prescription will specify which you need.

Can a home oxygen concentrator run 24 hours a day?

Yes. Home oxygen concentrators are designed for continuous 24/7 operation. They extract oxygen from room air and do not run out as long as they have power. Ensure adequate room ventilation, keep intake filters clean per the manufacturer's schedule, and follow all care instructions to maintain optimal performance.

How loud are home oxygen concentrators?

Most home concentrators operate between 40 and 55 decibels — roughly equivalent to a quiet library or the hum of a refrigerator. The CAIRE Companion 5 ECO is one of the quietest at 40 dBA at 2 LPM. The DeVilbiss 525DS operates at 48 dBA. The AirSep NewLife Intensity 10 operates at approximately 55 dBA. For overnight or bedroom use, choose a model with a lower noise rating.

Can I use a home oxygen concentrator to transfill portable oxygen tanks?

Some 10 LPM models — including the Drive DeVilbiss 1025DS — include a rear auxiliary port compatible with cylinder transfill systems, allowing you to fill portable oxygen tanks from the concentrator at home. This feature is not available on 5 LPM models. Call us to confirm compatibility before purchasing if transfilling is a priority.

Do you ship home oxygen concentrators nationwide?

Yes. Medical Department Store ships home oxygen concentrators nationwide to residential addresses and healthcare facilities across the United States. We also provide local support and in-person assistance at all five of our Southwest Florida locations. Call 866-218-0902 to speak with a respiratory equipment specialist.

Why Buy From Medical Department Store

Medical Department Store has been serving patients and caregivers across the country for over 25 years from our five Southwest Florida locations. We carry a carefully selected range of home oxygen concentrators from the most trusted manufacturers in the category — CAIRE, DeVilbiss, AirSep, Inogen, Rhythm Healthcare, and McKesson. Our respiratory specialists are available to help you match the right concentrator to your prescription, your home environment, and your daily routine. We ship nationwide and support every product we sell long after purchase.

📞 866-218-0902 · Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM · Sat 9AM–3PM · Browse all home oxygen concentrators → · Browse portable oxygen concentrators →