ResMed Portable Oxygen Concentrator Review
ResMed replaced the LifeChoice Activox line with the Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator in 2018. The Mobi™ features Pulse-Wave technology, explained below, to make this portable oxygen concentrator more effective.
Pros
- Exceptionally long battery life
- Lightweight design ideal for travel
- Approved by the FAA for air travel
Cons
- No oxygen if batteries fully discharge during a power outage
ResMed Mobi™ Portable Oxygen Concentrator
ResMed’s Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator is designed for travel or for use around the house with a fast-charging external battery and power options like AC/DC and a long-lasting internal battery. It weighs only five and one-half pounds yet features one of the longest-lasting portable oxygen concentrator batteries on the market. ResMed Mobi™ runs up to 13 hours using the internal and external batteries on the first of four settings and measures 8 x 9.6 x 4.5 inches.
ResMed designed the Mobi™ to be a portable oxygen concentrator with a balance of oxygen, weight and battery life with an intuitive display, easy one-touch setup and Pulse-Wave technology. The Mobi™ comes with a carrying case that can attach to a scooter, walker or wheelchair, or you can buy a backpack to carry the device and supplies. The backpack straps conceal the cannula, so you can use the Mobi™ without the tubing getting in the way.
ResMed Portable Oxygen Concentrator Pulse-Wave Technology
Typical pulse-dose delivery portable oxygen concentrators provide more oxygen than the patient can inhale. ResMed’s innovative Pulse-Wave technology matches the proper oxygen dose at the time of inhalation, so the Mobi™ synchronizes the rate of oxygen delivery to your breathing pattern for increased therapy effectiveness and comfort.
ResMed Mobi™ Portable Oxygen Concentrator Batteries
Your portable oxygen concentrator isn’t of much use if the batteries constantly need charging. ResMed’s Mobi™ runs from 4.5 to 13 hours depending on which of the four settings are used to administer your oxygen dose. The Mobi™ rechargeable internal battery automatically charges any time you plug the device into AC or DC power. An optional external battery connects via an external port and starts charging once the internal battery becomes fully charged. Both batteries can charge while you are using the portable oxygen concentrator.
| Battery | Setting 1 | Setting 2 | Setting 3 | Setting 4 | Recharge In Use |
Recharge Not in Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 8.6 | 6 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 6.1 | 3.6 |
| External | 4.5 | 3 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 3.1 | 1.8 |
ResMed Portable Oxygen Concentrator Cost and Buying Options
We checked multiple online medical supply stores to price the Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator since ResMed doesn’t sell directly to consumers. The price of the Mobi™ is around $2,295 without insurance on all the websites we investigated. ResMed’s portable oxygen concentrator is also available from your local medical equipment seller.
ResMed offers several accessories for the Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator at reasonable prices:
- Mounting Straps: $29.00
- Backpack: $169.00
- External Battery: $299.00
- Extra AC Charger or DC Power Supply: $109.00
- Carrying Bag: $119.00
ResMed Portable Oxygen Concentrator Complaints
ResMed has an “A-” rating with the Better Business Bureau. Most complaints filed with the BBB were answered or resolved. ResMed scores 3.25 stars out of 5 with ConsumerAffairs readers, where many expressed disappointment with a rental or sales company and not ResMed itself.
There are no reviews on the ResMed Facebook page, but the company is relatively responsive to customer questions in that forum and typically answers private messages within a day. We could find no consumer reviews specific to the Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator, most likely because ResMed released this model just a couple of months before we analyzed the company.
ResMed Portable Oxygen Concentrator Q&A
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Does health insurance pay for a ResMed portable oxygen concentrator?
Many private insurance plans pay for at least part of the cost of a portable oxygen concentrator. Medicare Part B covers oxygen concentrators under specific conditions but generally requires a rental first. You may pay a little out of pocket for a portable oxygen concentrator if you have a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. -
Can I fly on an airline with a ResMed portable oxygen concentrator?
While the FAA list of approved portable oxygen concentrators found online doesn’t list the ResMed Mobi™, the device has approval for flying on a commercial airline. The bottom of the Mobi™ shows the FAA approval and airlines have updated lists of approved portable oxygen concentrators. -
What is ResMed’s Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator warranty?
ResMed provides a non-transferable warranty covering the Mobi™ for five years, and the sieve bed, batteries, and accessories for one year. The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper use, modifications or alterations, repairs completed by non-authorized dealers, or damage or contamination caused by cigarettes, cigars, pipes or other types of smoke. -
How should I maintain a ResMed Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator?
Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrators are designed for minimum maintenance, and the unit has no user repairable parts. Once a month, check the fan vents and remove lint, hair or anything obstructing airflow. You can clean the vents with a dry cotton swab. The outer casing of the Mobi™ and carrying cases wipe down with warm water and mild dish soap. Properly maintaining your portable oxygen concentrator is key for longevity of the device and good health. -
What happens if the Pulse-Wave feature malfunctions on my Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator?
You will hear an alarm in the rare case the Mobi™ does not detect your inhalation, and ResMed designed the machine to initiate automatic dosing to ensure you continue to receive oxygen.
Conclusion
ResMed’s Mobi™ portable oxygen concentrator provides convenience to help you get around outside your home with exceptionally long battery life. Mobi™’s battery life lets you stay mobile longer than the average five-hour portable oxygen concentrator battery life. ResMed provides more effective oxygen therapy from Mobi™ with the Pulse-Wave technology, so you get the right oxygen dose when you need it.