Oxlife Independence Review: Specs, Battery Life & Setup
By Clay RollysonThe O2 Concepts Oxlife Independence is a portable oxygen concentrator built to do a lot of jobs at once: daytime pulse dose on the go, continuous flow at night, and even bleeding oxygen into a CPAP machine. In the video below I unbox it, walk through the specs, show you how to install the batteries and charge it, run it, and share the simple weekly maintenance trick that keeps these machines going for years.
Full walkthrough of the Oxlife Independence: unboxing, specs, setup, operation and maintenance (about 9 minutes).
The short version: the Oxlife Independence delivers up to 3 LPM of continuous flow and pulse settings from 0.5 to 6. It weighs 16.7 lbs before batteries, rolls on a built-in cart, fits under an airline seat, and is FAA approved. With both batteries you get about 5.75 hours at pulse setting 2, and the machine carries a 5-year warranty.
Looking for something smaller you can wear on your shoulder? See the Oxlife Liberty 2, the Independence's lighter sibling at about 8 lbs.
Table of contents
- What comes in the box
- Oxlife Independence specifications
- Battery life and charging
- How to set it up
- How to operate it
- Using the Oxlife Independence with a CPAP
- Maintenance and the spare filter trick
- Is the Oxlife Independence right for you?
- Need something smaller? The Oxlife Liberty 2
- Frequently asked questions
What comes in the box watch at 0:44
Everything you need to run the unit at home, in the car, and on the road comes packed together:
- The Oxlife Independence concentrator with its built-in cart, handle and recessed wheels.
- Two rechargeable batteries. We supply every unit with two.
- AC power supply for a standard wall outlet.
- DC power supply for your car's 12-volt (cigarette lighter) outlet.
- An extra foam filter. Hang on to this one. It's the key to the maintenance routine below.
- User manual and accessory bag to keep the cords and spare filter together.
Oxlife Independence specifications watch at 2:52
Here's how the numbers break down, so you can judge whether it fits the way you live and travel.
| Dimensions | About 20.2" tall x 10.9" wide x 9.5" deep |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16.7 lbs without batteries; about 1.35 lbs per battery (roughly 19.4 lbs with both installed) |
| Continuous flow | 0.5 to 3 LPM |
| Pulse dose | Settings 0.5 to 6, in 0.5 increments |
| Battery life (both batteries) | About 5.75 hours at pulse setting 2; about 2.5 hours at 2 LPM continuous |
| Recharge time | About 2.5 hours for both batteries |
| Power options | AC wall power, DC car power, or batteries |
| Air travel | FAA approved; sized to slide under the seat in front of you and run there |
| Warranty | 5 years on the concentrator, 2 years on the sieve beds, 1 year on batteries, power supplies and accessories |
Specs check out for you? Order the Oxlife Independence, or save with a refurbished unit.
The design is what really sets it apart. The handle flips up with a quick release, and the cart and wheels are built right into the body, so there's no separate roll-around case adding bulk. The recessed wheels don't add to the overall dimensions either. The idea is that you roll it behind you and only lift it when you have to, like getting it in and out of a car.
Battery life and charging watch at 3:40
With both batteries installed, expect about 5.5 to 6 hours at pulse setting 2. The higher the setting, the shorter the run time.
My advice: save battery power for pulse mode. Continuous flow draws a lot more power, so the batteries don't last nearly as long there. Continuous mode is really meant for when you're plugged in, like at home overnight or when you're bleeding oxygen into a CPAP.
Recharging both batteries takes about two and a half hours while the unit is plugged in. That's why I tell everyone to keep it plugged in whenever you're near an outlet, whether you're using it or not. That way it's always charged when you need to head out the door. If you travel a lot, a spare Oxlife battery is worth considering.
How to set it up watch at 1:27
Install the batteries
The unit will run on wall power without batteries, but it's best to keep them installed so they're always charging while it's plugged in.
- Find the two large rectangular openings on the back of the unit.
- Hold a battery with the pull tab facing up and slide it in like a drawer.
- Press it all the way in until you hear it click into place on both sides. Give it a light tug to make sure it doesn't slide back out.
- To remove a battery, pull up and out on the tab and it slides right out.
Connect power
Facing the front of the unit, the power port is on the left side. Plug in the AC power supply for the wall, or the DC supply for your car's 12-volt outlet. Both connect the same way, with the plug sitting at a 90° angle pointing down.
How to operate it watch at 5:28
- Turn it on. Press and hold the green power button until the O2 Concepts logo appears.
- Pick your mode. A quick press of the mode button switches between continuous and pulse. On battery, use pulse.
- Set your flow. Use the up and down arrows to reach the setting your doctor prescribed. Remember that higher settings shorten battery time.
- Let it warm up. The screen shows warm-up, flow OK, and purity followed by dots. Once it's fully warmed up and working correctly, you'll see "purity OK."
- Attach your cannula or tubing. Push it onto the silver outlet nipple. It's recessed, so it won't snap off if the unit bumps into something.
- Turn it off. Press and hold the power button when you're done.
How to tell it's delivering in pulse mode: pulse dose can be hard to feel. Watch the bottom-left of the screen, next to where it says pulse. A small wave pops up each time the unit delivers a dose, so you know you're getting oxygen even if you can't feel it the way you would with continuous flow.
The top-left corner of the screen shows each battery's charge separately, so you always know exactly where both stand.
Using the Oxlife Independence with a CPAP watch at 6:32
This is one of the big reasons CPAP users look at the Independence. Because it offers true continuous flow up to 3 LPM, it can bleed oxygen into a CPAP machine at night. Pulse mode won't work for this, so always use continuous mode with a CPAP, and plug the unit into the wall rather than running it on battery.
You can also run extension tubing from the outlet, which lets you keep the concentrator up to about 50 feet away, even in another room, to cut down on noise at the bedside. Your doctor should set the flow rate and confirm how oxygen gets added to your CPAP setup.
Maintenance and the spare filter trick watch at 8:01
Maintenance on the Independence is about as easy as it gets.
Wipe down the case
Keep it dusted. The top is water-resistant (not waterproof), so you can wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Rinse the foam filter once a week
The foam filter on the side is the one part that really needs your attention. Once a week, rinse it thoroughly under warm water. If it's very dirty, add a small amount of mild dish soap, then rinse it very well. You don't want the machine pulling in soap residue or fumes.
The spare filter trick: a rinsed filter has to dry completely before it goes back in. Instead of waiting, set the wet one aside to dry and pop in the clean spare that came in the box. Next week, swap them again. You're never without a filter, and the machine never pulls air through a damp one.
These units are built tough. I've seen people drop them down a flight of stairs, pick them up, and keep going. Take care of that filter, keep the unit clean, and it'll last you a very long time.
Is the Oxlife Independence right for you?
The Independence is a strong fit if you:
- Need continuous flow up to 3 LPM, which many portable concentrators can't provide.
- Want one machine for day and night, pulse on the go and continuous at home.
- Use a CPAP and need oxygen bled in overnight.
- Travel by car or plane and want FAA approval without hauling tanks.
Oxlife Independence Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Continuous flow up to 3 LPM, dual batteries, built-in cart, and a 5-year warranty. A refurbished Oxlife Independence is also available.
Shop the Oxlife IndependenceNeed something smaller? The Oxlife Liberty 2
The Independence is built to roll behind you. If you'd rather wear your concentrator on your shoulder or back, the Oxlife Liberty 2 is the one to look at. It comes from the same maker, O2 Concepts, and it still offers true continuous flow in a unit that weighs about 8 lbs with its battery. That's rare for a concentrator this size, and it means the Liberty 2 can also bleed oxygen into a CPAP.
Oxlife Independence vs. Liberty 2
| Oxlife Independence | Oxlife Liberty 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | About 19.4 lbs with both batteries | About 8 lbs with battery |
| How you carry it | Built-in cart with wheels | Shoulder bag, or backpack case |
| Continuous flow | Up to 3 LPM | Up to 2 LPM |
| Pulse dose | Settings 0.5 to 6 | Settings 1 to 10 |
| Battery life at pulse 2 | About 5.75 hours (two batteries) | About 4 hours (standard battery); larger battery available |
| Works with CPAP | Yes, continuous mode | Yes, continuous mode |
| FAA approved | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
Choose the Liberty 2 if you're on the go most of the day, want your hands free, and your continuous prescription is 2 LPM or less. Stick with the Independence if you need up to 3 LPM continuous, want the longest run time on batteries, or would rather roll than carry.
Oxlife Liberty 2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Continuous flow up to 2 LPM and pulse settings 1 to 10 in a wearable, FAA-approved unit. Available with a standard or larger battery. Pair it with the Liberty 2 backpack to go hands-free.
Shop the Liberty 2Frequently asked questions
How long does the Oxlife Independence battery last?
With both batteries installed, about 5.75 hours at pulse setting 2. Battery time drops as you raise the setting, and continuous flow gives about 2.5 hours at 2 LPM, which is why battery power is best saved for pulse mode.
How much does the Oxlife Independence weigh?
The concentrator weighs 16.7 lbs without batteries. Each battery adds about 1.35 lbs, so it's roughly 19.4 lbs with both installed. The built-in cart and wheels mean you'll usually roll it rather than carry it.
Can I use the Oxlife Independence with my CPAP machine?
Yes. It can bleed oxygen into a CPAP using continuous flow mode, up to 3 LPM. Pulse mode doesn't work with CPAP, and the unit should be plugged into wall power for overnight use. Follow your doctor's prescribed flow rate.
Is the Oxlife Independence FAA approved for flights?
Yes. It's FAA approved and sized to fit under the seat in front of you on most flights, and it can run while it's stowed there. Check with your airline before you fly, since each carrier has its own notice requirements for portable oxygen concentrators.
Can I run the Oxlife Independence without batteries?
Yes. It runs fine on AC wall power or DC car power without batteries installed. We still recommend keeping the batteries in so they stay charged while the unit is plugged in.
How long does it take to charge the batteries?
About 2.5 hours to recharge both batteries while the unit is plugged in.
How often should I clean the Oxlife Independence filter?
Rinse the foam filter weekly in warm water, using a little mild dish soap only if it's very dirty, and rinse thoroughly. Let it dry completely before reinstalling it. Swapping in the spare filter while the other dries keeps the unit running without a break.
How can I tell if pulse mode is delivering oxygen?
Look at the bottom-left of the display next to the word pulse. A small wave appears each time the unit delivers a dose, even if you don't feel it.
Is there a smaller, lighter option than the Oxlife Independence?
Yes. The Oxlife Liberty 2 weighs about 8 lbs with its battery and is carried on the shoulder or in a backpack. It offers continuous flow up to 2 LPM and pulse settings 1 to 10, and it works with CPAP. The Independence is the better choice if you need up to 3 LPM continuous or longer battery time.
What is the warranty on the Oxlife Independence?
The concentrator is covered for 5 years, the sieve beds for 2 years, and the batteries, power supplies and accessories for 1 year.
Still have questions? Leave a comment on the YouTube video. I do my best to answer every one.
