Oxygen concentrators ease breathing for people suffering from COPD and other respiratory difficulties. However, like all prescription medical devices, concentrators aren’t cheap. To ease the cost for this necessary therapy, pre-owned concentrators are on the market to make clear breathing affordable to everyone. It’s one of the most effective ways to save money on home oxygen machines. However, before you buy, there are some factors to consider when buying a used oxygen concentrator.
Specifications Still Matter
Oxygen concentrators are not a one-size-fits-all medical device. Concentrators vary greatly in how many liters per minute they can provide, how much they weigh, how long their batteries last, and—n the case of home concentrators—whether they have battery backup at all. Even though there are usually financial considerations behind searching for pre-owned concentrators, don’t simply choose the least expensive unit on offer. Pay close attention to the varying specifications among models and determine which one is best for your situation—just as you would if you were buying a brand-new one. It helps to be familiar with the top name brands for personal oxygen units, too.
How Used Is Too Used?
Oxygen concentrators have finite lifespans. How long do they last? Generally, between five and seven years with proper maintenance. Batteries on portable concentrators tend to be good for about 500 recharge cycles. While you probably won’t find an exact usage log accompanying a pre-owned concentrator, you can use the unit’s serial number and a call to customer service to give yourself a rough estimate of how many “miles” a concentrator has on it. If a unit is already five years old, you had better budget for a replacement soon.
All Sellers May Not Be Reputable
There’s a lot you can buy on Craigslist. The world’s free digital classifieds are a great place to pick up an extra couch for the basement, pin down a collectible you’ve been after for years, or even find a new apartment. One item you certainly won’t want to use person-to-person commerce to procure is a pre-owned oxygen concentrator. When we’re concerned with something as integral as breathing, we can’t take any chances in who we buy from. Independent sellers have no medical accreditation or state licensure. They offer no warranties or services. They can’t even guarantee that they’ve cleaned their old units sufficiently. You’ve heard the phrase “buyer beware,” but these solo vendors should take you beyond wariness and into looking elsewhere.
There are many factors to consider when buying a used oxygen concentrator. Perhaps none is more important than the reputability of the vendor you’re doing business with. You can’t put a price on the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re working with an accredited and licensed specialist in oxygen devices. Bridge to Care goes the extra mile to ensure you can shop with confidence. With accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, we offer both new and pre-owned portable oxygen concentrators, along with new and pre-owned stationary models for home use. Reach out if you have any questions when you’re looking for your next oxygen machine. We’re here to help!