Respironics SimplyGo Portable Concentrator Review
Undoubtedly, the quest to find the right portable oxygen concentrator can be tough and daunting; however, some people who require supplemental oxygen have found great relief with the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator – one of the best portable oxygen concentrators available. Because of its lightweight, long-lasting battery life, and transportable form with consistent oxygen output, it truly gives consumers the “simply go” feeling at any time.
Philips now makes two types of portable concentrators in the Respironics SimplyGo line:
- Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator with Pulse flow and Continuous Flow Oxygen
- Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator with just Pulse Flow.
This review will go through the features, benefits, and additional accessories, as well as help you determine if the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator is the ideal fit for you and your oxygen therapy. Continue reading to learn more.
These are the Benefits of the SimplyGo Portable Concentrator at a glance
- It is lightweight
- It offers both the continuous flow mode and pulse dose mode settings, giving you the freedom to choose what best suits you at any given time.
- Provides a sleep mode
- For those also diagnosed with sleep apnea, this unit can be used with a CPAP machine while on continuous flow settings.
What Features are Found in the SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
Oxygen users are sometimes specific about certain qualities they want their portable oxygen concentrators to have. These may 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?
Fortunately, this product line never fails to impress, as they have designed this unit with all of the above features and more. Let’s look into the details.
Size and Weight
The SimplyGo device isn’t just a compact POC; it has also been reported to be one of the smallest and lightest devices from Philips Respironics. For a unit that provides continuous flow, a weight of 10 pounds including the battery is unbelievable. Before its launch, you wouldn’t find any continuous flow unit weighing less than 17 to 20 pounds in the market.
It measures 11.5 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 10 inches tall.
Design and Appearance
This portable unit has a rugged, sturdy, non-medical exterior with an easy to hold briefcase-like handle. One of its most distinguishing features in terms of design is the easy accessibility to the battery. Unlike many portable oxygen concentrators with difficult-to-reach internal batteries, patients can easily reach and recharge their batteries.
Flow Settings
Like most portable oxygen concentrators, the SimplyGo oxygen concentrator offers the pulse dose setting. You can choose from 6 different pulse settings depending on your needs, but be aware that the higher pulse flow settings are directly proportional to how fast your battery power runs down.
Unlike other portable oxygen concentrators, this portable unit has the added advantage of also having a continuous flow setting – 0.5LPM, 1.0LPM, 1.5LPM, and 2LPM. Continuous or pulse flow setting? This portable oxygen concentrator does a great job with oxygen flow.
How long does the SimplyGo battery last?
Its rechargeable battery lasts for about 3.3 hours on a pulse setting of 2 and a “disappointing” 45 minutes on a 2LPM setting of continuous flow mode.
Battery life is always a challenge on continuous flow. The device would have a shorter battery life because its engine has to work harder to produce higher qualities of oxygen. When using the SimplyGo battery, however, the continuous flow setting is nearly useless due to the battery’s small size. So, if you simply need continuous flow at night, when you’re more likely to have access to an electrical outlet, the SimplyGo is still a good choice.
Portability
The ease and convenience that this POC provides cannot be overstated. International travel has been made so much easier and smoother for consumers, from its size and weight to its easy-to-go style made possible by a carrying case, handle, and shoulder strap. It is FAA-approved and can be used on airplanes. You’ll still need to reach out to the airline before your travel date to obtain their specific procedures and policies, because regulations on batteries may change with ongoing events. Having an AC power adapter gives an added advantage of being able to charge the unit internationally.
Noise level
This usually falls around 43 decibels at a pulse flow setting of 2, which could be as quiet as a humming refrigerator. Although there have still been complaints of noise at this level.
Oxygen Purity Level
The SimplyGo delivers about 87-96% oxygen concentration at all flow settings.
Maintenance
Wipe the exterior using a moist towel and a mild home cleanser. The SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator is considerably easier to maintain than its competitors because there are no filters to replace.
Controls
At the top of the SimplyGo concentrator, there are five large, easy-to-read button controls. If you need to change the settings or check battery condition, the carrying case keeps the controls and display screen visible and easily accessible.
By pressing the power on/off button twice, the machine is turned on and off silently and fast. The Alarm Silence button helps you to swiftly and discreetly control your oxygen demands. It’s easy to read because the display is bright and crisp.
When you push a button, it displays the battery level, settings, and mode and emits a nice blue glow. In the dark or direct sunlight, the illumination makes it very easy to read.
To switch between pulse dose oxygen delivery, continuous flow oxygen delivery, and sleep mode, the SimplyGo incorporates a big mode selection button. The simple plus and minus buttons allow you to adjust oxygen flow according to your needs.
What Accessories are Included in the SimplyGo Portable O2 Concentrator Box?
The package comes with the following:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 3.3 hours of battery life
- AC power adapter
- DC power adapter for charging in the car
- Carrying case
- Fold-up cart
- Accessory bag
- User manual
- Two-year warranty
Other optional accessories may include a desktop battery charger, humidifier bottle pouch, humidifier kit, etc.
Final Review And Recommendation
The Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator is a wonderful solution for folks who need oxygen (even on continuous mode) but don’t want to be limited to their homes. This model is built to last and can resist the unavoidable daily bruises and bumps thanks to its sturdy exteriors. This also makes them excellent travel companions. They come with a cart with bigger wheels that are designed for rougher terrain.
Overall, the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator combines the performance, function, and design aspects of a high-quality concentrator, making it an economical choice for individuals with breathing difficulties. Consult your doctor or a sleep specialist to determine if this portable unit is best for you.
Kathleen Heseltine –
My husband suffers with severe COPD and we wanted to travel to Wyoming from Maine but the oxygen concentrator we have is just too bulky and heavy to travel with. The VA was kind enough to supply us with this machine and can’t put into words how amazing it is. First, it works with his cpap machine and it’s so quiet. It enhanced his life and our trip was so much more pleasant because of this machine. The batteries are easy to swap out and it was easy to take to restaurants and our hotel. I wish we could afford to purchase this machine as it would allow us to be so much more mobile. Hauling heavy metal o2 tanks around is not fun and limits our time out with family or friends. We love to take drives so I can take photographs and even though we take extra tanks, it is terribly limiting as to how far we can go and we have no flexibility to extend a visit if we want to.
Rex –
The SimplyGo is the best POC yet. Thanks.
Mary Lou –
I got a Simply Go to travel and visit my grandchildren. It is wonderful. My only complaint is that I wish it went up to 3lpm on continuous flow.
Lola –
It works very well, its very quiet, stays next to the bed and doesn’t wake us up.
DJ –
We just started using our SimplyGO and it does exactly as advertised. It has given me the freedom I once took for granted.
Robert M –
Working great. I really like it. Just perfect for my needs
Great battery life! –
Needed continuous oxygen and this thing delivered with a long lasting battery. I can’t believe how small it is.
George F. –
Surprised how long the battery lasted during a trip. User friendly indeed. Nice and light.
Very smart machine –
Impressed with the alarms letting me know if my patients haven’t taken a breath when they should, or when the battery is low. Very grateful for this machine.
Frank O. –
This thing was put through a lot over the past few months. Between moving house and traveling over the summer, and it still looks and works great.
Laura H. –
Thankfully, I only need 2 LPM, because that’s the highest it goes on continuous flow. I love how small and light it is and I can take it anywhere.
Geraldine J. –
I just wish this had a battery that I can take out and clean, instead of one that just needs replaced. I guess I’m just used to my old home concentrator. Other than that, I’m happy with it.
Nick S. –
First time I got to go camping in years, thanks to this concentrator. I highly recommend bringing the battery charger and a few extra batteries to a camp site with outlets. The battery lasted just long enough.
Art D. –
The sleep mode on this machine made me much more comfortable during the night. It was nice and quite, too. Best sleep I’ve had in a long time.
Chaz W. –
I took this thing hiking with me in the mountains. It kept working just fine and lived up to what I was expecting. Robust.
Marcus N. –
Very quiet and little I almost forgot I had brought it with me on my first flight in several years. I was self conscious but not for long. Small and quiet and just what I needed.
Tom in Mississippi –
I have had a Simply go for the past three years and use it every time I leave the house. It rides on the console in the car, on the floor next to me in the RV and on the boat. I plug it into the cigarette lighter to keep the battery charged. Over time I have purchased 3 extra batteries which covers my out door extended activities. Gives the mobility that almost matches what I had before COPD.
Janet –
My husband also suffers from COPD & have recently bought the Respironics SimplyGo. We just traveled abroad with it and it’s only that we used the ‘sleep’ mode once & the oxygen saturation was not satisfactory. We use the Everflo for home use. Overall we’re happy with both O2 concentrator a by Respironics.
Lesley –
I’ve had my SimplyGo for a few years now and I’ve been very happy with it. The battery duration could be better, because I have to use 1.5 LPM continuous flow. I’d recommend it just for the light weight and easy portability.
Adelaide –
This machine has gotten me to many places. I’ve been able to travele to several different countries with my husband since I got it. It gets the job done.
Tim K. –
I’d recommend this portable oxygen concentrator to anyone who can use it for their oxygen therapy. I love it because it’s easy to carry and it doesn’t get in the way. I’ve taken it everywhere with me, and anyone can as long as they are smart with the battery.
Leo –
I’m glad I decided to get the SimplyGo. My wife and I both use it and we noticed feeling so much better because we have COPD. It works very well and we like how low maintenance it is.
Katie Allison –
It works wonderful and very well but the only problem I am having is we have a car that when we plug the concentrator in the cigarette lighter it blows the fuse. I was told to buy an inverter but don’t know how big an inverter i need. We have another car that has a cigarette lighter and another separate plug in and the concentrator works fine in that car. I love it but we need a solution for the first car. Any suggestions?
JM the Truckdriver –
With that being said it means a lot to me. I also have severe COPD and I’m on 2 Lpm. I have to say that I wish that the company would come up with a new kind of battery life that would last longer than the one that came with.
I’m sure that the manufacturer is working on it… as I am working on writing this review. Otherwise, I just love my great little work horse.
Thanks
J.M.
Nell –
Have to put it in another room and shut the door. Took it on a cruise and people next door complained about the noise.
Vilma –
I have Pulmonary Hipertention. Dr. prescribed specifically this unit for several important reasons: it is strong unit, portable, it is FAA approved to travel by air, and has continuos flow. It helps me a lot and improved my daily life. Wish unit should be more light weight. It says 10 pounds, but feels heavier, I have to ask someone to help when going up stairs. Other than that, I move well at my office and when going outdoors. I know they have a mini simply go unit for these situations, but Doctor mentioned this unit is better for clinical requirements. I bought an extra battery and works perfect, I definitely recommend to by extra battery. Each one last aprox 3 hours and if you travel by car, you can keep it charged 100%. So in short words, maybe I can find a light weight unit, but this one is the appropriate if you have a serious health condition.
Zia –
My Respironics Evergo got replaced by Respironics Easygo. Very disappointed that Evergo had each battery last a more than 2 hrs (set of two batteries gave about 4.5 hrs) at pulse dose of 6. But Evergo battery gives only one hr at pulse dose of 6 even though company claims it to last for 1.9 hrs. Also 4 extra batteies that I had bought for Evergo don’t fit properly in new Easygo model. I tried to put one in and it slide all the way in and broke the tab off while removing it. If they had plastic sleeves available as accessories to fit batteries of Evergo model, I would have been able to use my 4 extra batteries that I had bought for Evergo with Easygo. Also AC and DC chargers of Evergo are not compatible with Easygo model. It is very sad that medical equipment manufacturers intentionally make their products incompatible with other models of their own, thus forcing poor patients to buy all their accessories and batteries all over. Other than this machine is working fine although I am using it only since last two days.
Jamie –
I have had it nearly a year now and my COPD has improved very much with the use of Oxygen and the prescription Breo. I learned that the battery does not charge up like it should unless I occasionally let it run the battery all the way down and then charge it up. This way you can get all the time and usefulness out of the battery. I change the connally or oxygen like once a week or depending on how much I use it. I wipe it off with a alcohol swab most every day or night. I wish the buttons were easier to push though. All and all it is a great machine and is well worth it.
Joe –
This machine worked great for my needs. I recommended to my brother.
Ron Fonte –
I had the same problem with my concentrator blowing the fuses in one of my three cars. Seems like different auto makers use different size wire and fuses. Using a heaver fuse is “not the fix” don’t even go there. I had a separate accessory plug and fuse (30 amp breaker type) directly wired to the battery. Works great no problems… Ron
Alan –
I have had my machine for about 3 months and the machine works great but the batteries are an issue. They don’t last to long mabye 2-2.5 hours. I have 4 batteries, don’t get me wrong the unit world great but the batteries at $300.
Alan –
I have had my machine for about 3 months. The machine works great but the batteries are an issue. They don’t last to long maybe 2-2.5 hours I have 4 batteries, don’t get me wrong the unit world great but the batteries at $300.
Ronnie S –
The machine itself operates well. However, I hate having it in a hotel room or cruise cabin because of the noise. I’ve also had to limit altitude on mountain trips with this machine. And, when on 10 hour flights my carryon is mostly batteries since the airlines require that you have ‘backup’.
Leda Bartee –
I agree the respironics simply go says its 10 lbs. I agree with the that is feels a lot heavier, especially when going upstairs or walking long ways. I travel some, only a 2 hour flight and have 4 batteries. They don’t last long enough for me. I have no problems with the ‘noise’ they make sleeping in a hotel room or cruise cabin, I guess I’m just a heavy sleeper.
Jackie Anderson –
Great machine but the battery doesn’t last long at all. I always have to rush shopping, I have a extra battery, but still not long enough using at 2 Lpm.
Batteries –
Wish there was still the option of the EverGo. I think it was a better unit.
Cheryl Chambers –
Changed my life I love the Inogen 3 I have 1 small battery and 2 of the four hour batteries. I’ve had my first one since 2014. We travel via RV a lot which is why I have 2 plus the newer one goes up to 5 . The customer service is excellent. When I need canisters I have them within 2 days. I’ve only had to have my unit in for repairs 1 time. They are very reliable. This unit allows me to continue doing the things I enjoy without skipping a beat. Well worth the cost. Thank you .
Sunshine –
Do u take insurance?
Eugene –
We just agreed with the technician at the repair center to throw away our Philips Respironics Simply Go concentrator after having it only 5 1/2 years. It would have been way too much to replace/ repair the compressor. Yep, a compressor that went out after 5 1/2 years. The compressor in my frig/ freezer/ ac unit goes for 15 years but a medical unit craters. The same company who insisted we have to replace the less than 3 year old power adapter with their $139 approved power pack to avoid ruining any warranty. The same company who gave us the 2 day merry go round of phone calls to discover that we didn’t exist since we didn’t buy directly from them (nasty cow on the phone too). We were trying to replace the sieve beds as I thought that was the problem and found out that the Simplygo requires balancing at the factory. It was easy to replace the sieve beds in our Devilbiss and intend on buying/replacing the sieve cartridges in our Inogen. I’ll never buy Philips again.
Arvind –
Very prompt and nice service My mother was feeling shortness of breath, so wanted O2 concentrator for her As promised, I got the Philips Oxygen Concentrator within 2 working days It is working fine and mom is feeling much better now I highly appreciate and recommend the services from this company
Larry –
PJ worked hard with me to get me an Inogen G5 that was within my budget, and shipped super fast as well. I was able to cut my O2 weight from 10 lbs (Simply Go) to 5.3 lbs with 2x the battery life. Great to work with!
Frank –
The Phillips SimplyGo Came as promised. Setup was easy & the machine works very well. Thanks for your good service .
Ed Brook –
I’m a senior with lung, heart and breathing issues and have become weary of salespeople taking advantage of me as well as some of my friends. I check out everything and my process requires patience and understanding from a salesperson. My call regarding a purchase of a SimplyGo oxygen concentrator, was answered by Kaleb. From start to finish he was absolutely awesome. Patient, understanding, never was anything but respectful and very helpful. My process took about a month. The unit was delivered today. Exactly on time and as expected. I’m charging the battery as I write. I hope his company appreciates him. He would be a star anywhere he worked.
Thomas –
Good product excellent service good place to do business with.
Kenneth –
Service is prompt and staff is upbeat and informative. We are very happy with the portable oxygen concentrator. Love the car charger as we go to appointments .
John –
We had a real mess at our Doctor’s office. My wife’ sleep doctor advised my wife her need for oxygen and then the whole thing fell apart whilst our primary care physician cancelled referrals and sent text messages to the suppliers. We went to the “Oxygen Concentrator Store” and they cut through all the mess and a resulting 90 day delay by our primary care physician by directly contacting the sleep doctor. Great service and focus on the part of the “Oxygen Concentrator Store” made it all happen in just a couple days. the folks at the Store really are life savers – Thank you.
Don –
I worked with Samantha to purchase a portable concentrator that would work with my CPAP as well as providing portable oxygen.
Samantha did a great job to explain the options and recommend the right unit. I’m very pleased with the unit and the service.