New portable oxygen concentrators cost over $2,000 (see prices), so used and “refurbished” listings are tempting. Here’s what to check, using FDA guidance and manufacturers’ manuals.
Start with the prescription
The FDA says: “You should not use an oxygen concentrator at home unless it has been prescribed by a health care provider”, and that giving yourself too much or too little oxygen can be dangerous (FDA). Your prescription also tells you the setting and delivery type you need, which decides whether a given used unit is even suitable (pulse vs continuous).
What “refurbished” can mean
The FDA’s definitions (FDA: remanufacturing and servicing):
| Term | FDA meaning | What it implies for you |
|---|---|---|
| Servicing | Repair or preventive/routine maintenance after distribution, to return the device to the original manufacturer’s safety and performance specifications and intended use | The goal is “as specified by the maker” |
| Remanufacturing | Processing, conditioning, renovating, repackaging, restoring or other acts that significantly change the device’s performance or safety specifications, or intended use | Regulated like manufacturing: registration, adverse event reporting, quality system, marketing submissions |
The FDA “focuses on the specific activities an entity performs”, regardless of whether it calls itself a servicer or remanufacturer. It also warns that “poor quality servicing may lead to poor device performance, device malfunction, and adverse events.” Ask a seller exactly what was done, by whom, and to what specification.
Age, sieve beds and batteries
| Model | Expected service life | Sieve beds | Battery rated life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inogen Rove 6 | 8 years | 1 year | 500 full cycles |
| OxyGo NEXT | 5 years | 1 year | 500 full cycles |
| CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort | 5 years | not stated in manual | 300 cycles |
Sources: Rove 6 manual, OxyGo NEXT manual, FreeStyle Comfort manual. A unit near the end of its service life, or with old sieve beds and tired batteries, may cost more to put right than it saves. Price replacement columns and batteries before you buy.
Warranty usually doesn’t follow the unit
Inogen’s Rove 6 warranty is “granted by Inogen only to the original Customer of the Products and are non-transferable”. It needs the original purchase receipt and proof of identity, and the product must be inspected within 2 days of delivery (Rove 6 manual). CAIRE says its warranty terms are documented separately and may vary by product, region or purchase agreement. Ask the seller in writing what warranty, if any, they provide.
Pre-purchase checklist
| Check | How | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Model matches your prescription type (pulse vs continuous) and setting | Compare with your prescription | FDA, manuals |
| Serial number and manufacture date | Label on the unit; ask the seller | — |
| Age vs service life | Table above | Manuals |
| No visible damage to device, cord, battery or cannula | Inspect | Inogen: “Do not use the device or any accessory that shows any sign of damage” |
| Runs without oxygen alerts after warm-up | Run it for several minutes | Rove 6 shows an alert if oxygen is under 87% two minutes after start-up |
| Sieve bed / column status | Display icons (e.g. Rove 6 “Replace columns”, NEXT “Sieve Reset”) | Manuals |
| Battery age | Ask for cycle count or battery date; test runtime vs the battery tables | Manuals |
| Correct power supplies and accessories | Use only manufacturer-specified parts | Manuals |
| What servicing was done, by whom | Get it in writing | FDA |
| Warranty or return terms | Get it in writing | Manuals |
| FAA label, if you plan to fly | Check the label | FAA rules |
Alternatives to buying used
- Medicare: if you qualify, Medicare’s oxygen benefit covers equipment through a supplier, without buying it outright. See Medicare home oxygen coverage.
- Renting: for a trip or a trial, renting can be cheaper than buying (renting a POC for travel).
- HSA/FSA: prescribed oxygen equipment can be eligible (HSA/FSA guide).
Verdict
A used POC is reasonable only if it matches your prescription, is well within its service life, passes a test run without oxygen alerts, and comes with written details of any servicing and any return or warranty terms. Treat “refurbished” as a claim to check, not a guarantee. Budget for new sieve beds and batteries, and assume the manufacturer’s warranty won’t transfer.
Related: OxyGo NEXT review, Rove 6 vs FreeStyle Comfort, oxygen concentrator buyer’s guide.