Respironics EverFlo Home Oxygen Concentrator Review
Since the birth of Philips in 1891, it has developed outstanding portable oxygen concentrators and the home oxygen concentrator under the Respironics label that has improved and managed patients around the world.
Philips Respironics is a worldwide leader in the market of respiratory care and sleep technology. It develops novel solutions in the fields of oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, respiratory medicine administration, oxygen saturation meters, airway clearing devices, and sleep apnea management in conjunction with consumers and health care providers.
In this review, we would focus on the Philips Respironics EverFlo oxygen concentrator, a well-known home oxygen concentrator of the brand, highlighting its features, design, accessories, and a few notes about its close cousin, the EverFlo Q oxygen concentrator.
Features of the Respironics EverFlo Oxygen Concentrator
This EverFlo stationary oxygen concentrator is a cutting-edge system that provides oxygen therapy in the most straightforward and efficient manner possible. Its overall features and design are tailored to offer maximum patient compliance and comfort. As expected, before choosing any home oxygen concentrator, ponder on these questions:
- How big is it? Would it be an eyesore when sitting in the corner?
- Can I move around with it?
- What are the flow settings?
- This or a portable oxygen concentrator?
- Can I travel with it?
- How much power would I need to use it?
SIZE AND WEIGHT
The Respironics EverFlo isn’t just a compact oxygen concentrator; it has also been reported to be one of the lightest amongst its competitors. It weighs in at only 31 pounds slightly heavier than the Inogen At-Home device.
Standing on its 4 wheels, it measures 15 inches wide, 9.5 inches thick, and 23 inches tall.
DESIGN
The Everflo has a straightforward but tough design. Patients can simply modify oxygen flow settings or check the operational status using a simple user interface. A removable compartment for accessory storage, as well as the possibility to attach an optional humidifier bottle, are included in the cabinet. The humidifier bottle holder can hold any type of bottle.
The EverFlo stationary oxygen concentrator is designed to blend in with any household setting. It’s not too noticeable, doesn’t appear medical, and has a sleek, attractive, and compact design that will blend in without standing out. It has a wonderfully carved out handle that makes picking it up and transporting it a breeze.
FREEDOM SERIES BY PHILIPS RESPIRONICS
The EverFlo Oxygen concentrator is part of Respironics’ Freedom Series of oxygen therapy products. The main goal of these devices is to offer patients more freedom on all levels:
- Freedom from the delivery of oxygen tanks/accessories
- Freedom from unnecessary maintenance difficulties
- EverFlo oxygen concentrator is a cost-effective investment – that is oxygen therapy at really affordable prices, because of its innovative integrated technology.
FLOW SETTINGS OF THE RESPIRONICS EVERFLO
The EverFlo delivers continuous flow oxygen therapy in half-liter increments – the flow setting coveted by users of portable oxygen concentrators. The lowest and highest oxygen flow rate settings are 0.5 LPM and 5.0 LPM, respectively. So as not to get carried away with these settings, be sure to check with your doctor before making any changes.
NOISE LEVEL
The Philips Respironics EverFlo operates at a noise level of 45 decibels, which is just about the same range as its competitors and similar to the hum of a working refrigerator. However, it is also noted to be much louder than its predecessor, the EverFlo Q which produced just 40 decibels and was referred to as the quietest stationary oxygen concentrator for a time.
EVERFLO OXYGEN PURITY
The Philips Respironics EverFlo has an additional safety precaution, the Oxygen Percentage Indicator (OPI) which monitors the oxygen levels at all times and alerts the user with orange light and an alarm when there are very low oxygen levels (less than 70%) or low oxygen levels (less than 82%). So, it keeps oxygen purity between 87 to 96%.
MAINTENANCE OF THE EVERFLO UNIT
The Philips Respironics EverFlo comes with two filters: a cabinet filter and an air intake filter. Every two years, the air intake filter must be replaced. The cabinet filter should be checked for cracks or damage regularly and replaced every three months. The Everflo cabinet filter can be hand washed in warm water with detergent and air dried fully before reinstallation.
What Accessories Come with the Respironics EverFlo?
The Philips Respironics EverFlo Oxygen concentrator packaging includes:
- AC Power Cord
- Humidifier Connector Kit (Humidifier bottle sold separately)
- 5 Nasal Cannulas
- Everflo User Instruction Manual
Do I need a prescription to get this?
This is an important concern to address as it involves patient safety. Oxygen use as oxygen therapy is likened to being a “drug”. Hence is regulated by the FDA and does require a prescription from a certified medical doctor before use.
Does it have a warranty?
The Philips Respironics Everflo Oxygen machine comes with an extended 3-year warranty protecting against malfunctions from the manufacturer.
Is it FAA approved?
There has been the question of whether or not this unit can be packed in a suitcase before traveling. Simply put no! This home use oxygen concentrator is not designed for external or mobile use. So it is not approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Regardless, as a patient on supplemental oxygen therapy, it is advisable to always directly inquire from your airline as they may have their own rules and regulations regarding medical equipment being packed and stored as checked baggage.
Baler –
I give it a Thumbs Up! I wish it was my very own, but it is not my own since I am in a nursing home. But I do love it much better than the Invacare oxygen concentrators because it is not as loud as those concentrations are.
Grandma H. –
Works fine. I already had one for upstairs & needed one for downstairs. (Didn’t want to have to carry up & down). It does as expected. Great.
James –
It came quickly and works great. Thanks so much.
Diana –
My representative was professional, answered all my questions and shipped when he said item would ship.
Crystal Hall –
Nick went above and beyond to help me get my oxygen machine. He was very professional. I am completely happy.
Richard –
Sean was very patient and helpful with the whole purchase process. He kept in touch without being a bother.
Nancy –
It is a pleasure dealing with this store. The staff is always helpful and works at solving oxygen concentrator issues.
Seattle User –
The salesperson Nick V was very professional and gave complete answers to questions, arrangements, and necessary paperwork. Followed through with purchase and shipping information.
Everflo Q unit was timely delivered and easy to setup including Humidifier.
Although one of the quietest models of concentrator available, IMO it could use some better- additional/directional sound baffles. Still getting used to using it- but no problems so far.
Perhaps could consider including a dated – pint/quart bottle of distilled water as part of shipment with humidifier.
WMB –
I Purchased my Oxygen Concentrator from your store from the reviews and my doctor gave me some information and contact information. At first I had some reservation because there were other placed that offered the same machine at a better price. After talking with Nick I decided it was worth the extra money to pay for good service and knowing I will be taken care of if I had a problem. He explained how to use the machine, the differ in used and new, and text to tell me the machine was shipped. Well worth the peace of mind.
Phillip –
I was grateful to find a good concentrator for my wife.
M Crosby –
Had purchased Inogen home concentrator for night time use in the past and it has been great. Now I needed one for my living room. The rep suggested an Everflo model. It was more affordable and seems to work great for me. I also have a portable Inogen concentrator but wanted to get a separate battery charger and additional battery for it. My daughter ordered directly online without going through a representative, but got the wrong model equipment. Oxygen Concentrator Store is very good about returning and swapping out for the correct ones even though it was our error. They sent a return label and I am sure we will get the correct ones soon. We appreciate the ease of purchase and return as well as prices.
Ida –
I liked the the machine size and the weight of it. It is not as quiet as I would have expected it to be. It is just as noisy as the until that my insurance was renting for me. I only bought this one because of the weight and the number of times that I go out of town into an area that my insurance company does not service. I think the service was good also.