Select City
Select City
Date of posting: 22-07-2026
Reading time: 10 min read
A practical guide to choosing the right oxygen concentrator for home use in India: what it does, which type suits your needs, and how to decide between buying and renting
A portable oxygen concentrator is a medical device that draws in ambient room air, filters out nitrogen and other gases using a molecular sieve, and delivers purified oxygen at a prescribed flow rate through a nasal cannula or face mask, providing continuous or pulse-dose respiratory support for patients with chronic or acute oxygen needs at home.
If your doctor has prescribed supplemental oxygen at home, the first question most families ask is: oxygen cylinder or concentrator? The answer, for most patients who need ongoing oxygen support, is almost always a concentrator. It doesn't run out, doesn't need refilling, and doesn't carry the safety risks of a pressurised cylinder. The question after that is which type, and that's where most people get stuck.
This guide covers how oxygen concentrators work, the difference between continuous-flow and pulse-dose devices, which conditions they're used for, and how to access Apollo Homecare's range for rent or purchase.
A concentrator pulls in room air, which is roughly 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. Inside the device, zeolite molecular sieves trap the nitrogen and let the oxygen through. The result is a continuous or pulse-dose stream of oxygen at 90 to 95% purity, delivered directly to the patient.
Unlike an oxygen cylinder, which stores a fixed amount of gas and runs out, a concentrator keeps producing oxygen as long as it has power. That makes it far more practical for ongoing home use.
This is the most important distinction to understand before choosing a device.
Continuous flow means the concentrator delivers a steady, uninterrupted stream of oxygen regardless of whether the patient is inhaling or exhaling. This is the standard for most medical prescriptions and is required for patients who need oxygen during sleep, or who have higher or more consistent oxygen demands.
Pulse dose means the device detects the start of an inhalation and delivers a burst of oxygen only at that moment. It's more energy-efficient and typically makes for a lighter, more compact device. Suited for patients who are ambulatory and need oxygen primarily during activity.
Your doctor's prescription will specify the flow rate and delivery mode. Don't switch between the two without medical guidance, as they're not interchangeable for all patients.
Supplemental oxygen at home is prescribed for patients whose blood oxygen saturation consistently falls below the threshold their doctor sets, most commonly 88-90% on room air. Conditions that commonly require home oxygen therapy include COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, heart failure with respiratory involvement, post-COVID respiratory complications, and recovery from pneumonia or major surgery.
Always follow the treating doctor's prescription for flow rate and hours of use per day. Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment, not something to self-adjust.
1. Stationary home concentrators (5 LPM): Designed for fixed home use. Heavier and not meant for travel, but typically quieter and more durable for long daily use. Apollo Homecare offers the OxyFlow 5, which delivers up to 5 LPM of continuous oxygen and is built for long-term use, and the Oxymed Mini 5 LPM, which adds an in-built nebuliser and LCD purity display with an automatic alarm if oxygen purity falls below medical-grade levels.
2. High-flow home concentrators (10 LPM): For patients who require higher flow rates. The Oxygen Concentrator Mini 10 LPM offers dual-flow capability, allowing two patients to use the same device simultaneously, and delivers continuous oxygen at up to 10 LPM.
3. Portable pulse-dose concentrators: Lightweight devices for patients who need oxygen on the move. The Inogen Rove 6 is FAA-approved for air travel and offers up to 12 hours of battery life. The iGO2 Pulse Setting is a compact option with adjustable pulse settings for comfort and flexibility.
For most patients who need oxygen on a regular or ongoing basis, a concentrator is the more practical choice. It produces oxygen continuously without needing refills, which means no dependency on cylinder delivery schedules or the risk of running out. It's also safer to keep at home since there's no pressurised gas storage involved.
Cylinders are useful for emergencies or very short-term needs, or as a backup when power is unavailable. For long-term home use, a concentrator is almost always the better fit.
One thing to note: concentrators require a reliable power supply. In areas with frequent outages, a backup cylinder or a concentrator with battery capability is worth considering.
Rent if the need is temporary, such as post-surgical recovery or a short-term respiratory illness. Renting avoids the upfront cost, includes maintenance and servicing, and allows you to return the device when the need ends.
Buy if the patient has a long-term condition like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis that requires ongoing daily oxygen support. Over months and years, ownership becomes significantly more cost-effective than rental fees.
Apollo Homecare offers oxygen concentrators for both rent and purchase. For a broader guide to renting medical equipment at home, read "Medical equipment on rent at home: a complete guide for caregivers."
Always start with the doctor's prescription. The prescribed flow rate determines which device is appropriate. A 5 LPM prescription is not interchangeable with a 10 LPM device. Check whether the prescription specifies continuous flow or pulse dose. If the patient needs oxygen during sleep, a continuous flow device is required since pulse dose devices may not detect breathing reliably during sleep.
Consider the home setup. Is there a stable power supply? Is the patient mostly at home or frequently mobile? Does the patient also need nebuliser capability? These questions narrow the choice significantly before you even look at specific models.
Apollo Homecare's oxygen concentrator range includes 5 LPM and 10 LPM continuous-flow devices for home use, as well as lightweight, portable pulse-dose concentrators for patients who need oxygen on the move. All devices are available for rent or purchase, delivered with setup support and maintenance assistance.
Available across Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Madurai, Mysore, Indore, and Guwahati. Call 1800 108 8586 (toll-free) or visit apollohomecare.com to check availability and book in your city.
An oxygen concentrator is the most practical solution for most patients who need supplemental oxygen at home. It produces oxygen continuously, doesn't run out, and is safer to keep at home than pressurised cylinders. The right device depends on the prescribed flow rate, delivery mode, and whether the patient needs portability.
Don't guess. Start with the prescription, match the device to the patient's actual daily routine, and work with a provider who properly delivers, sets up, and services the equipment. Visit Apollo Homecare's oxygen concentrator page or call 1800 108 8586.
Stationary concentrators are designed for home use, typically heavier, and built for continuous long-term operation. Portable concentrators are lighter and battery-powered, suited for patients who need oxygen while moving around or travelling.
Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment. A doctor's prescription specifies the flow rate, delivery mode, and hours of daily use. Using a concentrator without a prescription or adjusting the settings without guidance can be harmful.
This depends on the model and flow setting. Apollo Homecare's Inogen Rove 6 offers up to 12 hours of battery life. Battery duration decreases at higher flow settings. Always check the manufacturer's specifications for the flow rate you're using.
Yes. Apollo Homecare offers oxygen concentrators on rent across Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune, Madurai, Mysore, Indore, and Guwahati. Visit the oxygen concentrator page or call 1800 108 8586.
Continuous flow delivers a steady stream of oxygen at all times. Pulse dose delivers a burst of oxygen only at the start of each inhalation. Continuous flow is required for sleep use and for patients with higher or more consistent oxygen demands. Your doctor's prescription will specify which is appropriate.
Rent for short-term or post-surgical needs. Buy for long-term conditions like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis where daily oxygen support is required indefinitely. Apollo Homecare's care team can advise on which makes more financial and clinical sense for your situation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Oxygen therapy is a prescribed medical treatment. Always follow your doctor's prescription for flow rate, delivery mode, and hours of daily use. Do not adjust settings without medical guidance.
Written by:
Apollo HomeCare is a trusted name in home healthcare, dedicated to delivering world-class medical care to patients in the comfort of their homes. With a team of expert doctors, nurses, and therapists, Apollo HomeCare provides personalized healthcare solutions, from post-surgical care and chronic disease management to physiotherapy and elder care. As a thought leader in the healthcare industry, Apollo HomeCare shares insightful blogs on home healthcare trends, wellness tips, and expert medical guidance to help individuals and families make informed health decisions. Our mission is to ensure quality healthcare is accessible, convenient, and compassionate.
