CAIRE Freestyle Comfort Portable Concentrator Review
Identifying which portable oxygen concentrator is ideal for you can be difficult and exhausting with the tones of options available on the market. Reading through unbiased reviews for each product you’re considering will assist you in weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each.
I am never in doubt of the intellectual brilliance and thoughtfulness put into products and designs from CAIRE, a United States-based company, that has been continually exploring and manufacturing oxygen delivery equipment for over half a century.
Here, you’ll find a review for the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Portable Oxygen Concentrator. It is well-known for its striking ergonomic design, targeting users who wish to live more active and independent lives, despite being on supplementary oxygen therapy. Its smart features, portability, and user-friendly design make it one of the best on the open market. Let’s keep reading for more.
We take in 21% oxygen with each breath. This ambient air is absorbed into the FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator system through the air intake. It is subsequently passed through an absorbent molecular sieve which only lets oxygen through. This process permits the reception of a continuous flow of high concentration, medical-grade, pure oxygen.
This CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort oxygen concentrator combines modern oxygen concentrator and oxygen conservation technology to create a device that is extremely portable and mobile. When you inhale, the advanced pulse flow delivery system detects it and gives a pulse dose of oxygen.
Users who lead an active lifestyle and like spending time from home would benefit from pulse flow delivery. In comparison to continuous flow devices, pulse dose systems save oxygen and extend battery life.
Features of the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort
It is a lovely idea to make a list of the qualities that are most important to you before purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator.
- Do you need a higher flow rate than usual?
- Do you enjoy traveling?
- Is it possible to wear the device?
- Is the unit heavy?
- What is the battery life?
These are just a few of the things most users look out for. Keep these in mind whilst you evaluate these features.
Key Features of CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Portable O2 Concentrator
- UltraSense technology: This allows for precise breath detection and oxygen administration.
- AutoDOSE safety feature monitors and supplies oxygen if no oxygen breath is detected. It has a “No Breath Alert” to notify the unit to “Auto pulse” oxygen.
- Wireless access granting easy access to CAIREview telehealth.
Intriguing right?
Design and appearance
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator really sets itself apart from other units in the market with its sleek and compact design. It is contoured to hug the curve of your back and provide comfort. When in use with a carrying bag, on your back, hanging off your shoulders, or by your hips, moving around is a lot easier.
Size and Weight
In addition to its curved form, one could say this portable oxygen concentrator is “tiny” and light. It measures 10 inches (with the standard battery) and 11 inches (with extended battery) in height, 7.3 inches in width, and 3.1 inches in depth.
It only weighs 5 pounds, which is approximately half the weight of a carton of soda (really lightweight). This makes it easy to carry around without any concerns of exhaustion or restraining back or shoulder aches.
Flow Settings on the FreeStyle Comfort
When purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator, the oxygen output is the most important factor to consider because you obviously require medical-grade oxygen to maintain healthy oxygen levels.
The FreeStyle Comfort has an as-required pulse flow feature that automatically adapts to your breathing rate, making it a great choice for persons who are active. Its UltraSense technology and AutoDOSE feature allow the system to provide automated pulse delivery when no breath is detected.
The flow settings run from level one to level five, which appears to be on par with other machines. On pulse dosing, the machine can supply up to 1,050mls of oxygen per minute.
Battery Power is Unrivaled
This unit’s battery life is better than most portable oxygen concentrators out there. The system could run for 8 hours on level one flow setting with the standard eight-cell battery, and 16 hours with a sixteen-cell battery.
It takes the standard battery about 3.5 hours to fully recharge.
Ease of Use
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator is easy to use for all patients thanks to features including a full color LED display and an intuitive interface. It also includes a glowing keypad in the dark for easy operations.
Noise level
Most competing portable oxygen concentrators run at around 48 decibels, which is as loud as a humming refrigerator, but the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort unit runs at a surprising 40-43 decibels; the same noise level as a library and a “whisper” compared to others.
Maintenance
This system gives no hassles in terms of maintenance. It requires just regular cleaning of the exterior and the filters.
Oxygen Purity Level
This unit delivers 90% oxygen purity.
Is there a warranty?
The Freestyle Comfort oxygen concentrator comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What Accessories are Included with the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Unit?
With the basic package, you will get the following:
- The oxygen concentrator unit
- Battery pack
- Caire Freestyle Carrying bag
- DC power cord (allows for charging your device in a car)
- Power supply with AC input cable
- 5 Oxygen nasal cannulas
- Tubing
- Filter
- Instruction manual
Additional accessories:
- CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Backpack
- 8-cell battery pack (Lithium-ion rechargeable battery)
- 16-cell battery pack (Lithium-ion rechargeable battery)
- Desktop battery charger
- Carry-all accessory bag
- Shoulder strap carrying bag
Is this FAA approved?
The FreeStyle Comfort system is designed to provide you supplementary oxygen if you’ve been prescribed oxygen therapy by your doctor. The FAA has certified this concentrator for use on all aircraft because it does not store or contain oxygen. The POC’s battery can be recharged anywhere with AC or DC power, and it never needs to be replaced.
Final thoughts: Is the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Right for You?
Undoubtedly, knowing what oxygen device to get might be complicated, because there are so many manufacturers and each one offers something different and special. It’s not always easy to figure out what you need and which would provide you with the greatest service, especially if your doctor doesn’t give a specific recommendation.
All-in-all, I would recommend the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort to anyone with oxygen therapy that gives you huge control over your lifestyle and independence.
Gerry Florida –
The most obvious problem I encountered is the batteries self discharge if installed on the machine. I planned on taking it on a trip shortly after acquiring it and when I got on the plane and turned it on the battery was stone dead although I had charged it two days prior. The other battery problem is they only last between one hour and an hour and a half on a setting of two. The machine is a bit loud compared to other comparable concentrators but not really objectionably so. It is noticeably louder than my Inogen G4 and also doesn’t run as long on a charge. On the up side, medicare doesn’t balk at this machine due to it’s relatively low price.
Princss –
Try not to overheat the producy
Princss –
Try not to overheat the unit.
Darth Vadar in your Bedroom –
This is the loudest goddamn machine I’ve ever owned. It sounds like Darth vadar is in my bedroom and I will be a returning this tomorrow. It puffs every 4 seconds, clicks, the motor is loud, it’s obnoxious. Id rather deal with 2 extra lbs than this ridiculous noise, and disturbance when sleeping than use this machine again
Tara –
Well I have had this POC for about a week now. I only use it for when I go somewhere since I have a large compressor at home with a 40’ air hose. This POC seems heavier than 5 lbs and it is kind of loud. What I have learned in the process of getting this machine is that Medicare will not let you change oxygen providers within 2 years of starting with an oxygen provider. The company I was started with while an inpatient in the hospital only deals with this company apparently. I had to really push to get them to do the paperwork necessary for me to get this machine. I will live with it. I bought a little backpack and cut some air holes in it so it would be easier to carry. Yesterday while running errands I just left the thing in the front seat and just used it between stops. Sometimes I just sat in the parking lot with it on for a few minutes before starting to drive.
Truly though, I am glad and appreciative that I have this unit.
Mark –
I love the CAIRE FREESTYLE COMFORT model. I just hope it’s going to last and I outlive it.
Darrell –
I have the unit with the 16 cell battery and haven’t had any problems with it at all. I run the unit on a setting of 3 or 4 and it does fine.
Sue Master –
My portable concentrator is wonderful. Anyone on o2 needs one. Better than pushing tanks around. Even I use while I’m on my computer I’m on it, this way the cat won’t chew my cords.
Jerry –
Excellent service from first contact to receiving my machine. Set up was easy and everything thing was promised.
Dawn –
Luke provided excellent service and helped us determine the best machine for us based on the parameters we were looking for. My mom loves the machine he recommended and it is easy for her to use.
Cori –
I was extremely happy with the customer service. The representative who helped me was very responsive, answered all my questions, and made picking and buying a portable oxygen concentrator for my mom really easy. My mom loves the product too, and it’s reassuring to know there is tech support standing by to help if necessary.
Andre Schwartz –
On Monday, 8/23/2021, I met with Joshua D’Estrada who provided me extremely helpful advice about my Caire Freestyle Comfort portable O2 concentrator. Josh provided details not otherwise available in a clear and understandable manner and took the time needed to help me understand. I particular he called my attention to the green light that signals an inhalation, agreed that it should be more prominent and discussed the limitations of the device for intense aerobic exercise.
Bert –
After spending many hours across two days of researching multiple sources for a concentrator replacement with the right balance between weight and battery run time, it was an easy decision and a pleasant experience talking to the rep. I now have a smaller unit (6Lbs.) that easily fits into the seat compartment of my walker and has 5 levels of output flow. Very pleased.
Pat –
I was very pleased with the product that I purchased and more than pleased with the service and useful information that I was given by Nick Vannatta.
Carlos –
I am loving my CAIRE Freestyle so much. First time ever that I get a portable concentrator that works exactly like the specs say. My vendor was amazing and helped me with every question I had. Sad part is I can’t remember his name.
Dennis & Paula Roberts –
I cannot be more thankful of the experience and results with Matt at American Medical Sales. I called Matt
at 8am today looking for Oxygen for my (and my wife) trip home to Exton PA, by car (1750 miles), from Boulder CO. After considering all needs and reasonable options, I purchased a Freestyle Comfort portable pack. Because I was soon being released from Boulder Community Hospital, he secured a Courier Service…which delivered to my room by noon! Awesome service experience from Matt. Many thx!!