Understanding Flow Rate and Battery Life in Portable Oxygen Therapy

Matthew Hellyar
Jul 7
4 min read

If you or a loved one uses home oxygen therapy, you may be thinking about getting a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). These lightweight, travel-friendly devices can make a big difference in maintaining your independence and quality of life. Whether it's running errands, visiting family, or just enjoying a walk outdoors, portable oxygen helps keep you moving.

But with many models on the market, how do you choose the right one? Two of the most important features to consider when selecting a POC are flow rate and battery life.

In this guide, we'll break down what these terms mean, why they matter, and how they impact your oxygen therapy experience.

What Is Flow Rate in Portable Oxygen?

Flow rate refers to the amount of oxygen a concentrator delivers, measured in liters per minute (LPM). Your doctor or respiratory therapist will prescribe a flow rate based on your oxygen needs—both at rest and during activity.

Two Types of Flow Settings:

Pulse Dose (or Demand Flow):Delivers a small burst of oxygen only when you inhale. This mode conserves battery life and allows for smaller, lighter devices. Most portable oxygen units use this method.
Continuous Flow:Delivers a steady stream of oxygen whether you are inhaling or exhaling. This setting is often required for patients who need oxygen during sleep or at higher levels throughout the day.

Important Note:Most portable oxygen concentrators on the market only offer pulse dose delivery. A few larger units offer low continuous flow (typically up to 2–3 LPM), but these are heavier and may have shorter battery life. If your prescription requires continuous flow, speak with your oxygen provider to ensure the device can meet your needs.

Why Flow Rate Matters:

Your oxygen flow must meet your prescription requirements to be safe and effective.
Too low a flow may lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or low oxygen levels.
Not all devices can deliver the same amount or type of flow—selecting the right match is essential for your health and comfort.

What Is Battery Life in Portable Oxygen?

Battery life is how long a portable oxygen concentrator can operate on a full charge before it needs to be plugged in. Depending on how long you’re away from home and how often you use oxygen, battery life may be one of the most important features to consider.

Why Battery Life Matters:

Longer battery life allows you to:

Leave home without the stress of running out of oxygen
Spend more time outdoors or traveling
Reduce dependency on wall power, car chargers, or frequent battery swaps

For many people, battery life is the limiting factor in how long they can remain active and independent throughout the day.

Lithium-Ion Batteries: The Standard for Portable Oxygen

Most portable oxygen concentrators are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries—the same reliable battery technology used in phones and laptops. These batteries are designed to be lightweight, durable, and medical-grade safe.

POC batteries typically come in two sizes:

8-cell battery:Compact and lightweight, offering shorter run time—often 3 to 5 hours on lower pulse settings.
16-cell battery:Larger but longer-lasting, with 6 to 10+ hours of run time on pulse settings, depending on the device and flow rate.

Many patients choose to carry extra batteries or use dual battery options to extend their mobility.

The Link Between Flow Rate and Battery Life

There’s a direct relationship between flow rate and battery life—and understanding this link is key to choosing the right device.

The higher the flow rate, the faster the battery drains.

Here’s what that might look like:

A device set to pulse dose 2 might last 8–10 hours on a 16-cell battery.
That same device at pulse dose 4 may last only 4–5 hours.
On continuous flow (if available), battery life could drop to 1.5–3 hours, depending on the setting.

That’s why it’s essential to match the device to both your oxygen needs and your daily activity level. If you’re frequently on the go, you’ll want a solution that balances flow performance with dependable power.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Portable Oxygen Device

To make the best choice, consider the following:

What is my prescribed flow rate?
Do I need pulse dose or continuous flow?
How many hours per day am I away from home or a power outlet?
Will I be using oxygen during sleep or exercise?
Do I prefer a lighter device with shorter battery life or a heavier device with extended power?

These answers will help guide your decision and ensure your oxygen therapy fits into your lifestyle—not the other way around.

Respocare Is Here to Help You Make the Right Choice

At Respocare, we know that choosing the right portable oxygen solution can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. We’re dedicated to providing you with the right solution based on your prescription, your mobility, and your goals.

Our goal is to keep you breathing well, moving freely, and living fully—with oxygen therapy that works for your life.

Speak to us today to learn more or to schedule a one-on-one consultation.