In 2025, renting oxygen machines has moved from a niche service into a mainstream option in South Africa. What began as a way to bridge short-term needs during hospital discharge now meets demands spanning chronic care, travel and wellness. Oxygen machine rental schemes offer affordable access to the latest portable concentrators and remove the hassle of maintenance and storage. This shift reflects broader trends in healthcare, technology and lifestyle, with growing numbers of people finding that renting makes the most sense. Factors and that influenced this move include the following:
A Growing Burden of Respiratory Illness
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and other lung conditions continue to rise, driven in part by urban pollution and high smoking rates. More patients require long-term oxygen therapy, yet not everyone needs it permanently.
Renting allows people to access devices during flare-ups or while adjusting treatment plans, so they don’t pay for equipment they barely use.
Ageing Demographics in the Country
South Africa’s over-60 population is expanding steadily, bringing an increase in age-related conditions such as heart failure and pneumonia that often call for medical oxygen support. Older adults and their families favour renting because it frees them from the expense and effort of servicing a device when needs can be intermittent.
Rental agreements typically include delivery, maintenance and equipment swaps, offering peace of mind.
Cost-Effectiveness and Flexibility of the Product
Purchasing a quality portable concentrator can run into tens of thousands of Rands—an upfront cost that many cannot afford. Rental plans spread expenses over weeks or months and often come with easy upgrade or downgrade options.
If a patient’s prescription changes, swapping machines is straightforward. This financial flexibility appeals to those paying out of pocket or relying on medical savings plans.
Technological Progress
Modern oxygen concentrators are lighter, quieter and more power-efficient than units from only a few years ago. Rental providers reinvest in fleets by regularly updating to models with better battery life, smarter flow controls and intuitive displays.
Users enjoy improved comfort and freedom, whether at home, at work or on outings, without the burden of replacing outdated equipment.
Changed Travel and Mobility Needs
Oxygen users increasingly expect to keep living active lives, whether heading to a business meeting in Durban or holidaying along the Garden Route. Portable concentrator rentals make this possible by supplying compact machines that airlines and local authorities readily accept.
Many rental firms will deliver to airports, hotels or holiday homes, organising paperwork so travellers can focus on their plans rather than logistics.
Lessons Learnt from Recent Health Crises
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of home oxygen therapy, even for patients without chronic conditions. Many people recovered from severe infections only to discover they still needed oxygen for a period.
Rental services quickly expanded to meet surges in demand, demonstrating that short-term access can save lives and reduce pressure on hospital systems.
An Improved Rental Infrastructure
A growing network of local and national rental outlets means you’re seldom far from a pick-up point. Urban centres such as Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban now boast same- or next-day delivery. Some providers even offer doorstep drop-off and collection services, cutting out waits and simplifying the process for caregivers and users alike.
To conclude, by combining affordability, flexibility and cutting-edge technology, rental oxygen machines have become the popular choice for many South Africans. Whether managing a lifelong condition, recovering from an illness or simply wanting to remain active on the go, renting offers a practical solution that keeps pace with individual needs and preferences.
