If you’re in need of an oxygen concentrator, you may be considering buying a used machine. A used machine will save you quite a bit of money, but you need to be cautious about where you make your purchase.
There are several factors that need to be considered. But before we talk about what to consider when buying a used oxygen concentrator and where to buy from, it’s important to understand the benefits of new and used machines.
The Benefits of Buying New vs. The Benefits of Buying Used
New and used machines both offer benefits. It’s important to consider these benefits carefully when purchasing your oxygen concentrator so that you make the right decision for your needs and budget.
Three Benefits of Buying New
A new machine comes directly from the manufacturer. Buying a new machine does have its advantages.
1. It’s Never Been Used
The most obvious benefit of buying a new oxygen concentrator is that it’s never been used. It’s a brand new machine that’s been tested by the manufacturer before being sent to the retailer.
2. It May be Backed by a Warranty or Guarantee
New oxygen concentrators are typically backed by a warranty of a guarantee. If something goes wrong with the machine – maybe a part fails earlier than it should – then the manufacturer will cover the cost of repair or replacement as long as the failure occurs during the warranty period.
Warranty lengths vary based on the company and unit, but two to three years is the most common.
3. It May Come with Convenient Accessories
It’s not uncommon for new oxygen concentrators to come with convenient accessories, and these accessories will also be new. If it’s a portable oxygen concentrator, it may come with a carrying case, filters, tubing and other items that you’ll need.
The Benefits of Buying Used
A used machine has been previously used by another person. Buying a used oxygen concentrator also has its benefits, particularly if you’re on a tight budget.
1. Units are More Affordable
Used machines have been previously used by another person, so naturally, the price will be lower than a new machine. The price difference between used and new will largely depend on the hours on the machine and its overall condition.
Budget-conscious users will find that a used oxygen concentrator is more accessible than a new machine that may be out of their reach.
A new oxygen concentrator can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more. A used machine, on the other hand, can cost $350 to $1,500. While insurance may cover part of the expense of an oxygen concentrator, they may not cover all of it.
2. They May be Just as Good as New
It’s entirely possible to find an oxygen concentrator that’s gently used. These units are like new, which means that there’s less of a risk of it failing.
Even if the machine has quite a bit of hours on it, it may still work perfectly well for the time that you need it.
3. The Risk is Lower if You Buy from the Right Source
When you purchase a used oxygen concentrator from the right source, the risk of it malfunctioning or having problems is much lower.
Finding an authorized and accredited retailer is the key. These sellers test their machines to ensure that they’re working properly, and if something is wrong, they will make the necessary repairs before selling the machine to anyone.
Authorized and accredited retailers will also offer warranties on their units. Some warranties are a year or longer, depending on the age of the unit.
Reputable online sellers offer the convenience of online shopping while giving you peace of mind that your purchase is protected.
Should You Buy a Used Oxygen Concentrator?
Now that you understand the benefits of buying new and used oxygen concentrators, you may be wondering whether a used machine is the right choice for you. This is a personal decision, and one that you need to make carefully.
Used machines are less expensive, and if you’re careful about where you buy your machine, there won’t be much of a difference between new and used.
Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each option before making your final decision.
What to Consider When Buying a Used Oxygen Concentrator
If you decide that buying a used oxygen concentrator is the right choice for you, there are several things that you’ll want to consider before making your purchase, including:
Your Needs
The first thing you need to consider is your needs. Remember, you must have a prescription to purchase your used oxygen concentrator from an authorized dealer. Your prescription should help narrow down your machine choices, making it easier to find the one you need.
An accredited dealer can also help you find the right machine for your needs.
If you’re buying online, your prescription can help you find the right machine.
Is the Dealer Authorized and Accredited?
Whether you’re buying your machine online or in-person, it’s important to do your due diligence and make sure that the dealer is authorized and accredited.
If you’re buying online, check the dealer’s website to see if they are accredited by an independent agency. There are currently nine accrediting agencies authorized by the government. They include:
- The Joint Commission
- Accreditation Commission for Health Care
- American Board for Certification of Orthotics & Prosthetics
- National Association of Boards Pharmacy
- Healthcare Quality Association on Accreditation
- The Compliance Team
- Board Certification/Accreditation International
When you buy from an accredited dealer, you can be sure that the company is a legitimate operation that follows approved business and safety practices. These accrediting agencies perform audits to ensure that businesses are meeting their stringent requirements.
Also, check to see if the dealer is licensed. Some states have strict licensing requirements for dealers. Licensing provides consumers with protection, and it also ensures that the company is legitimate.
In addition to verifying that the company is accredited, take the time to search for them on the Better Business Bureau. Check their rating and see if there are any complaints. What types of issues are people experiencing? Is the company responsive about these issues?
Is There a Warranty?
If you’re purchasing your machine from an accredited dealer, there should be a warranty. This is one of the most important things to consider because the cost of repairing or replacing an oxygen concentrator is high.
Manufacturers typically offer a 3-year warranty on new oxygen concentrators, so depending on the age of the unit, there may be one year or more left on the manufacturer’s warranty. Reputable dealers may be able to extend the warranty to the length of the original one.
Battery Life
When purchasing portable oxygen concentrators, it’s important to consider the machine’s battery life. Battery lives vary from one machine to the next and based on your oxygen usage. Higher oxygen settings require more power to run, which shortens the battery life.
You will likely need at least one additional battery. The batteries that come with the machine are made specifically for that unit, so you’ll need to keep that in mind. Check to see if the dealer offers replacement batteries.
Also, inquire about whether the battery is the original one. The rechargeable batteries that come with oxygen concentrators are only meant to be charged so many times before they start losing their efficiency. Batteries that are more than two years old will likely not perform as well as a brand new battery.
Keep in mind that replacing the battery can cost up to $500, so you’ll need to plan for this expense if the battery is more than one year old.
The Weight of the Machine
Portable oxygen concentrators come in a wide range of sizes. Smaller units are more lightweight and easier to carry around, but they also have a smaller capacity.
The smallest portable oxygen concentrators weigh five pounds or less. Larger units with bigger capacities are usually transported with a cart instead of a carrying bag.
Hours of Use
Oxygen concentrators have hour counters that tell you how many hours they have been in use. Each unit will have its own method for checking the hours, but it’s important to check this number before buying a used oxygen concentrator.
The more hours on the machine, the more often it’s been used and the greater the risk of something going wrong with it.
Always check the machine’s hours before you make a purchase.
Test the Machine Before You Buy
If you decide to purchase a used oxygen concentrator from an individual instead of an authorized dealer, try the machine out before you buy it. Buying from an individual person is risky because there’s no guarantee that the machine will work properly, and if it stops working after you get home, you will have no recourse.
But if you decide that you still want to buy through a private seller, it’s important to at least ensure that the machine can produce oxygen before you buy it. Bring along a fingertip pulse oximeter, and check your blood oxygen levels while you’re walking and sitting.
Check the Return Policy
If you purchase from an authorized dealer, the oxygen concentrator should come with a trial period. During this period, if something is wrong with the unit, you should be able to return it, exchange it or pay a restocking fee.
Make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the dealer’s return policy. Some have a lot of restrictions that can make it nearly impossible to return the machine.
When you buy from an online retailer, there may be a buyer protection program or a less restrictive return policy.
Where to Find Used Machines
Used oxygen concentrators can be found online and in physical stores. Buying online is convenient and easy, and you have more options than ever for finding a machine that meets your needs and budget.
Amazon
Amazon has a wide selection of oxygen concentrators at affordable prices. With reliable customer reviews, you can be sure that you’re buying from a reputable seller. You also get the benefit of having your purchase protected by Amazon’s Buyer’s Guarantee Protection.
Reputable Online Dealers
Many reputable dealers also have online stores that make it easy to place an order. Make sure that you check the dealer’s website to ensure they’re accredited and legitimate. Check their return policy, too, to make sure that you can exchange the machine if it isn’t working properly.
Where Not to Buy Used Machines
When buying a used oxygen concentrator, it’s important to be careful about where you’re buying your machine from. Just because someone is selling a unit, that doesn’t mean that it’s a good buy – even if it is being sold for a cheap price.
There are some places you want to avoid when buying your unit:
Craigslist
You may find local listings for oxygen concentrators on Craigslist, but proceed with extreme caution. Buying a vital piece of medical equipment off Craigslist is never a good idea. You have no idea how the machine was treated, whether it was well-maintained or if it even works.
There’s also a chance that the seller may be running a scam.
When you buy your oxygen concentrator from an individual, you have no buyer protection. If the machine doesn’t work or fails shortly after buying it, you have no way of getting your money back.
Unreputable Sellers
We discussed this earlier, but this is such an important point that it needs to be emphasized. Do not buy from an unreputable seller.
Look at accredited dealers and reputable online stores. If the seller does not have a return policy, is unlicensed or unaccredited, you’re taking a big risk. You have no protection and no way to know the history of the machine.
The Bottom Line
A used oxygen concentrator can save you money while ensuring that you get the oxygen you need. But it’s important to be careful about where you make your purchase and do your due diligence before committing to buying a machine.
We are constantly browsing through the net to find you the best used portable oxygen concentrator in return for you money.
Refurbished portable oxygen concentrator can also be found in the list below:
Product Name: Used Yuwell YU300 Portable Homecare Oxygen Bar Machines Portable Travel Oxygen Concentrator
Product Name: Used Philips Resperoniics Everflo Oxygen Purifier Concentrator – Filter Air – Compresses Air – Delivers Air Constantly
Product Name: Used Inogen One G2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
See Price on Amazon – SOLD
Please notice, that sometimes the price difference between a used portable oxygen concentrator to a new one does not worth the trouble.
If you didn’t find what you’re looking for, you can check out our Cheap Portable Oxygen section or take a look at the rest of our Portable Oxygen Machines Reviews.
