After being prescribed oxygen for high-flow therapy, you might be considering a traditional oxygen supply at home, like a liquid or compressed gas cylinder. But unless you like frequently replacing or refilling tanks, you should definitely get a 10-liter concentrator.
Unlike a liquid or gas cylinder, a stationary oxygen concentrator won’t run out of oxygen. Designed to filter out nitrogen from the surrounding air, it can provide you with a continuous flow of supplemental oxygen 24/7. All you need is an electrical outlet, and you’re good to go.
But how are high-flow oxygen concentrators different from low-flow units? And what are some of the best 10L oxygen concentrators out there? Keep reading to find out.
Overview of High Flow Home Oxygen Concentrators
If you’re wondering why your physician prescribed oxygen for high-flow therapy, it’s most likely because:
- You have been diagnosed with a severe respiratory illness.
- You have undergone low-flow oxygen therapy but found that it wasn’t helping.
High-flow home oxygen systems, like 10-liter concentrators, allow you to continue your oxygen therapy at home and away from a medical setting. They produce a flow rate of 5 to 10 liters per minute (LPM), making them an ideal solution for conditions where 5 LPM or less (produced by low-flow systems) is insufficient.
Since a higher flow rate means drier air, all quality high-flow oxygen concentrators allow the use of a humidifier bottle, which helps increase the airflow’s humidity and keeps your airways from becoming irritated.
Because of how these oxygen machines work, they can help reduce excess fluids and inflammation in your respiratory tract.
Best 10L Oxygen Concentrators for High Flow Therapy
Here at RespShop, our goal isn’t just to supply you with a variety of home oxygen products at a low cost – we also aim to share valuable resources that can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare.
So to help you choose the right oxygen machine for home use, we’ll compare some of the best 10L oxygen concentrators on the market: the Drive DeVilbiss 10L, Philips Respironics Millennium M10, and Invacare Platinum 10.
10L Oxygen Concentrators: Specifications Comparison Chart
| Drive DeVilbiss 10L | Philips Respironics Millennium M10 | Invacare Platinum 10 | |
| Size (H x W x D) | 24.5” x 13.5” x 12” | 27” x 19” x 13” | 26.4” x 18.4” x 14.4” |
| Weight | 42 lbs | 53 lbs | 53 lbs |
| Flow Rate | 2 – 10 LPM | 1 – 10 LPM (1L increments) | 2 – 10 LPM |
| Oxygen Concentration | 87% to 96% | 88% to 96% | 87% to 95.6% |
| Noise Level | 69 dBA | <50 dBA | ≤62 dBA |
| Price | $1,399 – $1,750 (as of this writing) | $1,395 (RespShop’s price as of this writing) | $1,495 – $2,140 (as of this writing) |
| Warranty | 3-year manufacturer warranty | 1-year manufacturer warranty (option for an additional 2-year warranty available) | 3-year manufacturer warranty |
| Power Consumption | 639 W (average) | 600 W | 585 W |
| Maintenance | Cleaning of air filter every week. Replacement of air filter every 1 to 3 years or when damaged. | Cleaning of air filter every week. Replacement of air filter every 2 years. | Cleaning of 2 air filters every week. Replacement of air filters every year. |
Smallest and Lightest: Drive DeVilbiss 10L Oxygen Concentrator
10-liter concentrators are supposed to be larger than 5-liter models, right? In the Drive DeVilbiss 10L’s (1025) case, it surprisingly isn’t.
Designed to be as compact as the Drive DeVilbiss 525 (the brand’s 5-liter concentrator), it’s one of the smallest and most lightweight high-flow concentrators out there. It takes up 1 square foot of floor space and weighs only 42 pounds–over 10 pounds lighter than most 10-liter concentrators. It even has wheels and handles at the top and on the sides for easier transport.
But don’t mistake its small footprint for a lack of quality features. Apart from being as capable and powerful as other concentrators, it comes equipped with a digital hour meter and an oxygen sensing device (OSD).
The OSD monitors the unit’s oxygen output, warning you of low oxygen purity levels via a visual indicator (LED) and an audible alarm. This alarm, along with two other LEDs, can notify you of other problems with your unit, like high or low flow rates, high pressure, high temperatures, and power failure.
With a compact design, user-friendly interface, and an included OSD, the Drive DeVilbiss 10L is easily one of the best 10L oxygen concentrators to date.
Key Features
- Compact: It weighs only 42 lbs and has the same dimensions as the DeVilbiss 5L stationary oxygen concentrator.
- Controls and display: Digital hour meter on top of the device records hours of use. OSD detects low oxygen output. The unit also comes with an audible alarm, 3 LED indicators, a flow meter, a flow control knob, and an on/off switch.
- Ergonomic design: Wheels at the bottom, a carry handle at the top, and recessed handles on both sides make the unit easy to carry or move around. The filter access door is conveniently placed at the upper back of the unit.
- Durable: It is built with a flame-retardant cabinet, pressure-relief valve, and compressor with thermal protection. The humidifier bottle nook is recessed to prevent damage.
- Optional home-fill function: It features an auxiliary oxygen port that can be used with an FDA-cleared oxygen-filling device for filling cylinders. It is also compatible with the DeVilbiss Transfill Caddy (sold separately), which can hold up to a 40-pound home-fill or transfill system.
How It Compares to Other High-Flow Stationary Concentrators
- Smallest and lightest of the three (>10 lbs lighter; takes up roughly half as much floor space)
- Has a built-in oxygen-sensing device, which is usually an add-on for other concentrators
- Has 1 air filter to be cleaned weekly; slightly easier to maintain than the Platinum 10
- Noisiest (69 dBA)
- Costs slightly more than the Millennium M10 and less than the Platinum 10
- Uses the most energy (639 W)
What Users Think About Drive DeVilbiss 10L
Pros
- Performs efficiently
- Takes up less space
Cons
- Vibrates too much; too loud
- Produces too much heat
Most Budget-Friendly: Philips Respironics Millennium M10 Oxygen Concentrator
If you prefer a straightforward machine, there’s no better choice than the Philips Respironics Millennium M10 Oxygen Concentrator. Because of its simple interface, it’s the most affordable high-flow concentrator on the list.
When it comes to alarms, this stationary oxygen concentrator only has the bare essentials: three LED indicators and an audible alarm to indicate power supply problems, low flow rate, and other errors.
You can also choose an M10 model with OPI (oxygen percentage indicator), which comes with a fourth LED to alert you to low oxygen concentration levels.
While it’s more inexpensive than most name-brand concentrators, this oxygen machine for home use is built for power. It features twin head compressors, working together for better airflow and oxygen concentration.
Great power doesn’t necessarily mean great noise. Compared to other 10-liter concentrators, it produces a lot less noise (at 50 dBA), equivalent to the gentle humming of a refrigerator.
With its recessed humidifier bottle holder and flow meter, protected wires, and durable casters, it seems every component is designed for safety and longevity. But one thing that might make you second-guess your purchase is its warranty. Unlike most concentrators, it only comes with a 1-year warranty and an option to extend it to three years.
Key Features
- Powerful: Twin head compressors create a higher stroke for efficient airflow and a wide flow rate range (1 to 10 LPM at 1L increments).
- Quiet operation: Low noise level of less than 50 dBA (as quiet as a refrigerator).
- Ergonomic design: It has a molded handle and wheels for easy movement. The filter cap is conveniently placed on the side of the unit.
- Display and controls: It comes with an audible alarm and 3 LED indicators (4 for OPI models), a recessed flow meter, a flow control knob, and an on/off switch.
- Durable: The large bubble humidifier bottle holder and flow meter are recessed to prevent damage. Protective tubing is wrapped around electronic wires to prevent electric shock. Wheels are built to be high-grade.
How It Compares to Other High-Flow Stationary Concentrators
- Quietest of the three (<50 dBA)
- Most affordable
- Has 1 air filter to be cleaned weekly; slightly easier to maintain than the Platinum 10
- Uses less energy than the DeVilbiss 10L and more than the Platinum 10
- Average size and weight (53 lbs)
- Shorter warranty period (1 year. Optional: 2 years without compressor and 2 years for compressor.)
What Users Think About Philips Respironics Millennium M10
Pros
- Reliable performance
- Quiet and efficient operation
Cons
- No audible alarm for no oxygen flow (caused by faulty tubing, cannula, or connection of these parts)
- Poor threading on the humidifier bottle adapter
Most Energy Efficient: Invacare Platinum 10 Oxygen Concentrator
If you’re still looking for an uncomplicated device, the Invacare Platinum 10 is another great choice. Featuring a simple interface with fewer visual indicators, it seems easy to use right out of the box.
Like any other oxygen machine for home use, the Platinum 10 comes with an audible alarm and two LED indicators to warn you of system malfunctions, internal obstructions, and other errors.
You also have the option to get a model with SensO2, an oxygen purity sensor that lights up a third LED indicator when concentration levels are below normal.
But besides these alarms, this 10-liter concentrator features a battery-free power loss alarm. That means you won’t have to frequently check the condition of any batteries or worry about their reliability during power interruptions.
Like the DeVilbiss 10L, it can be used with an oxygen-filling device. But it’s only compatible with the Invacare HomeFill II. Regardless, if you have the budget to fill your own oxygen cylinders at home, you have the option to do just that with this home oxygen concentrator.
While the Platinum 10 is more energy-efficient than the other concentrators on the list, its average price is slightly higher. It also has more air filters you need to clean weekly.
Key Features
- Battery-free power loss alarm: Battery-free alarm is activated during power interruptions.
- Display and controls: It comes with an audible alarm and 2 LED indicators (3 for SensO2 models), a flow meter, a flow control knob, and an on/off switch.
- Ergonomic design: It has a top handle and wheels for easy movement. The two filter access doors are located on both sides of the unit, while the humidifier bottle nook is placed in the left corner.
- Optional home-fill function: Compatible with the Invacare HomeFill II, it lets users refill portable oxygen cylinders.
- Durable: It is built with an impact-resistant flame-retardant plastic cabinet, a pressure-relief valve, and a Sieve-Gard Monitor to keep the sieve bed longer-lasting.
How It Compares to Other High-Flow Stationary Concentrators
- Most energy efficient (585 W)
- Power loss alarm is conveniently battery-free; other concentrators have battery-powered power loss alarms, which can be unreliable in some cases
- Produces less noise than the DeVilbiss 10L and more than the Platinum 10
- Average size and weight
- Has 2 air filters to be cleaned weekly; slightly harder to maintain than the other two
- Costs more than the other two
What Users Think About Invacare Platinum 10
Pros
- Has a sturdy build
- Great performance
Cons
- Louder than expected
- Produces too much heat
The Verdict: Which is the Best High-Flow Home Oxygen Concentrator?
Your budget isn’t the only factor when choosing the best 10L oxygen concentrator–you also need to picture how you want your home oxygen therapy experience to be. So in this section, we listed the key features to consider before buying one and the best concentrator for each feature.
Home-fill System
Plan to fill backup oxygen tanks yourself? While you can do that with the Invacare Platinum 10, the outlet fitting is only compatible with the brand’s HomeFill system.
So for this category, the Drive DeVilbiss 10L Oxygen Concentrator is a better choice, as it’s compatible with many oxygen-filling devices.
Oxygen Purity Sensor or Indicator
Other convenient features of the DeVilbiss 10L are its digital hour meter and built-in OSD.
While you can get a Platinum 10 or Millennium M10 model with a similar oxygen sensor, Drive Medical made it a standard feature for all its 10-liter concentrators.
Ease of Transport
With its compact and lightweight design, the DeVilbiss 10L is still the best 10L oxygen concentrator for this category.
In addition to its small footprint, it comes with a top handle and recessed side handles, making it easier to wheel around or carry.
Noise Level
The DeVilbiss 10L and Platinum 10 aren’t without their flaws–the common complaint about them is the noise and heat they produce.
For quieter oxygen therapy sessions, the Philips Respironics Millennium M10 is the best choice as it stays true to its advertised noise level (less than 50 dBA).
Maintenance
When it comes to cleaning air filters, the requirements for all three concentrators are more or less the same.
The Platinum 10 has two air filters (found on both sides of the unit) to be cleaned every week, whereas the other two concentrators only have one air filter that needs to be washed weekly.
Energy Usage
The difference in power consumption between the three concentrators doesn’t seem much. But when you add it all up, the 15- to 54-watt difference can have a significant impact on your energy bills.
If you want to save more money in the long run, consider getting the Platinum 10, which uses 585 watts on average.
Price
Depending on where you shop for home oxygen concentrators, there isn’t much of a difference in upfront costs between the three. While the Millennium M10 is the cheapest on the list, its included warranty will only last a year.
If you want to be financially protected from manufacturing defects for longer, it’s better to get the DeVilbiss 10L or Platinum 10, along with their straightforward warranty policies.
Or if you’re hard-set on the Millennium M10, you can purchase additional warranties (two years without the compressor and two years for the compressor).
Haven’t decided on a concentrator yet? Explore our collection of portable and stationary oxygen concentrators and enjoy free shipping on orders over $99 (to any contiguous state). Or get in touch with our team of licensed medical professionals for one-on-one support.