In choosing a POC, there are many things to consider besides weight and size. For important information and comparison between units, go to www.runningonair.org/POCs Mary Kitlowski has done an excellent job of creating a chart that makes comparison between and among the various units easy and understandable. Choosing a POC is very individual and depends on the needs of the individual who's going to use it. My advice: try before you buy and don't buy from a company that won't let you do that in some fashion, even if you have to pay for it. Those things are too expensive and you don't want to buy something that ends up as a doorstop!

There are a few "portables" that do continuous flow, but they are heavier, generally require carts and the battery lives aren't that great. There are a couple that will do up to 2 LPM continuous and have ok battery life, but the batteries are still pretty short-lived at the 2 LPM setting. Let your DME know what you want and if they don't have it, get them to let the manufacturers know that's what you want. The more people who complain the faster we're likely to get something different.

@A MyCOPDTeam Member Thank you so much for the info I actually don't know what liquid 02 is, but I will google it. That's great you have something that has worked for you long-term and it wasn't discontinued as so many things are. Do you know about anything on the horizon in a portable that has good battery supply and isn't pulse dose? I am so glad I found this site and have learned so much and had really put myself in danger using the Inogen portable at night to "get some use out of it" because I didn't think I needed it during the day! Wrong again and all of your input and especially the links are so valuable. I was so ignorant last year but I can't use that again this year now that I have found this site and the Q & A.

Mentioned Users

A MyCOPDT...

i have a rather unique situation. I've used liquid 02 for years, even before they started competitive bidding and I've never lost it because my area wasn't included in the competitive bidding sites, so I still use liquid in a portable unit for day to day stuff. I have a standard stationary electric concentrator from my DME that I use at night and I have the POC for travel. My situation is pretty rare. I know one person who also has liquid in South Dakota. I think we both use the same DME and are long-time customers and feel that we've been very well treated by our local offices. The driver delivers 02 to me every week or two, depending on the need.

I also have the Inogen G5. I’ve had good luck with it.