Philips evolved into one of the most innovative health technology companies in the world since its beginnings in 1891. Philips develops portable oxygen concentrators under the Respironics label, and many other health and medical products to improve and manage health, and prevent, diagnose and treat disease. We chose Philips Respironics in our Best Portable Oxygen Concentrators guide for having the most versatile settings on its portable oxygen concentrators.
Philips Respironics is a global leader in the respiratory care and sleep markets. It creates innovative solutions in collaboration with consumers and health care professionals in the areas of oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation, respiratory drug delivery, oxygen saturation meters, airway clearance devices and sleep apnea management. This review focuses on Philips Respironics portable oxygen concentrators, commonly called POCs.
Pros
- Lightweight designs
- External battery is simple to remove, recharge and replace
- Multiple warranty options
- Approved by the FAA for air travel
Cons
- No oxygen if batteries discharge during a power outage
- The website does not explain how to buy POCs
Philips Respironics Oxygen Systems vs. Oxygen Concentrators
Portable oxygen concentrators and oxygen systems provide oxygen therapy to ease breathing for people with health conditions, and Philips offers both options. Oxygen systems come with replaceable tanks to deliver a continuous flow of oxygen to the patient. Oxygen concentrators compress and filter the surrounding air to produce medical grade oxygen through either continuous flow or pulse-dose delivery. A concentrator produces an unlimited supply of oxygen as long as it has power, and a lightweight, portable oxygen concentrator is much more comfortable to move around with compared to a heavy tank.
Philips Respironics offers the EverFlo for standard daytime oxygen therapy and the SimplyFlo for use while sleeping, both stationary oxygen concentrators for use in the home. However, Philips SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrators offer the most convenience for consumers with an active lifestyle.
Philips Respironics Portable Oxygen Concentrators
The primary difference between Philips SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrators is the Mini is exceptionally lightweight and useful for traveling locally or beyond. The SimplyGo is easy to carry in the case or on the fold-up cart included with the model. The SimplyGo Mini is easily carried with a shoulder strap in an attractive case.
Both Philips SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator models have eight alarms:
- Low oxygen purity
- No breath
- High breath rate
- No flow
- Low battery
- Depleted battery
- Wrong battery
- System technical fault
The SimplyGo is Philips’ standard portable oxygen concentrator. It weighs just 10 pounds with more than twice the oxygen output of any other portable oxygen concentrator. Philips SimplyGo has settings for both continuous flow and pulse-dose oxygen delivery.
SimplyGo, Source: Philips
SimplyGo’s continuous flow delivery has four settings, and the pulse-dose delivery has 11 settings to precisely meet oxygen needs or prescriptions. The standard SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator package includes a user manual and these accessories:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 3.5 hours of battery life
- AC and DC power cord
- Carrying case
- Fold-up cart
- Accessory case
- Two-year warranty
Philips SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator offers a variety of features, including a long-life compressor, intuitive and streamlined control panel, sturdy and impact-resistant design and several operating alarms. Consumers can choose from three extended warranty plans for the SimplyGo.
The SimplyGo Mini is a smaller version of the SimplyGo. The Mini weighs in at just five to six pounds depending on whether you use the standard or extended rechargeable battery. The standard battery lasts over four hours, and the extended battery runs up to nine hours. The SimplyGo Mini offers five pulse-dose oxygen settings, and you can carry it by hand, over the shoulder or in a specially designed backpack. The fully-portable oxygen concentrator package consists of:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- AC and DC power cords
- Carrying case
- Accessory case
- User manual
- Three-year warranty with 12 months on the sieve
Philips Respironics Simplygo Mini features an easy-to-use control panel in an impact-resistant design with operating alarms. Extended warranties are available on this portable oxygen concentrator.
| Style | Portable | Portable and Wearable |
| Size in Inches | 11.5 x 10 x 6 |
|
| Battery Type | Standard rechargeable lithium-ion | Standard and extended rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Weight with Battery | 10 pounds |
|
| Battery Life | 3.5 hours |
|
| Continuous Flow | 4 settings | N/A |
| Pulse-Dose | 11 settings | 5 settings |
Philips Respironics Portable Oxygen Concentrators Costs
A review of online home health care equipment dealers reveals prices between $2,495 and $2,995 for the SimplyGo POC and $2,395 to $2,495 for the SimplyGo Mini POC.
We found one- to five-year extended warranties on the Philips Respironics website but could not locate a reliable source for prices. Philips says the SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator can be repaired in a local shop instead of being sent out for warranty work.
Medicare may pick up part of the cost of buying or renting a portable oxygen concentrator. Our article, How to Pay for a Portable Oxygen Concentrator explains in-depth how to qualify for Medicare coverage and other ways to go about affording a portable oxygen concentrator.
Where to Buy Philips Respironics Portable Oxygen Concentrators
You will find both the Respironics SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrators available for sale online and at several home medical equipment retail stores. You first need to be evaluated by your doctor to determine your oxygen therapy needs; then the doctor writes a prescription used to purchase the appropriate portable oxygen concentrator.
Philips Respironics Portable Oxygen Concentrator Customer Support
SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini, Source: Philips
Consumers can get questions answered by calling Philips Respironics at the number on the website or submitting an online contact form. The site also provides user manual downloads, how-to videos and other documentation for the SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrators.
Philips Respironics Complaints
Philips Respironics portable oxygen concentrators glean high scores across online reviews. Based on 5-star ratings SleepDirect awards Respironics portable oxygen concentrators a 5, CPAPShop a 4.8 and 4.5 from American Medical Sales and Rentals Oxygen Store customers. Consumer reviews for Philips Respironics average 3.5 stars on ConsumerAffairs, but with only one review specifically for the SimplyGo line.
ConsumerAffairs lists Philips Respironics portable oxygen concentrators among the best in the industry as of late 2018 and SimplyGo and SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrators are routinely included in reviews highlighting the best portable oxygen concentrators.
Philips Respironics Q&A
Can I buy a Philips SimplyGo or SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrator on Amazon?
Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment requiring a physician’s prescription, so you can’t safely order any portable oxygen concentrator from Amazon. However, you can buy accessories and supplies for Philips Respironics portable oxygen concentrators.How do I know if I need to use continuous flow or pulse-dose oxygen delivery with my SimplyGo portable oxygen concentrator?
Your level of dependence on oxygen therapy determines whether your doctor prescribes continuous flow or pulse-dose delivery. Continuous flow portable oxygen concentrators are geared toward less active people or for when consumers are sitting or sleeping. Pulse-dose is ideal for more physically active people.Are there any precautions with using a Philips Respironics portable oxygen concentrator?
Anyone on oxygen therapy should take care to avoid open flames or cigarettes while using a portable oxygen concentrator since the oxygen is highly flammable. The other precaution is always avoid using a portable oxygen concentrator in small, unventilated rooms.Does private insurance pay for the purchase or rental of a Philips Respironics portable oxygen concentrator?
As prescribed durable medical equipment, private insurance typically covers portable oxygen concentrators. In some cases, private insurance only covers the insured’s basic oxygen needs with less expensive equipment, such as a standard oxygen tank system. Check with your insurance carrier for more information.Can I take the SimplyGo or the SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrator on an airplane?
Yes, you can travel by air with a portable oxygen concentrator from Philips Respironics, or via any other transportation means. The Department of Transportation ruled in 2009 that airline passengers who use oxygen therapy are permitted to use an FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator on any flight. Both Respironics SimplyGo and the SimplyGo Mini are FAA-approved devices.
Conclusion
According to the American Lung Association, oxygen therapy significantly improves the quality of life for those with acute and chronic breathing conditions. These benefits include reduced shortness of breath, less fatigue, higher energy levels, and improved sleep. The ease and convenience of Philips Respironics portable oxygen concentrators make SimplyGo models a popular option for consumers, especially those with an active lifestyle. Both portable oxygen concentrators combine high-quality components and rugged durability with lightweight construction for short-term or long-term use.
For pricing information or to start a purchase, call (877) 751-0746 or get started with shopping online. </