Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are a convenient and reliable source of supplemental oxygen for people who require oxygen therapy on the go. They extract and concentrate oxygen from the surrounding air and deliver it directly to the user through a nasal cannula. POCs eliminate the need for cumbersome oxygen tanks and the inconvenience of scheduling oxygen deliveries. For many oxygen users, portable oxygen concentrators are preferred over traditional oxygen tanks that are awkward to maneuver and draw attention in public settings .
Another advantage of POCs is their versatility in terms of power sources. Portable oxygen concentrators are equipped with rechargeable lithium batteries that eliminates the need to be tied down to a power source. Additionally, POCs are compatible with both AC and DC power sources, ensuring uninterrupted oxygen therapy, no matter where you are.
Unlike oxygen tanks or home oxygen concentrators that are designed solely for oxygen delivery, POCs are designed with user-convenience at the forefront. They feature intuitive interfaces, easy-to-read displays, and adjustable oxygen flow settings for personalized oxygen delivery. In other words, POCs are sophisticated portable oxygen delivery devices for the modern oxygen user.
With so many features and settings, it can be difficult to decide which portable oxygen concentrator is the best fit for you. In this comparison review, we take an in-depth look at the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini and the Belluscura X-PLOR – two compact POCs with similar price points. For each unit, we’ll examine its key features as well as its pros and cons. We’ll also compare important specifications, maintenance requirements and user experience between the two POCs.
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The SimplyGo Mini debuted in 2016 following the success of Philips Respironics larger and heavier SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator four years earlier. Featuring a distinctly non-clinical look, the SimplyGo Mini is a powerful pulse dose concentrator capable of high oxygen output. At the highest setting, the SimplyGo delivers a maximum of 1000 ml/min +/- 150 ml oxygen.
Key Features
- Only 5 lb (2.27 kg) with standard battery or 6 lb (2.72 kg) with extended battery.
- The SimplyGo Mini is available with either a standard battery or an extended battery. The standard battery provides up to 4.5 hours of battery life on pulse dose setting 2. On the other hand, the extended battery doubles the runtime and provides up to 9 hours of battery life on the same setting.
- Battery is easy to remove and replace.
- FAA-approved for use on commercial airlines
- Pulse dose oxygen delivery with settings 1 to 5.
- Designed for portability, the SimplyGo Mini comes with an adjustable shoulder carry case. A backpack, sold separately, is available for hands-free carrying.
- No external filters to clean or replace.
- Can be powered via a rechargeable lithium battery, as well as by AC and DC power. The SimplyGo Mini includes an AC adapter for wall outlet connection and a DC adapter that can be plugged into a vehicle cigarette lighter socket. A battery is also included.
Pros
- Pulse dose delivery conserves oxygen and extends battery life when compared to continuous flow oxygen delivery. A concentrator that delivers continuous flow is constantly supplying oxygen to the user regardless of whether they are inhaling or exhaling. This causes oxygen waste and drains battery life because the concentrator is constantly running.
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry the unit for extended lengths of time.
- The SimplyGo Mini is capable of delivering up to 1000 ml/min +/- 150 ml oxygen at its maximum setting of 5. Note that this assumes an average breath rate of 20 breaths per minute.
- High oxygen concentration levels (87%-96%) ensure greater peace of mind.
Cons
- Not suitable for users requiring more than 1 L/min oxygen.
- Not suitable for users who have difficulty triggering the concentrator on inhalation.
- The SimplyGo Mini is not recommended for nocturnal oxygen therapy. During sleep, our breath tends to be shallower, making it more difficult for the concentrator to detect inhalation. This could potentially prevent the SimplyGo Mini from triggering and delivering oxygen.
- As a pulse dose oxygen concentrator, the SimplyGo Mini cannot be used as a source of supplemental oxygen for CPAP and BiPAP therapy.
Belluscura X-PLOR Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Established in 2015, UK medical device company Belluscura is dedicated to engineering and producing innovative oxygen products for those with chronic lung diseases. With a mission to “help patients explore better, healthier lifestyles”, Belluscura developed the X-PLOR Portable Oxygen Concentrator which received the Providers’ Choice Gold award at the 2021 MedTrade East HME (Home Medical Equipment) trade show and conference.
Key Features
- Incredibly lightweight at just 3.75 lbs (1.75 kg) with the battery inserted.
- Pulse dose oxygen delivery with settings 1 to 4.
- FAA-approved for use on commercial airlines
- Up to 4 hrs battery life on the lowest oxygen setting 1 and up to 2.5 hrs battery life on the highest setting of 4.
- Compatible with the Nomad Biometrics mobile app that tracks oxygen usage, battery life, oxygen concentration level and other important oxygen metrics.
Pros
- Nomad Biometrics app helps users stay on top of their POC performance and monitor their oxygen therapy. The app is user-friendly, compatible with Android and iOS systems and can also connect to your smartwatch or Fitbit.
- Lightweight and portable at almost half the weight of the SimplyGo Mini.
- Delivers up to 750 ml/min +/- 15% oxygen at its maximum setting of 4. This is at an average breath rate of 20 breaths per minute.
- Users can replace the oxygen sieve bed themselves and do not need to rely on their oxygen supplier or a third party oxygen equipment repair company.
- Like the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini, the X-PLOR portable oxygen concentrator can be powered via a rechargeable lithium battery as well as by AC and DC power. The concentrator comes with a battery, AC power supply and DC adapter.
Cons
- The X-PLOR is not suitable for patients with high oxygen needs. It delivers less than an equivalent of 1 L/min oxygen at the maximum pulse dose setting.
- As a pulse dose oxygen concentrator, the Belluscura X-PLOR is not recommended for nocturnal oxygen therapy. It should not be used in conjunction with a CPAP or BiPAP machine as a source of supplemental oxygen.
- Like all portable oxygen concentrators, the X-PLOR is not suitable for anyone who has trouble triggering the concentrator.
SimplyGo Mini vs. X-PLOR Specifications Comparison
| SimplyGo Mini | X-PLOR | |
| 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) | 7.3″ x 2.9″ x 7.6″ (18.5 cm x 7.4 cm x 19.3 cm) |
| Weight (with battery) | 5.0 lbs (2.3 kg) with standard battery 6 lbs (2.7 kg) with extended battery | 3.75 lb (1.75 kg) |
| Capabilities | ||
| Oxygen Concentration | 87%-96% | 82%-92% |
| Oxygen Output | Pulse Dose (settings 1-5) Setting 1 equivalent to 220 ml/min (at 20 breaths/min) Setting 5 equivalent to 1000 ml/min (at 20 breaths/min) | Pulse Dose (settings 1-4) Setting 1 equivalent to 215 ml/min (at 20 breaths/min) Setting 4 equivalent to 750 ml/min (at 20 breaths/min) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Options | Standard Battery Extended Battery (equals 2 standard batteries) | Standard (8-cell) Battery |
| Battery Recharge Time | Standard Battery: 4 hours max from fully discharged Extended Battery: 8 hours max from fully discharged | 2 hours from fully discharged |
| Battery Duration (fully charged) | Up to 6 hours (at setting 1 and 20 BPM with standard battery) Up to 12 hours (at setting 1 and 20 BPM with extended battery) Up to 2 hours (at setting 5 and 20 BPM with standard battery) Up to 4 hours (at setting 5 and 20 BPM with extended battery) | Up to 4 hours (at setting 1) Up to 2.5 hours (at setting 4) |
| Battery Weight | Standard Battery: 1.1 lbs (0.50 kg) Extended Battery: 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg) | 1.25 lbs (0.57 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) | 7.25” x 2.75” x 2”(18.4 cm x 7 cm x 5 cm) |
| AC Power | ||
| AC Input | 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz | 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| DC Power | ||
| DC Input | 12-16 VDC | 15 VDC |
| General Specifications | ||
| Noise Level | 42 dBA at setting 2 | < 39 dBA at setting 2 |
| Warranty | 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year Oxygen Sieve Bed Warranty | 3 Year Manufacturer Warranty 6 Months Oxygen Sieve Bed Warranty |
| Included Accessories | Carry case with adjustable shoulder strap, accessory bag | Carry case with adjustable shoulder strap |
| Additional Accessories For Purchase | Backpack | Backpack |
SimplyGo Mini User Experience
The sleek and attractive SimplyGo Mini POC is a compact and user-friendly solution for active oxygen users. Weighing only 5 lbs with a standard battery, the SimplyGo Mini is one of the lightest POCs available.
But don’t take our word for it – see what users have to say about this powerhouse of a POC. We’ve scoured the internet, looking at user reviews from various online oxygen concentrator retailers and of course, Amazon. Here’s what users all over the world have to say:
What users like about the SimplyGo Mini
- Many reviewers appreciate the aesthetics of the unit. The SimplyGo Mini doesn’t look like a piece of medical equipment and it helps users feel less self conscious using oxygen in public.
- User-friendly interface with easy-to-read information. Reviewers like how the current oxygen setting and battery charge level is prominently displayed on the screen.
- A lot of reviewers remarked they were glad they purchased the extended battery. Quite a few mentioned the extended battery is expensive but said that it was worth the money for double the amount of runtime. As one reviewer on Amazon put it, “I get between five and seven hours on a charge and it has changed how I live my life.”
- The backpack. With an average score of 4.5/5 stars over 130 ratings on Amazon, the SimplyGo Mini Backpack appears much loved by SimplyGo Mini users. Reviews state that the backpack distributes weight evenly and leaves both hands free for doing work around the house or for running errands.
What users don’t like about the SimplyGo Mini
- Users who opt to use the backpack find that it has one major design flaw. They need to unzip the backpack to charge their SimplyGo Mini.
- Noise. With an operating sound level of 42 decibels, the SimplyGo Mini is quieter than a refrigerator, but still loud enough that it creates a constant background noise which can be hard to tune out.
X-PLOR User Experience
At only 3.75 lb (1.75 kg), the Belluscura X-PLOR is a travel-friendly POC that is true to its name. Despite its compact size, the X-PLOR does not compromise on performance. It can deliver up to an equivalent of 750 ml/min of oxygen flow at its highest pulse dose setting, seamlessly blending portability with functionality.
What users like about the X-PLOR
- The battery recharges from empty in only 2 hours.
- It is incredibly lightweight: “I feel like there’s nothing there!”
- Users can replace the oxygen sieve bed themselves without needing to contact their oxygen equipment supplier.
- The Nomad Biometrics app makes it easy to stay on top of therapy. One reviewer commented that the app lets him know with confidence that his father is receiving proper treatment. He can see his father’s oxygen intake and how the X-PLOR concentrator is performing straight from his phone.
What users don’t like about the X-PLOR
- Short battery duration.
- Lower oxygen delivery compared to other portable oxygen concentrators. Some users find the X-PLO can’t deliver enough oxygen to meet their needs, especially on exertion.
Maintenance Requirements: SimplyGo Mini vs. X-PLOR
Regular maintenance of your portable oxygen concentrator (POC) can extend its lifespan, saving you both time and money. Depending on your agreement with your oxygen supplier, you may or may not have access to a backup POC while yours is out for repair. Although you could rent a backup POC during this period, it’s ultimately in your best interest to avoid such situations by maintaining your device properly.
SimplyGo Mini Maintenance Requirements
The oxygen sieve bed should be replaced annually. If you purchased your device from a local supplier, they should assist you with this replacement. However, if you purchased your SimplyGo Mini online, you’ll need to find a third party oxygen equipment repair company to help you replace the sieve bed. Philips Respironics, unfortunately, does not provide repair or maintenance support for oxygen equipment.
X-PLOR Maintenance Requirements
Like the SimplyGo Mini, the X-PLOR’s oxygen sieve bed, or oxygen cartridge, needs to be replaced regularly to ensure adequate oxygen output. However, unlike the SimplyGo Mini, the X-PLOR is designed so that users can replace the oxygen sieve bed themselves.
The X-PLOR will display “oxygen low” when the cartridge is nearing the end of its service life. It’s a good idea to arrange for a replacement cartridge when you see this message. When the X-PLOR display reads “replace cartridge,” it is time to replace the cartridge as soon as possible to avoid disruption to your oxygen therapy.
In addition to replacing the cartridge when prompted, the Belluscura X-PLOR POC also has an external air filter that should be cleaned weekly. A dirty filter can cause the concentrator to overheat so it is important to wash the filter regularly. Hand wash the air filter with mild detergent and warm water and make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Let the filter air dry completely before reinsertion.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, both the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini and the Belluscura X-PLOR are lightweight and compact portable oxygen concentrators designed for active lifestyles. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to oxygen requirements and maintenance preferences.
If you need higher oxygen delivery rates, the SimplyGo Mini, with a maximum output of up to 1000 ml/min may be the better choice. On the other hand, if your oxygen needs are lower and you’re looking for a portable oxygen concentrator that is easy to maintain and requires minimal servicing, the Belluscura X-PLOR may be more your cup of tea.
If you have any questions about the SimplyGo Mini or the X-PLOR portable oxygen concentrators, feel free to contact our customer service team. Our team of experienced medical staff is here to answer your stationary and portable oxygen concentrator questions, and provide guidance on home oxygen therapy.