New vs Used Oxygen Concentrators: What Is the Real Difference?
New vs Refurbished Oxygen Concentrators: What Is the Real Difference?
If you are shopping for an oxygen concentrator, one of the biggest decisions is whether to buy new or refurbished. Both options can make sense, but for different reasons.
This guide breaks down the real differences so you can choose with confidence based on your needs, your budget, and how you plan to use oxygen day to day.
This content is educational only. Always follow your clinician’s guidance and your prescription.
What “new” means
A new oxygen concentrator is a brand new unit that has not been previously used. People usually choose new when they want maximum peace of mind, a fresh start, and a device that is in original condition from day one.
Current new options on our store include:
• Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
• Rhythm P2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
What “refurbished” means
A refurbished oxygen concentrator is a unit that has been previously owned or opened and then serviced and restored for resale. People usually choose refurbished to get better value, especially when they want a trusted model at a lower cost than buying new.
Current refurbished options on our store include:
• Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator Refurbished
• OxyGo Next Portable Oxygen Concentrator Refurbished
• Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator Refurbished
• Inogen One G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator Refurbished
• Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator Refurbished
• Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator Refurbished
New vs refurbished comparison table
| Category | New oxygen concentrator | Refurbished oxygen concentrator |
| Price | Typically higher upfront cost | Typically lower cost for a similar performance class |
| Condition | Brand new unit with no prior use | Previously owned or opened, then serviced and restored for resale |
| Cosmetic appearance | Usually flawless | May show minor cosmetic wear depending on the unit |
| Best for | People who want maximum peace of mind and a fresh start | People who want strong value, a trusted model, or a backup unit |
| Availability | Usually more consistent | Can vary based on inventory and model demand |
| Warranty and support | Varies by product and seller, confirm on the product page | Varies by product and seller, confirm on the product page |
| Performance | Should match manufacturer specs when used properly | Should be restored to reliable working condition when properly refurbished |
| Ideal purchase mindset | I want the newest unit available | I want the best value that still meets my needs |
What matters more than “new vs refurbished”
Most buyers focus on new vs refurbished first, but the more important questions are:
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Does your prescription require pulse dose or continuous flow
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Do you need the concentrator mainly at home, mainly out of the house, or both
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How important are portability and battery flexibility for your daily routine
For example, if your clinician indicates you need continuous flow, that narrows your choices quickly. A popular portable option people compare in that category is:
• Philips Respironics SimplyGo Refurbished
If you care most about lightweight portability for daily errands, many shoppers compare:
• Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Refurbished
• OxyGo Next Refurbished
• Inogen One G4 Refurbished
When a new oxygen concentrator is usually the better choice
New is a great fit when:
• You want a brand new unit in original condition
• You want the simplest buying decision with the least uncertainty
• You plan to use the concentrator as your primary unit every day and you prefer new
New options available now:
• Inogen One G5
• Rhythm P2
When a refurbished oxygen concentrator is usually the better choice
Refurbished is a great fit when:
• You want better value without stepping down into unknown brands
• You want a well known model at a more accessible price
• You want a second unit for travel, emergencies, or backup
Refurbished options available now:
• Inogen One G5 Refurbished
• Inogen One G3 Refurbished
• Inogen One G4 Refurbished
• OxyGo Next Refurbished
• SimplyGo Mini Refurbished
• SimplyGo Refurbished
Quick decision guide
Choose new if:
• You want brand new condition
• You prefer the simplest purchase decision
• You want a fresh start with a primary device
Compare:
• Inogen One G5 New
• Rhythm P2 New
Choose refurbished if:
• You want better value
• You want access to popular models at a lower cost
• You want a backup unit or a travel friendly option
Compare:
• SimplyGo Mini Refurbished
• OxyGo Next Refurbished
• Inogen G4 Refurbished
FAQ
Is refurbished safe to buy
Refurbished can be a smart option when you buy from a reputable seller that clearly explains the condition, servicing process, and support options. If anything is unclear, ask before purchasing.
Do I need a prescription to buy an oxygen concentrator
Oxygen concentrators are medical devices, and requirements can depend on the product and where you live. If you are unsure, check with your clinician and confirm what documentation is needed.
How do I know which model is right for me
Start with your prescription, then match your lifestyle. If you tell us how you plan to use oxygen and whether you need pulse dose or continuous flow, we can point you toward the most practical options.
Have questions before you choose
If you are not sure whether new or refurbished makes more sense for your situation, open a chat with us. You will see the chat option at the bottom right of our site, and we can help you narrow it down based on your needs.
If you want, I can also create the Excerpt and a short Summary for Shopify metafields for this article, same as the last one.