Portable Oxygen Concentrator Statistics

A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a medical device that delivers supplemental oxygen to a patient. Individuals might require supplemental oxygen if they have lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other conditions that make breathing difficult. Using a POC makes it possible to get supplemental oxygen on the go, outside the home or in a clinical setting.

Key Takeaways:

• Normal blood oxygen levels are between 95% and 100%. Levels below 92% may indicate hypoxia and should be addressed with a healthcare professional, while saturation levels below 89% likely require supplemental oxygen.
• More than 1.5 million adults in the U.S. use supplementary oxygen.¹⁰
• A study of patient use showed that nearly 80% of patients using POCs were prescribed oxygen for COPD. Another 6.7% were prescribed oxygen for interstitial lung disease.
• The global oxygen concentrator market reached $3.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to see annual growth of 5.3% through 2030. The POC market is expected to see 7.2% annual growth during the same period.

Portable Oxygen Concentrator Statistics

Knowing whether an individual could benefit from supplemental oxygen requires testing of the blood oxygen level. The two most common ways to measure blood oxygen levels are an oximeter and a blood draw. A normal oximeter reading shows oxygen saturation anywhere from 95% to 100%, while normal arterial oxygen pressure is between 80 and 100 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). A patient could benefit from supplemental oxygen if their results show oxygen saturation below 89% or arterial oxygen pressure below 60 mmHg.

Portable oxygen concentrators are accessible primarily by individuals with a prescription from a physician. However, some devices marketed as POCs are also available over-the-counter. A recent study from UCLA Medical Center and the COPD Foundation found that only one-third of these over-the-counter devices would meet the oxygenation needs of patients. 

How many Americans Use Supplemental Oxygen?

According to the American Thoracic Society, more than 1.5 million adults in the U.S. use supplementary oxygen. Supplementary oxygen can be a useful therapy for anyone suffering from hypoxia (low levels of oxygen in the body). It can be a temporary solution for individuals suffering from a (potentially) short-term condition like COVID-19 or pulmonary hypertension. Supplemental oxygen can also be a long-term treatment for individuals with chronic conditions like COPD or interstitial lung disease.

Who is Using Portable Oxygen Concentrators?

A study funded by Inogen, a manufacturer of portable oxygen concentrators, sheds some light on the demographics of individuals who use these devices. The vast majority were diagnosed with COPD, and more than two-thirds of patients were 65 years of age or older.

Although this study included a higher number of male patients, the proportion of female recipients of long-term oxygen therapy (and, therefore, users of portable oxygen concentrators) is projected to grow, due in part to the relative increase in smoking frequency among women.

Types of Concentrators

Outside of clinical settings, there are two primary types of oxygen concentrators: stationary and portable. Stationary oxygen concentrators are larger devices capable of higher oxygen output and are generally intended for in-home use. As the name suggests, portable concentrators are smaller and can be used away from a wall socket.

Market Size Projections

The global oxygen concentrator market (including both stationary and portable oxygen concentrators) reached an estimated $3.5 billion in 2023. In the U.S., POCs make up a growing share of the overall market, going from 8% in 2015 to 22% in 2021. Industry forecasters expect the oxygen concentrator market to see a further 5.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030. The POC market is expected to grow even faster, with a projected CAGR of 7.2%.

The projected growth is expected to be driven by several factors. Foremost is the growing population of aging adults — those more likely to require supplemental oxygen. According to the United Nations, the global population of adults over the age of 65 is projected to more than double between 2020 and 2050 (from 727 million to 1.5 billion).

The use of oxygen concentrators is also projected to be driven by the increasing incidence of chronic respiratory diseases. Globally, the prevalence of chronic respiratory disease increased by 39.8% between 1990 and 2017.

FAQ

Do you need a prescription for a portable oxygen concentrator?

Yes. Getting an FDA-approved portable oxygen concentrator requires a prescription. Over-the-counter versions are available, but reputable organizations like the American Lung Association caution against using them.

Does Medicare cover the costs of a portable oxygen concentrator?

Medicare does cover oxygen equipment and accessories. If a doctor prescribes an oxygen concentrator for home use, Medicare will cover rental costs of oxygen equipment or supply costs if you own oxygen equipment.

How long does a portable oxygen concentrator last? 

Most portable oxygen concentrators run on rechargeable batteries. Battery life can last anywhere between three and 16 hours, depending on the flow rate of oxygen.

Sources

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