Portable Oxygen Concentrators — Southwest Florida & Nationwide
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) draws oxygen directly from surrounding air and delivers it through a nasal cannula — eliminating tanks, refill schedules, and the anxiety of running out. For patients with COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or other conditions requiring supplemental oxygen, the right portable concentrator is what makes a trip to Publix, a flight to see family, or a morning walk on the beach possible again.
Medical Department Store carries the full range — lightweight pulse dose units starting at 2.8 lbs, wearable continuous flow models, and dual-mode systems for complex prescriptions. Every unit is available for hands-on demonstration at our five Southwest Florida showrooms, with a 10-Day No-Risk Trial and licensed Respiratory Therapists on staff.
Pulse Dose vs. Continuous Flow — Which Type Do You Need?
Every portable oxygen concentrator delivers oxygen in one of two ways. Your prescription determines which is right for you — and buying the wrong type is the most common and most costly mistake we see.
Pulse Dose Concentrators detect the moment you begin to inhale and deliver a precise burst of oxygen timed to your breath. Because they deliver nothing between breaths, pulse dose units are lighter, run longer on battery, and are better suited for active daytime use and travel. Most units start at 2.8 lbs. Physician guidance is required before using pulse dose during sleep.
Continuous Flow Concentrators deliver a steady, uninterrupted stream of oxygen at a set liters-per-minute rate — the same way home concentrators and tanks work. Heavier than pulse dose units, but required for patients whose prescription specifies LPM delivery or overnight use, and for those who use CPAP or BiPAP equipment.
Not sure which type your prescription calls for? Our Respiratory Therapists can answer that in a single phone call. 📞 866-218-0902 | ✉ support@medicaldepartmentstore.com
Five Things That Actually Determine the Right Portable Concentrator
1. Your prescription — pulse setting or LPM rate. This is the non-negotiable starting point. Everything else follows from it. Bring your prescription when you visit. If you don't have it yet, call us and we'll tell you what to ask your physician.
2. Weight you can carry repeatedly, not just once. The difference between a 4.7-lb unit and a 6.3-lb unit is real by mid-afternoon on a difficult day. Be honest about your actual capacity — not your best day.
3. Battery life built for Florida heat. Manufacturer specs are best-case numbers. In Southwest Florida summers, plan for 70–75% of published battery life in real conditions. A unit rated for 13 hours may give you 9–10 on a hot August day.
4. Travel plans change the requirements. Flying? You need FAA approval documentation. International travel adds voltage and airline-specific paperwork. Cruising out of Fort Myers? Call us before you book — we'll walk you through exactly what you need.
5. Hurricane season is a planning requirement, not an afterthought. If you depend on powered medical equipment, you need to know your battery hours, your DC car power options, and your generator compatibility before a storm is named — not during it. Come in in April or May. We'll build an actual plan for your specific equipment and situation.
For the complete picture, read our Respiratory Therapist-written guide: 12 Questions to Answer Before You Buy a Portable Travel Oxygen Concentrator →
Why Buy from Medical Department Store?
Respiratory Therapists on staff. Not salespeople with a product card — licensed clinical professionals who can read your prescription, verify that the unit you are considering actually delivers what your physician ordered at your specific setting, and flag mismatches before they cost you weeks of diminished quality of life.
10-Day No-Risk Trial. Take any concentrator home. Use it for 10 days on your actual schedule. If it is not right for your real life, bring it back and we exchange it — no restocking fee, no fine print, no box-at-the-door return delay. No online retailer can offer you this.
Medicare billing handled directly. We verify your coverage before you make any decisions and tell you honestly what qualifies and what doesn't. Bring your Medicare card and prescription when you visit.
Service for every brand, every model. We repair and service all portable concentrators — regardless of where you bought them — at all five Southwest Florida locations, with home service calls available for patients who cannot come in. Before you need service, read our portable oxygen concentrator maintenance guide to keep your unit performing at spec.
Nationwide shipping. Not in Southwest Florida? We ship to all 50 states with expert pre- and post-purchase support by phone and email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a portable concentrator as my only oxygen source — no home concentrator or tanks?
For the right patients and units, yes. Dual-mode continuous flow units like the OxLife Independence and CAIRE Eclipse 5 are designed for 24/7 use including sleep. Pulse dose units may be appropriate for waking hours only, depending on your prescription and breathing pattern. We will help you evaluate whether eliminating your home equipment makes sense for your specific situation.
Does Medicare cover a portable oxygen concentrator?
Medicare Part B may cover portable oxygen equipment with a qualifying diagnosis and physician documentation. We handle Medicare billing directly — call us before your visit and we will verify your coverage first. 866-218-0902 | support@medicaldepartmentstore.com
Are portable oxygen concentrators approved for air travel?
Every unit we carry is FAA-approved for domestic commercial flights. International travel adds voltage and documentation requirements that vary by airline and route. Call us before your first flight with a new unit — we will make sure you have everything you need at the gate. 866-218-0902
Do you service concentrators you did not sell?
Yes — every brand, every model, regardless of where it was purchased, at all five SW Florida locations. Home service calls available for patients who cannot come in. 866-218-0902
Can I try a unit at home before committing to buy it?
Yes. Our 10-Day No-Risk Trial is exactly what it says. Take any concentrator home, use it for 10 days on your actual schedule, and exchange it if it is not right — no restocking fee, no fine print. Walk-ins welcome at all five locations, or call ahead for home delivery.
Related Resources
- 2026 Portable Oxygen Concentrator Buyer's Guide — every model compared side by side with clinical notes
- 12 Questions Before You Buy a Portable Travel Oxygen Concentrator — the pre-appointment guide from our RT team
- How to Maintain Your Portable Oxygen Concentrator — filters, batteries, sieve beds, and what to watch for
- Shop Pulse Dose Concentrators — Inogen G4, G5, Rove 6, OxyGo NEXT, 3B Aer X, Rhythm P2-E7
- Shop Continuous Flow Concentrators — OxLife Liberty2, OxLife Independence, CAIRE Eclipse 5
- Find Your Nearest SW Florida Location — Venice, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, Naples
- Power Wheelchairs & Mobility Scooters
Five SW Florida Locations — Walk In Anytime
Respiratory Therapists on staff · Hands-on demonstrations · 10-Day Trial · Medicare billing · Repairs for all brands
📞 866-218-0902 | ✉ support@medicaldepartmentstore.com
Monday–Friday 9AM–5PM | Saturday 9AM–3PM | Nationwide shipping available
