Below are the questions we hear most often from patients, families and caregivers. If your question isn’t covered here, please call us on 011 028 1122 or email queries@limitlesshealth.co.za.
What is an oxygen concentrator?
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that draws in room air, filters out the nitrogen, and delivers concentrated oxygen (around 90 to 95 percent purity) to the patient through a nasal cannula or mask. Unlike compressed oxygen cylinders, a concentrator never needs to be refilled — it generates oxygen continuously as long as it has power.
Do I need a prescription to buy or rent an oxygen concentrator?
Yes. Medical oxygen is a prescription therapy in South Africa. A doctor, pulmonologist or respiratory specialist must assess your blood oxygen levels and prescribe a specific flow rate. We will ask to see your prescription before supplying equipment, and we will set the machine to match.
Should I buy or rent an oxygen concentrator?
It depends on how long you will need oxygen therapy. Short-term needs (post-surgery recovery, a respiratory infection, COVID recovery) are usually best served by renting. Long-term needs (chronic COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, long-term oxygen therapy of more than 12 months) often work out cheaper as a purchase. We are happy to talk through your situation — there is no obligation.
What is the difference between 5L and 10L oxygen concentrators?
The number refers to the maximum oxygen flow rate in litres per minute. A 5L concentrator suits most patients on low to moderate flow prescriptions (1 to 5 LPM). A 10L unit is needed for patients on higher flow rates, for two patients sharing one machine via a Y-connector, or for use with CPAP/BiPAP devices. Your doctor’s prescription will determine which size you need.
What is the difference between a home and a portable oxygen concentrator?
A home (stationary) concentrator is larger, plugs into mains power, and delivers continuous flow oxygen for long periods at home. A portable concentrator is battery-powered, light enough to carry, and designed for use outside the home — driving, shopping, travel. Most portables deliver oxygen in pulse-dose rather than continuous flow, which works for most patients but not all. Always check with your doctor.
Can I fly with a portable oxygen concentrator?
Many portable concentrators comply with FAA requirements for air travel, but each airline decides what it accepts. You usually need to notify the airline at least 48 hours in advance and bring enough batteries to cover 150 percent of your flight time. We can advise on which of our units are travel-approved.
How long do oxygen concentrators last?
A good-quality home concentrator should give 15,000 to 20,000 hours of use — roughly 5 to 7 years of continuous daily use. Portables typically have a shorter operational lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Regular servicing extends life. Our equipment is sold with warranties – ask our team for the warranty terms on your specific model.
Does medical aid cover oxygen therapy?
Most South African medical aids cover oxygen therapy when it is prescribed for a qualifying condition such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis or chronic respiratory failure. Cover varies between schemes and plan options. We can help with the paperwork for your claim — see our Medical Aid page for details.
How fast can you deliver?
Within the greater Johannesburg area we can often deliver the same day – customers regularly receive machines within hours. Call us to confirm timing for your area. To Cape Town, Durban and other cities we send equipment by courier, typically arriving within 1-2 working days. For genuine emergencies, call our after-hours line on 071 687 2167 and we will do everything we can to help quickly.
What happens if my concentrator stops working?
Call our after-hours emergency line on 071 687 2167. If a rental machine develops a fault, we arrange a replacement while yours is seen to. For purchased machines, we provide warranty service and prompt technical support across Gauteng. Always have a backup plan in place — a spare oxygen cylinder, or a second concentrator if you are dependent on continuous oxygen.
How loud is an oxygen concentrator?
Most modern home concentrators run between 40 and 50 decibels — quieter than a normal conversation. Portables are similar or slightly quieter. Older or lower-quality machines can be noticeably louder. Units are checked before despatch.
Is oxygen therapy safe at home?
Yes, when used correctly. The main rules: keep the unit at least 2 metres from open flames, do not smoke or allow smoking nearby, do not use petroleum-based creams or lotions while wearing the cannula, and ensure good ventilation around the machine. We walk you through safe use when your machine is delivered.
Do you supply oxygen for veterinary use?
Yes — we supply veterinary oxygen concentrators for vets and pet owners across South Africa. See our Veterinary Oxygen page for our range of equipment.
How much does an oxygen concentrator cost in South Africa?
At Limitless Health, home (stationary) 5-litre oxygen concentrators start at R9 999. Portable oxygen concentrators start at R19 000, and models such as the DeVilbiss iGo2 and the Inogen Rove 6 range up to around R39 000. If you would rather rent, a 5-litre home concentrator rental starts at R1 920 for the first month and R960 per month from the second month onwards. Prices were correct when this page was published — please check the product page for the current price.
Will my oxygen concentrator work during load shedding?
An oxygen concentrator needs mains electricity, so it will stop during load shedding unless you have a backup. The usual options are a portable oxygen concentrator with charged spare batteries, a backup oxygen cylinder, or a correctly rated inverter, UPS or generator. Not every inverter can handle the start-up load of a concentrator, so please speak to our team before load shedding catches you without a plan.
Do you service and repair oxygen concentrators?
Yes. We service and repair oxygen concentrators and supply replacement parts, including sieve columns, HEPA intake filters, nasal cannulas, oxygen masks, extension tubing and humidifier bottles. Send us your make and model and we will advise on servicing or the correct replacement part.
What is a pulse oximeter and do I need one?
A fingertip pulse oximeter is a small device that clips onto your finger and measures your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and your pulse rate. Many people using oxygen therapy keep one at home to check their readings. Your doctor will tell you what range to aim for and what to do if a reading falls outside it. We stock a fingertip pulse oximeter at R800.
What are your office hours and how do I reach you after hours?
Our office is open Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00, on 011 028 1122. Outside those hours we have an after-hours emergency line on 071 687 2167. You can also email queries@limitlesshealth.co.za. We are based at 6 Macbeth Avenue, Fourways, Sandton, 2055.
Still have questions?
Speak to our team on 011 028 1122, send an email to queries@limitlesshealth.co.za, or request a quote and we will get back to you the same day.