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Inogen One G4 vs. Inogen One G5 Compared
Updated:
Aug 04, 2022
Inogen One G4 vs. Inogen One G5 Compared
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Key Takeaways
- Inogen is a trusted name in oxygen therapy devices, providing portable oxygen concentrators with industry-leading technology and user-friendly features.
- Between the Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G5 systems, most oxygen users can find the right match for their needs.
- The Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G5 offer different benefits, and choosing one depends on your lifestyle and oxygen prescription.
Choosing a portable oxygen concentrator can be hard. It’s a significant investment—one that you’re likely to use for a period of time every single day. Whether you’re new to needing oxygen therapy or have been using it for a while, choosing a device that will have such a significant impact on your life is a task that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Although it’s a big decision, experts agree that using a portable oxygen concentrator for supplemental oxygen can be life changing. Marti Dahlquist, an experienced registered nurse in long-term and rehabilitative care with New England-based Bear Mountain Healthcare, said:
“[The] use of portable oxygen concentrators has allowed my patients to easily and safely transition to a daily routine that allows independence and dignity, while reaping the added benefits of musculoskeletal strengthening and improved circulation.”
This sentiment is confirmed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), which conducts research on the effects of immobility on overall health and well-being in older adults. According to NIA’s research: “A lack of physical activity or exercise can also make it more likely that a person will experience loss of mobility as they age. The increasing incidence of sedentarism (sitting too much) is a growing health concern: Too many older adults don’t get enough physical activity and spend too much time sitting daily.”
If you’re in the market for a portable oxygen concentrator, you’re bound to see Inogen One’s models mentioned quite often. Inogen has been making oxygen therapy devices since 2001 and is undeniably a leading name in the industry. We’ve taken a closer look at the Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G5 systems to bring you an honest comparison of Inogen’s two most popular portable oxygen concentrator models.
Consider This When Buying a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
Purchasing a portable oxygen concentrator is a big decision, and one that shouldn’t be made without thorough consideration. The biggest factor is the prescription from your doctor, as this will determine which portable oxygen concentrators are valid options.
While your prescription is most important, there are a number of other factors to consider in order to find the right portable oxygen concentrator for your condition and lifestyle.
- Flow type: Available flow types are pulse flow (also called intermittent flow) and continuous flow. Your doctor will determine which flow type is right for you, according to your prescription and oxygen needs.
- Flow rate: The flow rate is how much oxygen is being delivered to you per minute. Pulse flow models will use numbered settings to define the flow rate, whereas continuous flow models simply use the number of liters per minute and can be set at half-liter intervals. It’s important to remember that the numbered settings on pulse flow machines aren’t necessarily consistent between models and brands, so check with your doctor to be sure that your desired model can be adjusted to the appropriate setting for your prescription.
- Size and weight: Portable oxygen concentrators are intended to be easily transported, but what that means is different for everyone. Some users may have no problem lifting 10 pounds, while others may feel short of breath from carrying 5 pounds.
- Battery life: The life of your portable oxygen concentrator’s battery will be the main factor in determining how much time (and therefore freedom) you can be away from a stationary unit or electrical outlet for charging.
- FAA approval: In order to legally bring your portable oxygen concentrator on board an aircraft, it must adhere to FAA guidelines. FAA approval is essential if you plan to travel by air with your portable oxygen concentrator.
- Filter: Portable oxygen concentrators use a special filter and sieve bed to pull nitrogen from surrounding air and deliver concentrated oxygen. Most portable oxygen concentrators will have filters that are easily user-replaceable and maintained, and most include some form of warranty coverage.
- Sound level: The sound coming from your portable oxygen concentrator will vary from model to model. Although most are designed to be relatively discrete, some are louder than others. This is a particularly important consideration for people who plan to use their portable oxygen concentrator in places like a quiet office, or while sleeping with a partner.
- Accessories: Most models include some basic accessories like a carry bag and charging cords with the purchase of your portable oxygen concentrator. Many also have other accessories available to purchase separately, like backpack carriers or double size batteries. Many accessories will have some form of warranty coverage.
- Warranty: The typical warranty for a portable oxygen concentrator will fall somewhere between three and five years. Most warranties are broken into parts, specifying different levels of coverage for the concentrator unit, batteries, sieve beds, and accessories.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Inogen One G4 vs G5
| Dimensions | Inogen One G4 | 5.91 by 2.68 by 7.2 inches | Inogen One G5 | 7.19 by 3.26 by 8.15 inches |
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| Weight | Inogen One G4 | 2.8 pounds (with a single battery) | Inogen One G5 | 4.7 pounds (with a single battery) |
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| Noise Level | Inogen One G4 | 40 decibels | Inogen One G5 | 39 decibels |
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| Battery Duration | Inogen One G4 | 2 hours and 40 minutes | Inogen One G5 | 6.5 hours |
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| Battery Recharge Time | Inogen One G4 | 3 hours and 15 minutes | Inogen One G5 | 4 hours |
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| Flow Type | Inogen One G4 | Pulse flow | Inogen One G5 | Pulse flow |
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| Flow Settings | Inogen One G4 | 1 to 3 | Inogen One G5 | 1 to 6 |
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| Maximum Oxygen Output | Inogen One G4 | 630 ml/min | Inogen One G5 | 1,260 ml/min |
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| FAA Approved | Inogen One G4 | Yes | Inogen One G5 | Yes |
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| MSRP | Inogen One G4 | $2,912 | Inogen One G5 | $3,165 |
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| Warranty | Inogen One G4 | Standard three-year warranty on the unit, one-year warranty on batteries, and 90 days on all other accessories | Inogen One G5 | Standard three-year warranty on the unit, one-year warranty on batteries, and 90 days on all other accessories |
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Flow Settings of the Inogen One G4 vs G5
One of the most measurable differences between the Inogen G4 and Inogen G5 systems is their oxygen output and flow settings. As you can see in the side-by-side comparison, each model has a different maximum output, but they also have different flow settings to accommodate individual needs. Flow settings are numbered and each number setting indicates an amount of oxygen delivered per breath.
It’s important to note that the numbered settings are considered more like power levels, and each number represents a different volume of oxygen delivered per pulse. To help clarify this difference, the chart below shows the settings and corresponding oxygen volume per breath for each model.
| Flow Setting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | Inogen One G4 oxygen volume per breath (at 20 breaths per minute) | 21 ml | Inogen One G5 oxygen volume per breath (at 17 breaths per minute) | 12 ml |
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| 2 | Inogen One G4 oxygen volume per breath (at 20 breaths per minute) | 42 ml | Inogen One G5 oxygen volume per breath (at 17 breaths per minute) | 25 ml |
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| 3 | Inogen One G4 oxygen volume per breath (at 20 breaths per minute) | 63 ml | Inogen One G5 oxygen volume per breath (at 17 breaths per minute) | 37 ml |
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| 4 | Inogen One G4 oxygen volume per breath (at 20 breaths per minute) | n/a | Inogen One G5 oxygen volume per breath (at 17 breaths per minute) | 49 ml |
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| 5 | Inogen One G4 oxygen volume per breath (at 20 breaths per minute) | n/a | Inogen One G5 oxygen volume per breath (at 17 breaths per minute) | 62 ml |
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| 6 | Inogen One G4 oxygen volume per breath (at 20 breaths per minute) | n/a | Inogen One G5 oxygen volume per breath (at 17 breaths per minute) | 74 ml |
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Note: This chart is for basic clarification purposes only, and specific settings and oxygen volume needed should be discussed with and prescribed by your doctor.
The Inogen One G4 system has a maximum oxygen output of 630 milliliters per minute, with flow settings from 1 to 3. With only three flow settings, this system isn’t as able to accommodate exact oxygen needs as some others, but overall, it’s designed for users with lower oxygen prescriptions.
On the other hand, the Inogen One G5 system has more settings, a higher maximum output of 1,260 milliliters per minute, and can accommodate more specific or more exact oxygen delivery needs.
Inogen Intelligent Delivery Technology
Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology has made their portable oxygen concentrators incredibly effective at delivering the correct oxygen dose, regardless of breathing rate. One component of this technology is its incredible triggering sensitivity—Inogen portable oxygen concentrators are extremely sensitive, sensing a breath within the first 400 milliseconds. This sensitivity means that the Inogen G4 and Inogen G5 deliver oxygen as soon as you begin to inhale, sending the oxygen from your lungs to your bloodstream.
The other important component of Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery is its ability to adjust oxygen bolus size according to breathing rate. When your breathing slows, more oxygen is delivered per breath, and when your breathing speeds up, less oxygen is delivered per breath to keep the dosing per minute consistent. By making these adjustments, Inogen’s portable oxygen concentrators can be used effectively throughout periods of rest, exertion, and even sleep.
Inogen Connect
For users of both the Inogen One G4 and G5 systems, the Inogen Connect app is available on both Android and iOS. Through the easy-to-use app, users can:
- View remaining battery life
- Monitor the status of columns (the removable filter and sieve bed unit) and get column replacement reminders
- Ensure that the unit is operating correctly and check operation alerts
- Download software updates
- Search for troubleshooting tips and additional resources
- Receive discounts and promotional alerts
Inogen One Warranty
Inogen One offers a limited warranty for the G4 and G5 systems, with the option of either three years or lifetime coverage. This choice of coverage applies only to the concentrator, and selecting the lifetime warranty is an additional cost.
The limited warranty also offers one year of coverage for sieve bed columns, carry bags, batteries, and power accessories. No warranty coverage is offered for disposable accessories and attachments like cannulas and tubing.
How to choose: Inogen G4 vs. G5
The Inogen G4 and Inogen G5 are both highly capable and reliable machines, and choosing between the two will come down to your lifestyle and oxygen needs.
Pros
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Lightest and smallest system from Inogen
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Option to purchase lifetime warranty
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Large, simple display and buttons
Cons
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Only suitable for people with lower oxygen prescriptions
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Short battery life of two hours and 40 minutes
If you have a lower oxygen prescription and want a unit that can provide your oxygen therapy while remaining discreet, the Inogen One G4 is an excellent option. This portable oxygen concentrator is one of the smallest and lightest on the market, and its size makes it easy to carry without adding much bulk or noise to your daily routine. If it’s able to accommodate your oxygen prescription, the one notable downside is the short battery life.
Depending on how you plan to use it, two hours and 40 minutes may not feel like long enough to truly enjoy the freedom offered by a portable concentrator. The good news is that if the Inogen One G4 is the best model for you besides the short battery life, a double battery is available to purchase separately or as an upgrade to your initial purchase. The double battery option equips this tiny portable oxygen concentrator with over five hours of battery life, giving you unmatched freedom while using supplemental oxygen.
Users who have purchased the Inogen G4 system and reviewed it on third-party sites like Trustpilot, as well as through portable oxygen concentrator distributors like the Oxygen Concentrator Store, love its lightweight portability and overall ease of use. While some people do say they wish it had more battery life, its overall value and the option to buy a larger battery make it a very highly recommended model. Inogen as a brand has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
“I have been using this unit for 4 months now. It has not skipped a beat … I bought the bigger battery but I have never even gone close to using all of it. I put it on charge when in my truck. and on charge when home or in the office … I have gone 5 hours on a setting of 2 and still had 25% left. I find it amazing how this little unit can do what it does and be so quiet at the same time.” —Gil, Oxygen Concentrator Store
Pros
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Six flow settings offer more versatility
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6.5 hours of battery life
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Option to purchase lifetime warranty
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Large, simple display and buttons
Cons
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Long battery recharge time of four hours
For people with higher oxygen needs who still want the freedom and mobility offered by a portable oxygen concentrator, the Inogen One G5 system is ideal. It’s not as lightweight as the G4, but the added weight is due to its ability to offer double the maximum oxygen output. The G5 system, though heavier than the G4, is still lightweight enough to be incredibly portable.
Adding to its portability, the model’s six hours and 30 minutes of battery life can easily accommodate most adventures without ever having to worry about finding a charging outlet. If you’re looking to have absolute freedom to spend entire days out and about, the Inogen One G5 system can also be upgraded to include a double battery which offers a whopping 13 hours of battery life.
Consumer reviews of the Inogen One G5 system from third-party sites like Trustpilot and portable oxygen concentrator distributors like the Oxygen Concentrator Store are overwhelmingly positive, with most customers praising the model’s ability to meet their needs from oxygen volume to battery life. Some reviews do mention difficulty with customer service, but overall those who have purchased the Inogen One G5 system consider it a great buy. Inogen as a brand has 4 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.
“This is the best oxygen concentrator I could have ever bought. I researched a lot of them and found that Inogen was the best. it was a little on the high side as for money, but you get what you pay for.” —Wayne W., TrustPilot
Other Portable Oxygen Concentrators We Recommend
If you didn’t find the Inogen One G4 or Inogen One G5 to be a great match for you, here are some additional models that we feel meet the highest standards for modern portable oxygen therapy:
Inogen One G3: This model has been discontinued, but it’s still widely available from portable oxygen concentrator retailers. It has everything we love about Inogen including the trusted name, reliability, and Intelligent Delivery Technology, for a lower price than the updated Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G5 models.
CAIRE Freestyle Comfort: With exceptional battery life and modern features like MyCaire Telehealth, this model is a great all-around pick for value, function, and portability.
Respironics SimplyGo: For users needing continuous flow, this model is the lightest on the market and offers up to 2 liters per minute of continuous flow oxygen. Even better, it’s one of the most affordable continuous flow units available.
ResMed Mobi: On top of competitive specifications like weight and battery life, this model comes with an unbeatable five-year warranty, which includes one year of warranty coverage on batteries and accessories.
Bottom Line
The Inogen One G4 system is the perfect pick for lower oxygen needs and maximum portability, while the Inogen One G5 system is the best choice for people with higher oxygen prescriptions who want to maintain their freedom and mobility. Both units come from one of the most reliable brands in oxygen therapy and are consistently competitive on specs and features with other units on the market. No matter what your oxygen needs are, either the Inogen One G4 or the Inogen One G5 is likely to fit the bill.
Why Trust Us?
The AgingInPlace.org team researches, analyzes, and tests health products to help older adults make better decisions as they age. For portable oxygen concentrators, we’ve reviewed 11 manufacturers and 22 individual models on the market today to offer you our top picks.
We’re committed to bringing you the most accurate information, based on our in-depth research. Below you’ll find a description of our methodology for reviewing portable oxygen concentrators:
- Spent hundreds of hours researching portable oxygen concentrator brands and models
- Consulted medical experts and journals
- Studied the user experience through insight from professionals, user reviews, and third-party research
To provide the most fair and objective reviews and comparisons, we use a mathematical formula to score each model based on the following considerations:
- Unit weight
- Battery life
- Range of settings
- Price
- Battery recharge time
- Warranty
- Oxygen delivery method
Our team monitors and regularly updates information to ensure relevance and reliability throughout all of our content. Many products and services featured on AgingInPlace.org will play a crucial role in your daily life. As these products should help enhance aging at home, we work to uncover as much as possible about the products and services we review. We also consult occupational therapists, audiologists, geriatricians, respiratory therapists, professional adult caregivers, and other experts in the field to ensure we’re providing the most accurate, helpful information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G5 systems are designed with different needs in mind. The G4 system is one of the smallest on the market, offering maximum portability but less oxygen capability. The G5 system is a bit larger and heavier, but the weight and size is due to a bigger motor which powers the unit to offer double the oxygen capacity of the G4.
Pricing is accurate as of July 19, 2022 date.
WRITTEN BY
With over six years of clinical experience in long term care and rehabilitation, Ayla is passionate about helping people age safely and with dignity. She is an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse), licensed with the State Board of Nursing in Massachusetts, and holds a B.A. in Psychology. Through her education and work she has focused on combining practical health knowledge with the individual needs and desires of older adults to bring the absolute best care and content to patients and readers.
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