Portable Oxygen Concentrators, or POCS, are light, small and quiet devices that allow you to receive supplemental oxygen while out of the home. We’ll share how to use and take care of your POC in this video. Always consult your doctor if you have questions about your oxygen therapy prescription and using your oxygen device.
Produced with support from Three Lakes Partners.
Warning about over the counter (OTC) portable oxygen concentrators: You may have seen online advertisements for non-prescription, portable oxygen concentrators (POCs). While these are often more affordable, if you have a lung disease like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis, which requires you to use prescription oxygen, these OTC devices may not meet your oxygen needs.
There are many portable oxygen concentrators on the market but in general look for devices that:
- are FDA-approved
- require a prescription
- meet your oxygen needs based on your prescription (like type of oxygen flow or the maximum number of liters of oxygen per minute)
If you have questions or concerns about portable oxygen concentrators, talk with your healthcare team, or contact the Lung HelpLine at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872 and press 2) or submit a question.
Page last updated: May 2, 2024