Performance, reliability top POC wish list

YARMOUTH, Maine – Seventy-one percent of respondents to a recent HME Newspoll say they are either dissatisfied or neutral about the portable oxygen concentrator (POC) options currently available on the market.

As seniors become increasingly active and mobile, demand for POCs continues to grow. However, respondents say the infrastructure supporting the POC market – including the technology of devices – has not kept pace with provider and patient needs.

“The technology is too difficult for users; at the same time, (it’s) not sophisticated enough to meet their needs,” wrote one respondent. “Seniors are more active than ever. (We) need more research in higher-flow POCs.”

Two new manufacturers, WeOxy and Jumao/HOMED, have entered the market this year, a development that may be welcome news for providers seeking new options. In fact, 67% of respondents reported they are actively evaluating new POCs.

When considering POCs, respondents cited a wide range of desired features. One respondent said manufacturers should offer a five-year warranty on units, excluding sieve beds and batteries, which should carry two-year warranties. They also pointed to the need for six-plus hours of battery life.

Batteries came up repeatedly as a key area of concern.

“Features should include the ability to charge a battery while using another battery, (being) able to plug right into the battery and not having to be in the machine to charge,” they wrote. “And being able to plug into the battery while it’s in the POC to charge and extend its use. That extends availability to the active patient and keeps weight lower.”

Respondents also said sieve beds should have longer service lives and be replaceable in the field when needed.

Reliability and durability emerged as the most important factors influencing purchasing decisions, according to most respondents (38%).

“Manufacturers and DME companies are all doing a disservice to their patients/customers by selling POCs that do not have longer service lives,” wrote one respondent. “And when a unit fails – and most don’t last a year in the field – it’s difficult to get a unit repaired.”

After reliability and durability, respondents ranked the following factors as most important:

• Warranty and service support (24%)
• Weight/portability (19%)
• Purchase price (14%)
• Patient ease of use (5%)

For some respondents, the challenges go beyond product design and performance.

“The reimbursement for one (and) the equipment cost is high,” one respondent wrote.