Philips Portable Oxygen Concentrator Reviews

Portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight alternatives to heavy oxygen cylinders for oxygen therapy on-the-go. Lighter, sleeker and more user-friendly, portable oxygen machines help oxygen users lead healthier and more active lives. Whether it’s running errands, golfing, or hiking local trails, portable oxygen concentrators help make these activities possible again.

For many oxygen users, portable oxygen concentrators provide a newfound sense of freedom and independence. As such, it’s crucial to choose a one that not only meets your oxygen needs, but is also comfortable to carry around and fits your lifestyle. In this Philips portable oxygen concentrator review, we’ll examine the SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini, looking at key features, benefits and drawbacks for each. We’ll also compare machine specifications in detail.

In This Comparison Review

• SimplyGo Key Features, Pros & Cons
• SimplyGo Mini Key Features, Pros & Cons
• SimplyGo Mini vs SimplyGo: Compare Specifications
• SimplyGo Review
• SimplyGo Mini Review
• Maintenance Requirements: SimplyGo vs. SimplyGo Mini

Launched more than 10 years ago in 2012, the Philips Respironics SimplyGo remains one of the most popular portable oxygen concentrators on the market today. With the ability to deliver pulse dose and continuous flow oxygen, the SimplyGo is widely used and preferred by oxygen patients and suppliers alike.

• Features both pulse dose and continuous flow oxygen delivery to meet a wide range of oxygen needs. 
• Runs off standard AC power, DC power and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
• Battery is easily accessible. 
• Built to last: long-life compressor and a strong and impact-resistant shell withstands everyday wear and tear.
• FAA-approved for use on commercial airlines. 
• Unique Sleep Mode delivers pulse dose oxygen at night. The SimplyGo becomes more sensitive to triggering in this mode and delivers a dose of oxygen at a lower amplitude over a longer time period. If the concentrator doesn’t detect a breath, it automatically switches to 2 L/min continuous flow for user safety. 
• Low maintenance: no filters to clean or replace. 
• Comes with a carrying case with an adjustable shoulder strap as well as a mobile cart with oversized wheels. The mobile cart is easy to maneuver and suitable for all indoor terrains. It also works on grass and dirt.

Pros

• Continuous flow oxygen mode (max 2 L/min) makes this Philips portable oxygen concentrator suitable for those with higher oxygen needs.
• Can be used for nocturnal oxygen therapy and as a source of supplemental oxygen with CPAP or BiPAP.
• Delivers up to 2000 ml/min +/- 300 ml oxygen on the highest pulse dose setting. This is assuming an average breath rate of 20 breaths per minute. 

Cons

• Weighing 10 lbs (4.54 kg) with the battery inserted, the SimplyGo may be too heavy to carry for long periods. Extended use of the shoulder strap on the carrying case may be uncomfortable.

The SimplyGo Mini, released by Philips Respironics in 2016 following the success of the SimplyGo, is a smaller and lighter portable oxygen concentrator designed solely for pulse dose oxygen delivery.

• Incredibly lightweight at 5 lb (2.27 kg) with standard battery or 6 lb (2.72 kg) with extended battery
• Comes with standard and extended battery options. The standard battery provides up to 4.5 hours or runtime on pulse dose setting 2. The extended battery doubles the runtime for up to 9 hours of usage on setting 2.
• FAA-approved for use on commercial airlines. 
• Battery can be easily removed from the unit. 
• Comes with a carrying case with an adjustable shoulder strap for easy transportation. A backpack is also available for hands-free carrying.
• Low maintenance device with no filters to clean or replace.
• Can be powered via a rechargeable lithium battery, as well as AC and DC power sources. The concentrator includes an AC adapter for wall outlet connections and a DC adapter that can be plugged into a vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. A battery is also included. 

Pros

• Pulse dose delivery conserves oxygen and extends battery life. This is because oxygen is only delivered during inhalation.
• Compact and lightweight design makes it easier to carry for extended lengths of time.
• Delivers up to 1000 ml/min +/- 150 ml oxygen at setting 5 at an average breath rate of 20 breaths per minute.

Cons

• Not suitable for users requiring more than 1 L/min oxygen.
• Not suitable for users who have difficulty triggering the concentrator on inhalation. 
• Unlike the SimplyGo, this Philips portable oxygen concentrator is not recommended for nocturnal oxygen therapy. During sleep, our breathing tends to be shallower, making it more difficult for the concentrator to detect inhalation. This can potentially prevent the machine from triggering and delivering oxygen.
• As a pulse dose only unit, the SimplyGo Mini cannot be used to provide extra oxygen to CPAP or BiPAP therapy.

	SimplyGo Mini	SimplyGo
Dimensions
Size (with battery)	Standard battery: 9.4” x 8.3” x 3.6” (23.9 cm x 21.1 cm x 9.1 cm) Extended battery: 10.2” x 8.3” x 3.6” (25.9 cm x 21.1 cm x 9.1 cm)	11.5” x 10” x 6” (29.2 cm x 25.4 cm x 15.2 cm)
Weight (with battery)	5.0 lbs (2.3 kg) with standard battery 6 lbs (2.7 kg) with extended battery	10.0 lbs (4.54 kg)
Capabilities
Oxygen Concentration	87%-96%	87%-96%
Oxygen Output	Pulse Dose (settings 1-5)	Pulse Dose (settings 1-6) Continuous Flow (0.5-2.0 L/min in 0.5 L/min increments) Sleep Mode (variable pulse dose settings 1-6 for a constant minute volume/setting)
Battery
Battery Options	Standard Battery  Extended Battery (equals 2 standard batteries)	Standard Battery only
Battery Recharge Time	Standard Battery: 4 hours max from fully discharged Extended Battery: 8 hours max from fully discharged	2-6 hours from fully discharged
Battery Duration (fully charged)	Up to 4.5 hours (at setting 2 and 20 BPM with standard battery)  Up to 9 hours (at setting 2 and 20 BPM with extended battery)	Up to 4.5 hours (at setting 2 and 20 BPM)  Up to 0.9 hours (at max 2 L/min continuous flow)
Battery Weight	Standard Battery: 1.1 lbs (0.50 kg) Extended Battery: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)	1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)
Battery Size	Standard Battery: 7.9” x 3.6” x 1.0” (20.1 cm x 9.1 cm x 2.5 cm) Extended Battery: 7.9” x 3.6” x 1.9” (20.1 cm x 9.1 cm x 4.8 cm)	0.9” x 7.4” x 4.6” (2.3 cm x 18.8 cm x 11.7 cm)
AC Power
AC Input	100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz	100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
AC Output	19 VDC, 6.3 A max	19 VDC, 7.9 A max
DC Power
DC Input	12-16 VDC	11.5-16 VDC, 18 A max
DC Output	19 +/- 5% VDC, 6.3 A	19 VDC, 7.9 A max
General Specifications
Price	$1950*	$1845*
Noise Level	42 dBA at setting 2 and 20 BPM	43 dBA at setting 2 and 20 BPM
Warranty	2 Year Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year Oxygen Sieve Bed Warranty	2 Year Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year Oxygen Sieve Bed Warranty
Included Accessories	Carry case with adjustable shoulder strap, accessory bag	Carry case with adjustable shoulder strap, mobile cart, accessory bag
Additional Accessories For Purchase	Backpack	Humidifier pouch, external battery charger

*Price as of this review’s last update

This Philips portable oxygen concentrator is built for durability. According to Philips, the SimplyGo’s compressor is designed to last for approximately 15,000 hours, or roughly five years if the concentrator is used 8 hours a day. The unit features an easy-to-clean rugged plastic exterior that only needs to be wiped down with a damp cloth when dirty. The LCD screen displays current battery life, operating mode, settings, and alarms (if any), with large numbers and intuitive symbols.

What users don’t like about the SimplyGo

• If you’re sensitive to noise, this Philips portable oxygen concentrator may not be for you. At 43 decibels, the SimplyGo is quieter than a refrigerator, but can still be loud enough to keep some users up at night. If you can’t fall asleep in a quiet library, you’ll probably find this concentrator too noisy for nighttime use.
• Battery duration is too short on higher settings. A fully charged battery only lasts 54 mins on 2 L/min. If your oxygen needs are high, we recommend packing extra batteries and the SimplyGo DC adapter when leaving home.
• It can be too heavy for some users. Weighing in at 10 lbs, the SimplyGo can quickly become burdensome to carry. Users with arthritic joint pain or shoulder pain report it is challenging to use the carrying bag. Instead, they must rely on the cart for transportation.

The SimplyGo Mini is a lighter and smaller Philips portable oxygen concentrator that’s just as durable. This small, 5 lb concentrator is equipped with an impact-resistant shell and a touchscreen LCD display. Users can navigate through the device menu by tapping on the tool icon. They can also access the oxygen settings menu by tapping on the number representing their current setting. With its user-friendly interface and sleek, non-clinical design, the SimplyGo Mini appeals to users of all age groups.

What users like about the SimplyGo Mini 

• Many oxygen users love the aesthetics. More specifically, they appreciate that the SimplyGo Mini doesn’t look like a piece of medical equipment. They don’t feel self conscious using oxygen in public with the SimplyGo Mini.
• User-friendly interface with easy-to-read information. The current oxygen setting and battery charge level is prominently displayed on the screen. 
• The extended battery is worth the money for double the amount of battery runtime. Yes, you pay more for the extended battery but it gives you more freedom in return.
• The backpack. Quite a few users rave about how much more convenient the backpack is compared to the shoulder carry case. The backpack distributes weight evenly, leaves both hands free for doing work around the house and it makes traveling easier. It’s hard to enjoy the sights when you have to keep adjusting the shoulder strap.

What users don’t like about the SimplyGo Mini 

• Although the backpack comes with high praise, it’s worth pointing out that it doesn’t provide access to charging. Users need to unzip the backpack to charge the SimplyGo Mini – quite the design flaw. 
• Noise. With an operating sound level of 42 decibels, the SimplyGo Mini is almost as loud as the SimplyGo, which runs at 43 decibels. Again, this is quieter than a refrigerator, but it is a constant background noise that some may find disruptive. 

Both the SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini are low maintenance portable oxygen concentrators. They don’t have any external filters that need to be cleaned or changed and each model is equipped with an internal bacterial filter that’s designed to last as long as the compressor. No filter changes are required for either Philips portable oxygen concentrator.

The only part that requires replacement in either machine is the oxygen sieve bed. The oxygen sieve bed removes nitrogen from the air and concentrates oxygen to produce pure oxygen. Sieve beds should be replaced annually and replacements are handled by your oxygen equipment provider.

If you purchased your Philips portable oxygen concentrator online, you’ll need to find an oxygen concentrator repair store to replace the sieve bed. Philips Respironics, unfortunately, does not provide repair or maintenance support for oxygen equipment. While they will replace the sieve bed if it’s under warranty, they do not assist with the process of replacing an old sieve bed with a new one.

In conclusion, both the Philips Respironics SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrators present a variety of features to meet the diverse needs of oxygen users. The choice between the two ultimately depends on individual needs and lifestyle.  If you need higher oxygen flow rates or use oxygen at night, the SimplyGo is the concentrator for you. However, if you’re on the hunt for a lightweight, aesthetically pleasing POC for daytime use, the SimplyGo Mini may be more up your alley.

When shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator, remember to think about your oxygen requirements, daily activities, budget, and lifestyle. The right portable oxygen concentrator will enhance your quality of life without compromising on your oxygen needs.

If you have any questions about either Philips portable oxygen concentrator, feel free to contact us. With experienced medical staff on board, RespShop is here to answer your oxygen therapy questions.