Designed for people who are prescribed oxygen by a medical provider for conditions like COPD, emphysema, and pneumonia, the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort is our best overall choice of portable oxygen concentrators for people who want to continue living an active lifestyle regardless of their oxygen needs.
CAIRE is a trusted name in oxygen concentrators with over 50 years of experience manufacturing oxygen supply equipment. Headquartered in Ball Ground, Georgia, CAIRE Inc. operates additional facilities all around the world to offer science-driven oxygen solutions to individual users as well as for impressive large-scale applications, like space exploration laboratories and high-altitude clinics on Mount Everest.
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort is our top overall pick for the best portable oxygen concentrator due to the reliability of the CAIRE brand, the device’s highly portable design, and its innovative features, such as the myCAIRE app, which allows users, family members, and providers to keep track of oxygen flow rates, usage, and more.
We’ve done the research and compiled all you need to know about this product, including its benefits and drawbacks, features and specs, cost, and more.
CAIRE Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator: Pros and cons at a glance
| Pros | Cons |
| One of the top flow rates of any highly portable machine with up to 1,050 mL of oxygen per minute. | Can be more expensive than other portable machines with additional accessories and warranty options. |
| UltraSense technology makes the machine highly sensitive to your breathing patterns, automatically adjusting to your oxygen needs throughout the day and night. | Only delivers oxygen in pulses with no continuous oxygen option. |
| Extremely lightweight and portable at just 5 pounds. | 16-cell battery costs extra. |
| Connects to your smartphone with the myCAIRE app. | 16-cell battery adds 1 pound to weight. |
| Quiet sound level of 39.9 dBa on setting 2. | Battery drains much more quickly on higher oxygen settings. |
| New units come with a three-year warranty on the device and sieve beds. | Although the oxygen flow rate is high for small, highly portable devices, it isn’t suitable for someone who needs more than 1 L per minute. |
| Long battery life with up to 8 hours on the 8-cell battery and up to 16 hours on the 16-cell battery. | |
| Standard 8-cell battery recharges in 3.5 hours. | |
| High oxygen purity level of up to 95%, which is higher than the industry average of 90%. |
Key features and specifications
Dimensions: 10ʺ × 7.3ʺ × 3.1ʺ
Weight: 5 pounds with 8-cell battery; 6 pounds with 16-cell battery
Battery life: Up to 8 hours with 8-cell battery; up to 16 hours with 16-cell battery
Oxygen delivery mode: Pulse
Oxygen flow rate: Five settings delivering up to 1,050 mL per minute
Noise level: 39 dBa on setting 2 (comparable to the sound of a refrigerator)
Cost: Starting at $2,379.99
Additional features of the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort has glow-in-the-dark buttons and a light-up screen, enabling you to use the machine confidently day or night. It also includes an audible alarm system that notifies you if the portable oxygen concentrator overheats, the oxygen concentration is too low, the battery goes below 20%, or no breath is detected, among other issues.
Be aware that alarms may go off while you’re sleeping, which is generally a good thing, as they can alert you to problems while you’re asleep, but it can also be irritating to wake up because of a low battery.
CAIRE offers a digital telehealth solution on your smartphone with their FreeStyle Comfort oxygen machine, which isn’t available with many other systems. The myCAIRE app and telehealth solution enables your health care providers to review your usage and flow settings at any time. It ensures they always have access to accurate information to ensure your prescription matches your needs, even if they change over time.
The app is also handy for users and their caregivers. You can review device notifications, monitor your average flow setting, and even request technical service from your provider in an instant. The manual is also included in the app, so you don’t have to hunt for it online whenever you need help.
CAIRE also offers an extensive catalog of online resources, including manuals, brochures, and videos, making it easy to learn everything you need to know before deciding if the FreeStyle Comfort is right for you.
Accessories
The FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen machine comes with accessories, including:
- One 8-cell battery pack.
- Power supply with AC input cable.
- DC power cord.
- Carrying bag.
- 7-foot nasal cannula.
- Shoulder strap.
There are some additional accessories you can purchase that make using the FreeStyle Comfort on the go even easier:
- Carry-all accessory bag.
- Backpack.
- Additional AC and DC power supply cords.
- Additional 8-cell and 16-cell battery packs.
- Desktop battery charger.
- Travel adapter for use when traveling overseas.
Oxygen delivery modes
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort works by pulling in the air around you and separating oxygen and nitrogen, increasing the oxygen purity level you breathe. The oxygen is captured and delivered through the nasal cannula at a concentration level of up to 95%, higher than the industry average of 90%.
The device offers one of the highest oxygen flow rates of any highly portable machine, up to 1,050 mL of oxygen per minute. It uses a pulse delivery system, which means oxygen is delivered through the cannula in bursts rather than in a continuous flow. There are five different pulse dose settings at various oxygen levels. Settings are in 210-milliliter increments:
- Setting 1: 210 mL per minute.
- Setting 2: 420 mL per minute.
- Setting 3: 630 mL per minute.
- Setting 4: 840 mL per minute.
- Setting 5: 1,050 mL per minute.
The FreeStyle Comfort utilizes impressive technology to ensure you get the proper oxygen concentration delivered comfortably:
- autoSAT automatically adjusts oxygen production to match your unique respiratory rate.
- autoDOSE automatically delivers pulsed oxygen when no breath is detected after 15 seconds.
- UltraSense technology makes the machine highly sensitive to breathing patterns, recognizing even the shallowest breaths when you’re resting or sleeping.
CAIRE Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator cost
You have a few choices regarding how much you spend on your device. Below are your options.
Buy it new
CAIRE sells the FreeStyle Comfort and their other oxygen concentrators directly, but they are also available through medical equipment providers, which means prices can vary.
Pricing starts at $2,379.99, but costs can increase quickly depending on your chosen features and accessories. For example, an additional 8-cell battery costs as little as $352, while a 16-cell battery costs $569. Some providers offer discounts for adding batteries to your package when you purchase your system.
The price includes a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, but some medical equipment providers enable you to upgrade to a lifetime warranty. For example, Main Clinic Supply offers a lifetime warranty for $975.
Buy a refurbished machine
With additional accessories and warranty upgrades, it isn’t uncommon for the FreeStyle Comfort to cost $3,000 or more, which can make it quite expensive compared to other options, but there are some ways to make it more affordable.
You can find refurbished machines that cost significantly less. Just be aware that the warranty will not be as robust: Certified pre-owned units come with a two-year warranty with no option to purchase an extended warranty, while regular refurbished units have only a 90-day warranty.
Most providers also offer payment plans through their websites as well as options to buy now and pay later through payment partners like PayPal.
Rent before you buy
If you don’t want to spend so much money on a machine before you know if it’s right for you, some online sellers, like the Oxygen Concentrator Store, allow you to rent the machine. You can rent from the Oxygen Concentrator Store for $315 per week or $180 for four days. Not only can you get a feel for the machine before you buy, but it’s also a great way to spend less on a portable oxygen concentrator when traveling if you already have one at home.
Health insurance coverage
Portable oxygen concentrators are considered durable medical equipment and must be prescribed by a doctor. As such, you may be eligible to receive some coverage by health insurance like Medicare or Medicaid, depending on your situation. Talk with your health care team and insurance provider to understand the details of their coverage of portable oxygen concentrators.
Battery life
The FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen machine offers a decent battery life compared to some other models on the market. The 8-cell battery included with your purchase lasts up to eight hours, and the 16-cell battery lasts up to 16 hours. However, these impressive operation times are based on users who operate the machine on setting 1. Those operating the machine on higher settings will use the battery more quickly. For example, operating the machine on setting 2 will reduce an 8-cell battery’s life to four hours and a 16-cell battery to eight hours.
The display screen on the machine shows how much charge the battery has left when it is plugged into the machine, but the batteries themselves also have a button you can push to get a quick read on how much power is left. This feature is especially handy if you have multiple batteries and don’t want to have to plug them all in to see how much power they have left.
Charging options
The machine can use both AC power from an outlet in your home and DC power in your car, with both types of cords included when you purchase the portable oxygen concentrator. Travel adapters for AC power are also available, so you can plug in and charge your portable concentrator if you go overseas. You can also purchase a desktop charger.
Charging is relatively quick. A standard 8-cell battery recharges in about 3.5 hours. You can use the machine while it’s charging, too: The FreeStyle Comfort is fully functional on AC and DC power. Just make sure you always operate the machine with the battery installed, as the unit can malfunction if you attempt to use it while plugged into the wall without a battery.
Portability and design
Weighing just 5 pounds and measuring only 10 inches high, the FreeStyle Comfort from CAIRE is easy to carry. It is designed to be highly portable with an ergonomic, curved design that reduces swinging and bouncing.
A carrying bag is included for even greater portability. You can purchase a different carrying bag with room for your accessories or a backpack you can wear during exercise or high-impact activities. Your machine also comes with a strap that connects to the device itself, turning it into its own portable unit without the need for a bag.
Because it’s so small, there’s no need for a cart or wheels. It’s so lightweight and compact that it’s no different from carrying a purse and can easily be placed on a counter. It also meets all FAA requirements, which means you can use it on an airplane.
Upgrading to the 16-cell battery can make carrying the device even more convenient since it can go up to 16 hours before recharging. The 16-cell battery adds an extra pound to the device’s overall weight. However, both the 8-cell and 16-cell batteries last longer than those of other models, so you might not have to carry extra batteries, making this oxygen concentrator feel a little more portable compared to other units that require backup batteries.
Setup of the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator
With its intuitive backlit buttons, setting up the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort oxygen concentrator is relatively easy. Just make sure the battery pack and nasal cannula are installed and the machine is plugged into the wall when charging, and you can start using it right away.
CAIRE has an online quick-start guide that explains the steps for setting up your machine. You can also check out their handy unboxing video, which also explains the setup process.
Operation guide and assistance
If you want to familiarize yourself with the portable O2 machine, check out CAIRE’s online manual. The manual is also available on the myCAIRE app, which makes it easy to reference when you’re on the go.
You can find CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort providers who offer more support for setting up and learning how to use your machine. For example, the Oxygen Concentrator Store offers a service called the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort Zone service program that allows you to talk to a coach who will explain how the equipment works and what’s included. They can also provide preventive maintenance recommendations and additional real-time support should you have any questions or issues in the future.
Warranty
CAIRE was the first and is now one of only a few manufacturers to offer an impressive three-year warranty on both the device and the sieve beds (the filters that separate oxygen from the air).
You’ll want to look at any additional warranty information offered by the seller. All new CAIRE devices come with a three-year warranty regardless of where you purchase your machine, but some providers offer lifetime warranties for an additional price.
We recommend purchasing your device directly or from an authorized dealer to get the full benefits of the warranty. They will ensure your O2 machine is properly registered and provide support should you need to make a claim during the warranty period. Buyers can get warranty information from their dealers.
Maintenance and care instructions
The device’s maintenance and cleaning are relatively straightforward, but it is important to follow the directions in the manual to ensure the warranty is valid.
You should clean the air intake filters on the bottom of the machine at least once a week by removing them and rinsing them with warm water. When cleaning the unit itself, make sure to turn off and unplug the machine before using a damp cloth or sponge. You should replace the nasal cannula every three to six months. Store batteries away from extreme heat and high humidity.
If you have a mechanical or operational issue during the warranty period, contact CAIRE directly or the medical store where you purchased the device. If the problem happens after the warranty period, you may be able to buy replacement parts through the medical store where you purchased your device. Many dealers also have programs that allow you to trade in your machine for refurbishment and get a discount on a new device.
Troubleshooting common issues with the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator
The CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort has a display that indicates with images any issues the device may be having. Each alarm and corresponding display are listed in the manual. You can also find a quick guide on all potential audible alerts and visible signals here.
In some cases, your FreeStyle Comfort may have trouble resetting itself after an alarm or a significant electrostatic discharge. You can reset your device by doing the following:
- Remove the battery pack.
- Disconnect all external power sources.
- Wait two minutes.
- Reinstall the battery.
- Connect to an external power source if needed.
Customer service
Customer service can vary depending on where you purchase your machine. CAIRE and authorized dealers offer the best service because they are the most familiar with CAIRE products. You can call and speak to a customer service representative who can answer your questions and offer guidance for any issues you may encounter.
You can also contact CAIRE directly at 1-833-203-2473 if you need help finding replacement parts for your machine, if you’d like a list of authorized retailers, or if your machine is still within the warranty period and you experience an issue. They can also help you troubleshoot issues you may be experiencing with your machine.
User reviews and testimonials
Testimonials on the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort O2 machine can be difficult to find. There are no testimonials on the CAIRE website, but you can find some customer reviews on authorized CAIRE dealer websites.
Some reviews include information about the machine itself, but most highlight information on the customer service offered by each dealer, which can be handy if you’ve decided to purchase the FreeStyle Comfort but want to make sure you’re buying your machine from a highly rated store. However, digging through reviews to find ones that explicitly state the reviewers’ experience with the oxygen concentrator can also be a little frustrating.
Main Clinic Supply has a 4.9-star rating with nearly 10,000 reviews. Many reviewers mention how quickly Main Clinic Supply ships new machines and makes repairs. The Oxygen Concentrator Store lists a 4.8-star rating for the FreeStyle Comfort with over 50 reviews, some of which directly reference the device’s functionality rather than users’ experience with the seller.
How to buy the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator
You can purchase the FreeStyle Comfort directly from CAIRE by calling 1-866-993-8375. It is also available through medical equipment providers. Some of the top authorized dealers include:
| Name | Cost | Benefit |
| Main Clinic Supply | Starting at $2,795 | Extended lifetime warranty available |
| Oxygen Concentrator Store | Starting at $2,395 | Comfort Zone service program |
| American Discount Home Medical Equipment | $2,995 | Free shipping in as little as two days |
| MSC Medical Shop | $3,195 | Price includes a 16-cell battery |
| Direct Supply | $2,379.99 | Price includes a 16-cell battery |
| Hero | Starting at $2,995 | Free shipping |
| Harmony Medical Supply | $2,595 | Physical stores in San Diego and Vista, California |
Note: These prices are accurate as of the time of publishing, but the dealer may change prices as they see fit.
It’s important to consider the price when shopping, but you also want to balance cost with the level of service the retailer provides. For example, you may find you’re willing to pay a little more for an extended warranty or a special service program.
Some retailers offer return policies, but it’s important to look into the fine print. Some may charge restocking fees, and some may only offer exchanges, so it’s important to compare retailers before making your decision.
When shopping for accessories, like additional batteries and charging cables, we recommend purchasing them from the retailer from which you purchased your machine. All your purchases will be added to your account, which can make getting help in the future easier should you ever run into problems. However, you can also find CAIRE-compatible accessories on Amazon, which can be convenient if you want fast delivery.
Final thoughts on the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator
The CAIRE Freestyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator is an excellent choice for people looking for a device that allows them the freedom and flexibility to move around and stay active. Its small size, lightweight, ergonomic design, and various carrying options make it perfect for people on the go. Its innovative features ensure you get the oxygen you need while maintaining an active lifestyle. If you’re searching for a portable oxygen concentrator, check out the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort to see if it’s right for you.
