Oxygen concentrator prices in South Africa currently start at R12,500 for a new 5L home unit. New 10L home oxygen concentrators range from R19,500 to R32,500, portable units range from R19,500 to R39,500, and refurbished portable models range from R17,500 to R29,999. The right machine depends on the oxygen flow prescribed by your healthcare professional, whether you need continuous or pulse-dose oxygen, and whether the unit will be used mainly at home or while travelling.
Prices are current as of 11 August 2026 and will be reviewed quarterly. Sale pricing and refurbished stock may change.
Oxygen concentrator price comparison
The table below compares current Oxymed store prices. Use it as a starting point, then confirm the prescribed oxygen flow and delivery method before choosing a machine.
| Type | Current price range | Best for | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Home 5L Continuous flow |
From R12,500 | Everyday home oxygen therapy up to 5 litres per minute | View home units |
|
Home 10L Continuous flow |
R19,500-R32,500 | Higher prescribed oxygen flow at home | View 10L units |
|
Portable Battery powered |
R19,500-R39,500 | Mobility, errands and travel when pulse dose is suitable | View portable units |
|
Refurbished Demo and reconditioned |
R17,500-R29,999 | A lower upfront cost when suitable stock is available | View refurbished units |
Important: A portable machine's pulse setting is not the same as litres per minute of continuous flow. Follow your healthcare professional's prescription when choosing an oxygen concentrator.
What affects the price of an oxygen concentrator?
If you are asking how much an oxygen concentrator costs, remember that two machines with a similar appearance can be designed for very different oxygen needs. Price is affected by oxygen output, delivery method, battery capacity, brand, warranty and access to local service support.
Litre flow
A 5L home oxygen concentrator supplies up to five litres per minute and is usually the most affordable medical-grade home option. It is suitable only when it matches the flow prescribed by a healthcare professional. A 10L unit uses a larger compressor and sieve system to deliver higher oxygen flow, so the oxygen machine price is higher.
Most stationary home oxygen concentrators provide continuous flow. They are designed to remain plugged in and can support long operating periods. Portable oxygen concentrators are lighter and commonly use pulse-dose delivery, which releases oxygen when the user inhales. Pulse-dose settings cannot be compared directly with a continuous-flow litre rate.
New or refurbished
A new oxygen concentrator has no previous operating hours and normally includes the full new-machine warranty. A professionally refurbished or demo unit costs less because it has been used or displayed before being tested, serviced and sanitised for resale. The refurbished oxygen concentrator price will vary according to model, age, operating hours, condition and included accessories.
Portable battery size
Portable oxygen concentrators use rechargeable lithium batteries. A larger 16-cell battery generally offers longer use and costs more than an 8-cell configuration. Actual battery life changes according to the oxygen setting, breathing rate, battery age and charging conditions. Check whether a spare battery, AC power supply, car charger and carry bag are included before comparing two portable packages.
Brand, warranty and local support
Established medical brands can cost more, but the purchase price may include a longer warranty, proven reliability, spare-part availability and local technical support. These details matter for a medical device used every day. Ask where servicing is completed, whether replacement filters and sieve beds are stocked, and what happens if the unit needs repair.
The lowest purchase price is not always the lowest total cost. Home concentrators use electricity whenever they operate and all machines require filters and periodic maintenance. Portable models may eventually need a replacement battery. Noise level, power consumption and the cost of a suitable load-shedding backup should also form part of your budget.
For a more detailed explanation of portable models, read how portable oxygen concentrators support daily life in South Africa.
New vs refurbished oxygen concentrators
Buying new is the simplest choice when you want the widest model selection, a full warranty and a machine with no previous operating hours. New units are often preferred for long-term or intensive use, especially when reliable daily support is important.
Refurbished and demo machines can offer excellent value for customers working with a tighter budget. Oxymed's reconditioned units are professionally checked, serviced, sanitised and tested before resale. Minor cosmetic marks may be present and stock is limited to the models available at that time.
When comparing a refurbished home unit, ask about the oxygen-purity test, service history, compressor condition, operating hours and warranty. For a portable unit, ask for a battery health check because replacement batteries are a meaningful expense. Confirm that the charger, carry bag, vehicle charger and other required accessories are included.
Renting vs buying an oxygen concentrator
Buying usually makes financial sense when oxygen therapy is expected to continue for months or years. You own the machine, avoid repeat cylinder-refill costs and can choose a model that suits your normal routine. The higher upfront expense may be balanced by long-term use and the ability to keep the machine available as prescribed.
Renting can be practical for recovery after a procedure, a temporary prescription, travel or while deciding which machine is right. Oxymed accepts rental enquiries for flexible short-term oxygen therapy and requires a refundable R1,000 deposit. Rental stock changes, so contact the team about the required flow and current availability before relying on a particular model.
To compare the options fairly, calculate the full rental cost for the expected period, including delivery, collection and consumables, then compare that with the purchase price. If the need is ongoing or the end date is uncertain, ownership usually provides more control and can cost less over time.
Do not rent a 5L home machine simply because it is affordable if the prescription calls for higher flow. Likewise, do not choose a portable pulse-dose unit only because it is easier to carry. The delivery method is a clinical requirement, not just a lifestyle preference.
Ask Oxymed about oxygen concentrator rentals.
Does medical aid cover an oxygen concentrator?
Medical aid may cover the purchase or rental of an oxygen concentrator, but there is no universal answer. Cover depends on the scheme, plan, clinical diagnosis and available benefits. Many medical aids request a doctor's prescription or clinical motivation and may require pre-authorisation before the machine is purchased or rented.
Some plans cover only approved providers, specific models or a monthly rental amount. Before paying, ask whether oxygen equipment is covered from day-to-day benefits, hospital benefits or any prescribed minimum benefit rules relevant to the diagnosis. Request the answer in writing.
For an authorisation request, have the membership number, treating doctor's prescription, clinical motivation, diagnosis codes and an itemised supplier quotation ready. Ask whether the scheme also needs oxygen-saturation results, a specialist report or a preferred-provider quotation. Confirm whether approval applies to buying or renting, which benefit will pay and whether authorisation must be renewed.
Oxymed can supply a quotation and product information, but the medical aid makes the final funding decision.
Delivery and after-sales support
Oxymed offers free nationwide shipping on orders over R999. Qualifying Johannesburg orders placed before 12:00 may receive same-day delivery, while nationwide delivery is typically two to three working days. Stock availability and the destination can affect delivery timing.
After-sales support is particularly important for equipment used every day. Confirm the machine's warranty, service intervals and local spare-part availability before buying. Oxymed provides product guidance, servicing and repairs from its South African team.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest oxygen concentrator in South Africa?
At the time of writing, a new Aerti 5L home oxygen concentrator starts at R12,500. Demo and refurbished stock can sometimes cost less, but availability changes. Compare oxygen flow, condition, warranty and after-sales support rather than choosing on price alone.
How long does an oxygen concentrator last?
A quality home oxygen concentrator can provide many years of service when it is operated correctly and maintained on schedule. Lifespan depends on daily operating hours, the environment and maintenance. Filters, sieve beds and compressors are service items, while portable batteries usually need replacement sooner than the machine.
Is a portable or home oxygen concentrator better?
Neither type is automatically better. Home units are designed for continuous plug-in use and can meet higher flow requirements. Portable units are lighter and battery powered, making them useful for errands and travel. The prescribed oxygen flow and whether continuous or pulse-dose delivery is required should decide.
Do oxygen concentrators need refilling?
No. An oxygen concentrator draws in room air, removes most of the nitrogen and supplies concentrated oxygen while it has power. A stationary home machine requires electricity. Portable models use rechargeable batteries and can also operate from compatible AC or vehicle power.
Does Oxymed deliver nationwide?
Yes. Oxymed delivers oxygen concentrators across South Africa. Orders over R999 qualify for free nationwide shipping. Qualifying Johannesburg orders placed before 12:00 may receive same-day delivery, subject to stock and delivery address.
Medical note: This pricing guide provides general product information and does not replace medical advice. Supplemental oxygen should be used only as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
