made easier to compare.
In South Africa, oxygen concentrator pricing varies widely depending on flow rate, delivery type, battery size, brand and whether you buy new or refurbished. This guide helps you compare the main price brackets before choosing a machine.
Pricing checked on . Sale prices and refurbished stock can change, so confirm the current product page before ordering.
How much does an oxygen concentrator cost in South Africa?
New home oxygen concentrators currently start at about R12,500. Higher-flow 10L units cost more, while portable oxygen concentrators carry a premium for lighter construction, batteries and mobility features.
A lower-priced machine is not suitable simply because it is affordable. Match the prescribed flow requirement and whether continuous-flow or pulse-dose oxygen is required before comparing brands, batteries, warranty and extras.
5L home concentrators
Continuous-flow machines for prescribed home oxygen therapy up to 5 L/min.
Compare home units →10L home concentrators
Higher-output continuous-flow machines for users with a prescribed need above 5 L/min.
Compare 10L units →Portable concentrators
Battery-powered models designed for mobility, errands and travel when the prescribed delivery type is suitable.
Compare portable units →Refurbished portable units
A lower-cost route to selected demo or professionally reconditioned portable machines while stock is available.
View refurbished units →| Type | Current price range | Typical use | Power / delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home 5L | R12,500–R16,500 | Daily home oxygen therapy up to 5 L/min when prescribed | Mains power / continuous flow |
| Home 10L | R19,500–R34,500 | Higher prescribed flow requirements at home | Mains power / continuous flow |
| Portable | R19,500–R39,500 | Mobility, outings and travel | Battery + AC/DC power / commonly pulse dose |
| Refurbished portable | R25,000–R29,500 | Reduced upfront cost when suitable stock is available | Varies by model |
Important: A portable concentrator's pulse setting is not the same as litres per minute of continuous flow. Follow the oxygen prescription supplied by your healthcare professional and confirm that the machine's delivery method is appropriate.
What affects the price of an oxygen concentrator?
Two oxygen concentrators can look similar while being designed for very different therapy needs. The main price differences usually come from oxygen output, delivery technology, portability, battery configuration, brand support and the warranty behind the machine.
Oxygen flow rate
A 10L home concentrator needs a larger compressor and sieve system than a 5L machine. Higher output therefore usually increases the purchase price, power draw and physical size.
Continuous vs pulse dose
Home units commonly deliver a continuous flow, while many portable machines use breath-triggered pulse-dose technology. These are different delivery methods and should not be compared by setting number alone.
Battery size
Portable models may be offered with standard or extended batteries. Larger batteries generally add cost but can provide more runtime between charges.
Brand, warranty and support
Established brands can cost more upfront, but warranty coverage, local spare parts, servicing capability and technical support all affect long-term value.
New vs refurbished oxygen concentrators
Best when you want the widest choice
A new machine gives you the latest available stock, no previous operating history and the full warranty supplied with that model. It can make sense for intensive daily use or when you want a specific flow rate, battery configuration or brand.
- No previous operating hours
- Full new-unit warranty where applicable
- Wider model and battery choice
- Clear accessory package from the start
Useful when reducing upfront cost matters
Demo and reconditioned units can cost less than new equipment, but the value depends on the machine's age, operating hours, cosmetic condition, battery health, warranty and what accessories are included.
- Ask for an oxygen-purity test
- Check operating hours and service history
- Confirm portable battery health
- Verify charger, bag and vehicle power accessories
Should you rent or buy an oxygen concentrator?
The right financial choice depends largely on how long oxygen therapy is expected to continue. Buying gives you ownership and predictable access to the machine, while renting can reduce the initial commitment for temporary needs.
Buying can suit ongoing therapy
Ownership may make more sense when oxygen is expected to be needed for months or years. You avoid recurring rental payments and can select a machine around your long-term routine and prescribed requirements.
Rental can suit temporary needs
Rental may be practical during recovery, for a short-term prescription, travel, or while deciding which machine to purchase. OxyMed's current rental enquiries require a refundable R1,000 deposit, subject to stock and rental terms.
Include delivery, collection, consumables and the expected number of rental months. If therapy is open-ended, compare that total with the purchase price before deciding.
Does medical aid cover an oxygen concentrator?
Some South African medical schemes may contribute toward the purchase or rental of prescribed oxygen equipment, but cover is not automatic and differs by scheme, option, diagnosis and benefit rules. Pre-authorisation may be required.
Get the clinical documents
- Doctor's prescription
- Clinical motivation
- Diagnosis / relevant codes
- Any requested saturation results
Request a quotation
- Correct machine and flow type
- Itemised supplier quotation
- Warranty information
- Purchase or rental option
Confirm authorisation
- Which benefit will pay
- Approved supplier requirements
- Any co-payment
- Whether approval must be renewed
OxyMed can provide product details and quotations for authorisation requests, but the medical scheme makes the final funding decision. Ask your scheme to confirm approval in writing before committing to a purchase or rental.
What other costs should you budget for?
The purchase price is only one part of the long-term cost of an oxygen concentrator. Home machines use electricity whenever they operate, while portable units may eventually need replacement batteries or travel accessories.
Electricity
Continuous home use can add to monthly power consumption, especially with higher-output machines.
Portable batteries
Lithium batteries are consumable components and can become a meaningful replacement expense over the life of a portable unit.
Servicing and filters
Routine maintenance, filters and eventual service items help keep oxygen output and machine reliability within specification.
If load shedding is a concern, include the cost of a suitable backup-power plan in your budget. Portable batteries and home backup systems should be sized around the actual machine and expected outage duration.
Delivery, servicing and after-sales support
Oxygen equipment is used as part of a prescribed care plan, so warranty handling, servicing capability and spare-part availability can be just as important as the initial price. Before buying, confirm where repairs are completed and how quickly common filters, batteries and service components can be sourced.
Nationwide delivery
OxyMed advertises free nationwide shipping on qualifying orders over R999. Delivery timing depends on stock and destination.
Local servicing
Access to South African servicing and replacement parts reduces the risk of being left without support when a machine needs inspection or repair.
Start with the type of oxygen machine you need
Compare the categories below by prescribed flow, delivery method, portability and budget. If you are unsure whether you need continuous flow or pulse dose, speak to your healthcare professional before ordering.
Home concentrators
Continuous-flow 5L and 10L machines designed for prescribed oxygen therapy at home.
View home units
Portable concentrators
Battery-powered oxygen support for mobility and travel when the prescribed delivery type is suitable.
View portable units
Refurbished units
Professionally checked demo and reconditioned machines for customers looking to reduce upfront cost.
View refurbished unitsOxygen concentrator price questions answered
What is the cheapest new oxygen concentrator at OxyMed?
At the time of this update, OxyMed's Aerti 5L home oxygen concentrator is listed from R12,500. Always check the live product page because sale pricing can change.
How much does a 10L oxygen concentrator cost in South Africa?
Current OxyMed 10L home concentrators are listed from R19,500 to R34,500, depending on the model and current sale pricing.
Why are portable oxygen concentrators more expensive?
Portable models combine oxygen-concentration technology with lightweight construction, rechargeable batteries and compact power systems. Battery capacity, brand, weight and travel features can all increase the purchase price.
Do oxygen concentrators need refilling?
No. An oxygen concentrator draws in room air, separates out most of the nitrogen and supplies concentrated oxygen while it has a suitable power source. Home units require mains electricity, while portable models use rechargeable batteries and compatible AC or vehicle power.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy an oxygen concentrator?
Rental can be more practical for a short, defined period. For long-term or open-ended therapy, compare the total rental cost over the expected period with the purchase price before deciding.
Does medical aid pay for oxygen concentrators?
Some schemes may fund purchase or rental, but approval depends on the scheme, plan, diagnosis, benefit rules and clinical documents supplied. Contact the scheme for pre-authorisation requirements before buying.
How long can an oxygen concentrator last?
Service life depends on the model, daily operating hours, environment and maintenance. Filters, sieve beds, compressors and portable batteries wear at different rates, so scheduled servicing and correct use matter.
Should I choose a portable or home oxygen concentrator?
Base the decision on your prescription first. Home machines are commonly used for continuous-flow therapy, while portable machines prioritise mobility and often use pulse-dose delivery. A portable pulse setting must not be assumed to equal a continuous-flow litre rate.
Not sure which oxygen concentrator matches your prescription?
OxyMed can help you compare home, portable and refurbished oxygen concentrators by flow type, portability, battery requirements, warranty and budget. Have your prescription or required oxygen settings available when you contact the team.
