Home Oxygen Concentrators in 2026

What Is a Home Oxygen Concentrator and How Does It Work?

Home oxygen concentrators (HOCs) are also referred to as stationary oxygen concentrators. HOCs extract oxygen from the air and filter it into pure oxygen that is easier to breathe. The purified oxygen is delivered to your lungs through a washable nasal cannula or mask  connected to the device through tubing. Many HOCs contain a humidifier that reduces drying of the nasal passages by adding moisture to the purified oxygen.2

Unlike oxygen tanks, concentrators don't store oxygen. Rather, they continuously generate oxygen from the surrounding air while they’re plugged into an electrical outlet. This enables you to receive a continual flow of oxygen during waking or sleeping hours, without fear of the machine running out.

Home concentrators are designed for continuous flow delivery; this means they produce a steady, uninterrupted stream of oxygen, whether you're inhaling or exhaling. This is different from portable pulse dose devices, which typically time oxygen delivery to your breath. For people who need oxygen while sleeping, or who have breathing patterns that aren't reliably detected by pulse sensors, continuous flow is vital.

Who Needs a Home Oxygen Concentrator?

Common conditions that often require a home oxygen concentrator include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Congestive heart failure
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Lung cancer
• Sleep apnea that doesn’t respond adequately with CPAP

Home and portable oxygen concentrators require a prescription to rent or buy. A prescribing healthcare provider will determine if you need supplemental oxygen, based on how much oxygen you have in your bloodstream (blood oxygen level). Testing can be done in the doctor’s office or at home, if you are home-bound3:

• Pulse oximetry – This is the most common testing method. For this test, a small, clip-on sensor shines light through your finger to estimate your oxygen saturation level. Normal readings range from 95-100 percent.
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) test – This test requires a blood draw, typically from the wrist. The ABG test measures the actual partial pressure of oxygen within the arteries.4

If testing determines the need for supplemental oxygen, you’ll be eligible for a prescription and insurance coverage. You can be eligible for a prescription, even if you don’t need supplemental oxygen support on a 24/7 basis.5

Your prescription will include the flow rate (number of liters per minute), which you can easily set on your device. It will also include instructions on when to wear your oxygen.

Home Concentrators vs. Portable Concentrators: What's the Difference?

Generally, home concentrators weigh more than portable oxygen concentrators do. They’re designed to be stationary, although many have wheels so you can easily move them from room to room. They can also be used in outdoor areas, like your garden, provided that they can be plugged into a nearby outlet. In contrast, portable units are engineered for mobility and travel. See more details below.

Many people have prescriptions for both types of units. This enables them to enjoy the benefits of supplemental oxygen at home and on the go. Most portable units utilize pulse flow settings. If you need continuous flow oxygen, however, rest assured that there are portable units that can provide this for you. Just make sure to double-check before you rent or buy.

>>Related Reading: The Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators of 2026

The Best Home Oxygen Concentrators for Seniors: Inogen At Home and Voxi 5

When it comes to home oxygen concentrators for seniors, the Inogen At Home and Voxi 5 are distinctive for their combination of performance, compact design, and ease of use. Unlike some other oxygen concentrator manufacturers like CAIRE, Inogen features price transparency, which is a huge plus.

Inogen At Home Oxygen Concentrator

The Inogen At Home is an excellent option for seniors who need oxygen support to safely age in place.

At 18 lbs., the unit is one of the lightest stationary oxygen concentrators available. This energy-efficient unit provides continuous flow oxygen up to 5 liters per minute across five settings. Its small design sets it apart from many other traditionally weighted home concentrators.

It has an easy setup, and at 45 dBA (A-weighted decibels) on setting 2, it’s also quiet, so it won’t drown out your favorite TV show or mealtime conversations.

• Manufacturer’s listed retail price: $1,695
• Shipping cost: free
• Warranties:
  • Oxygen Concentrator: 3 years or lifetime
  • Sieve beds and accessories: 1 year

Inogen Voxi 5

The budget-priced Voxi 5 is Inogen's newest home concentrator. It’s a strong addition to the market for seniors who want reliable, continuous flow therapy at an accessible price point.

The Inogen Voxi 5 delivers continuous flow oxygen at rates from 1 to 5 liters per minute, with oxygen concentrations of 87-96 percent across all flow settings.

At 34.2 lbs., it's heavier than the Inogen At Home, but it comes on wheels for easy transport. It features simple controls, a clear LCD screen, a humidifier bottle, and built-in safety alarms that help users and caregivers set the flow, confirm operation, and respond quickly to alerts.

At 45 dBA on typical settings, this device is also quiet. Like the Inogen At Home, the Voxi 5 won’t disturb your sleep or daily activities with unwanted noise.

The Voxi 5 complements the Inogen At Home product by offering a value-driven solution for price-sensitive seniors, or those in need of an additional unit for multi-room use.

• Manufacturer’s listed retail price: $795
• Shipping cost: free
• Warranties:
  • Oxygen Concentrator:  3 or 5 years
  •  Sieve beds and accessories: 1 year

A few highlights that make both units senior-friendly:

• Quiet operation. Both units operate at or around 45 decibels at typical settings. The At Home runs up to 60 dBA, which is similar to a refrigerator's noise level.
• Safety alarms. Both units include audible and visible alarms that alert users and caregivers to issues such as power loss, low oxygen concentration, compressor issues, and other conditions requiring attention.
• Simple controls. Intuitive interfaces and clear displays make both units manageable even for users who aren't comfortable with complex technology.

What to Look for When Choosing a Home Unit

Your prescribing physician can help you zero in on the attributes most needed for your personal oxygen needs. Important factors to consider include:

• Maximum flow rate – Your prescription specifies the flow rate you need in LPM. Make sure any unit you consider can comfortably meet your prescribed setting.
• Noise level – You'll likely run this device for many hours a day. Look for models rated at or below 45-60 decibels, especially if it will be in a bedroom or shared living space.
• Continuous flow vs. pulse dose – Your prescription will determine which oxygen delivery system you require.
• Weight and mobility – For seniors who live in multi-story homes or frequently rearrange their living space, lighter units with sturdy wheels are meaningfully easier to manage.
• Warranty – A home concentrator is a long-term investment. Look for at least a 3-year device warranty, and ask specifically about sieve bed warranty coverage, as sieve beds are the core oxygen-producing components.
• Cost – You may choose to rent or buy your unit outright. Purchase costs range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you’re buying one or more units, you may want to consider financing options. You may also wish to use HSA/FSA dollars for your purchase.
• App connectivity – Some units connect to an app that provides information remotely about oxygen usage and device data to providers and caregivers. If you’re home alone much of the time, this may be an important attribute to keep in mind.

Final Thoughts

A home oxygen concentrator can be life-changing for older adults managing chronic respiratory conditions — providing reliable, continuous therapy without the hassle of tanks, deliveries, or refills.

The Inogen At Home and Voxi 5 represent two of the strongest options currently available for seniors: both are compact, quiet, simple to operate, and backed by Inogen's 20+ years of experience in respiratory care.

Start with your prescription, confirm your flow rate needs, and work with an authorized durable medical equipment (DME) supplier to find the unit that fits your life at home.