Respironics Simply Go Mini Portable Concentrator Review
$2,595.00
There is no doubt that the search for the right portable oxygen concentrator could be a difficult and overwhelming one, however, some individuals in need of a supplementary oxygen supply, have come out at the other end of the tunnel, satisfied with the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator – one of the best portable oxygen concentrators in the open market. It really does give its users that “simply go” feel at any time, because of its lightweight, long-lasting battery life, and conveyable form with unwavering oxygen output.
This review would explore the features, perks, and add-on accessories, and also help you decide if the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator is the right choice to meet your needs without compromising your oxygen therapy. Keep on reading to find out.
What Features are Found in the SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
Major questions and concerns most people have when looking for a portable oxygen concentrator include:
- How big is it?
- How heavy is it?
- Do the flow settings fit my need?
- How portable is it?
- Can I travel with it? On an airplane even?
- How long does the battery last when fully charged? How frequently do I have to charge it?
Astonishingly, the POC line has found a way to incorporate all these eye-catching qualities into a single product – one that is simple, small, and portable.
Size and Weight
The SimpyGo Mini isn’t just a compact POC; it has also been reported to be the smallest and lightest device from Philips Respironics. It is one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators you can find out there, weighing in at only 5 pounds with its standard battery and 6 pounds with an extended battery; unbelievably less than half the weight of its competitors in the market.
With the standard battery, it measures 8.3 inches wide, 3.6 inches deep, and 9.4 inches high.
Flow Settings
The SimplyGo Mini offers only the pulse dose flow and not the continuous flow. Depending on your prescription, you can choose from 5 different pulse settings, just like most competitors in the market. And it is important to note that the higher the pulse setting, the shorter the battery life. If you want to adjust your flow settings, please talk to your doctor first.
How long does the SimplyGo battery last?
The standard battery lasts roughly 4.5 hours and takes about 4 hours to fully recharge. The extended battery on the other hand offers double that of the standard, lasting up to 9 hours when fully charged, but takes about 9 hours to fully recharge. These figures are however based on a flow setting of 2. As earlier mentioned, the higher you go on the flow setting, the faster the battery drains. It is simple to replace, remove, and recharge these batteries. And as a huge plus, they can be charged externally using an external battery charger. This also comes with a LED charge indicator to view the charge level.
Portability
The simplicity and convenience this POC gives cannot be overemphasized. From its size and weight to its easy-to-go look made possible with a carrying case, handle, and shoulder strap, international travels have been made so many times easier and smoother for users. It is FAA-approved and can be used on airplanes. Having an AC power adapter gives an added advantage of being able to charge the unit internationally.
Having an extended battery could also come in really useful while traveling. The only drawback might be the added weight (6 pounds in total). You should only go with the weight you are comfortable with.
Noise level
This ranges between 42-46 decibels (depending on the flow settings), which could be as quiet as a library and even quieter than a humming refrigerator.
Oxygen Purity Level
The SimplyGo Mini delivers about 87-96% oxygen concentration at all flow settings.
Other Features:
- Interface: Touch-screen LCD screen
- Prescription is needed
- The temperature while in use ranges between 41-95 degrees Fahrenheit
- Alarms: To alert you during technical failure, power failure, low oxygen concentration, low battery levels, zero flow, no breath etc.
- Requires very little maintenance – just wipe with a damp cloth and disinfectant. Then you’re good to go.
People nowadays also expect devices to be simple to use. Life is complicated enough without adding an oxygen device that is tough to learn and use. One of its standout features is its full touch interface, which means you won’t have to deal with any difficult-to-press buttons. It also makes cleaning the portable oxygen concentrators a lot easier than it would be otherwise.
What Accessories are Included in the SimplyGo Mini Portable O2 Concentrator Box?
The package comes with the following:
- The machine
- Carrying case
- DC and AC power cords
- Accessory bag
- User manual
- A standard, rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Other optional accessories available for purchase may include:
- An attractive carry bag
- Nasal cannula
- External desktop battery charger
Feedback from some users
“I can go out shopping with confidence. I received the Philips SimplyGo Mini and it lasts 9 hours as I have the extended battery. I put it in the basket under my walker and have no anxiety as I know I am good to go with this portable oxygen tank. Mine is on a pulse which means it only gives me oxygen when I breathe in, so that is a good thing. It also allows me to travel with my husband in his car as it has a car rechargeable outlet.” Review by Catherine.
Others also seem to love the battery life of the POC as well. One customer claimed that because the SimplyGo Mini is a pulse dose device rather than a continuous flow device, the battery life is longer.
Quite a number love the small size and carry bag.
What is there not to love about the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
Summary:
Overall, I am really pleased with the SimplyGo Mini. It is an awesome choice for oxygen users seeking a sizeable, lightweight unit, but need or want the option of higher pulse flow settings. For those in need of supplementary oxygen, who would love to stay active, vibrant, or travel and prefer a unit that is easy to take on the go, the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini is the perfect pick for you. However, if you need a flow setting higher than 5, continuous flow, or a higher flow setting during exercise, this unit might not be for you.
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Lee –
My wife has used the SimplyGo machine for 5 years. It has been a lifesaver as we are able to travel quite often. We have 4 batteries and get an average of 2-1/2 hours at the 2 LPM per battery. If the MINI is half as good and reliable as its big brother you will be so pleased.
Konig –
Very quiet particularly during use. Alarms difficult to setup. Safety of extended-life lithium-ion batteries.
RosyPosy –
Life changing machine-I got this a week ago and my old life-some of it anyway-is back. I can go places again fearlessly. I’m interested in technology, but I’m NOT good at logistics and I had this up and running with my Oxygen at 96percent within 20 minutes of setting it
up and getting the battery charged. PLEASE contact Jordan for help with this -you owe it to your pre-COPD self.
Catherine Gelowsky –
I received the Philips Simply Go Mini and it lasts 9 hours as I have the extended battery. I put it in the basket under my walker and have no anxiety as I know I am good to go with this portable oxygen tank. Mine is on a pulse whiich means it only gives me oxygen when I breath in so that is a good thing. I also allows me to travel with my husband in his car as it has a car recharable outlet.
I thought I would not be able to go to a restaurant because of the sound, but I was soooo wrong. The sound of people talking etc. makes my machine not noticeable. I use to go to family at Christmas and have to bring 3 tanks to spend the day, now I just charge it the night before and I am good to go for 9 hours or longer as I can plug it in at their house. Thanks for my freedom to to live.
Catherine Gelowsky – Ottawa Ontario Canada
valerie livingston –
I bought this is August mainly because I had an up coming trip to England and didn’t want to have to opt out of family excursions because I couldn’t breathe . I have the extended life batteries ,9hrs ,but checked to make sure I could charge it in England and when I got the ok I bought it .
I had a wonderful trip ,participated in everything and was thankful I bought my machine .It is expensive but soooo worth it . There was no problem on the planes ,it tucked down between the window and my seat ,very easy .
The only downside I can see from my own perspective is I am small ,weigh 115lbs ,and carrying 6lbs around soon wears you out. I did the cross body bit which did help but need options as far as carrying it ,or technology to cone up with lighter weight overall .
Jon –
Love it. Only item I would like addressed, is where it can be repaired/refurbished and idea of the cost estimate. (Mine is about 3yrs. old)
Jim –
I made the purchase over the phone and the representative was very helpful and informative. After getting my father’s prescription for oxygen the unit was shipped right away…… As far as I know now my father is using and likes the O2 concentrator.
Beth Compton –
I worked with Deborah Montelli online when ordering the SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator. She was very knowledgeable, kind, and easy to work with by providing all answers to my questions. It was a stressful time because my father was at the end of his life but wanted to go easily in the car plus also use it in the house so as to not have an oxygen tube trailing behind him. I highly recommend Deborah Montelli.
Michael –
I was most impressed with my buying experience of my Respironics mini concentrator. The customer service was the best and I received my concentrator VERY quickly. I am completely satisfied. Michael
Randy & Anna –
This unit works well and is good for all my travel needs. I really like it!
Debbie –
Purchased the Respironics Simply Go Mini Portable Concentrator for my daughter and couldn’t be happier. She has been able to gain back so much of her independence without worry that she will run out of oxygen using the big bulky tanks. Well worth the money!!