Inogen Oxygen Concentrator Models: Review, F...
A pioneer in oxygen therapy, Inogen portable oxygen concentrators (POCS) were the first from any manufacturer to hit the market in the early 2000s. While many brands have since added POCs to their lineups, Inogen remains the most widely known. Models are available through retailers worldwide thanks to their popularity and longevity in the industry, and Inogen’s customers are quick to share their testimonials about excellent products and customer service.
The brand’s name and reputation is comforting to not just users, but also healthcare professionals.
Inogen pairs its products with the latest technology to improve performance along with customer connectivity. The brand offers concentrators with both intermittent flow and continuous flow capability, as well as models for on-the-go or home use. Inogen’s portable oxygen concentrators are all FAA approved for air travel, covered by an industry-standard warranty, and offer competitive battery life all under 5 pounds per system, allowing you to have worry-free oxygen whenever and wherever you need it. Overall, Inogen is an excellent option if you’re looking for a brand that has a long-standing reputation for quality, innovation, and service.
“Inogen is one of the most common brands we see go home with patients. We love them because their customer service is excellent, and patients usually have no problem learning how to operate their concentrators before heading home.”
Marti Dahlquist, a registered nurse at Franklin Health and Rehabilitation and a long-term senior care and rehabilitation specialist.
Pros
POC delivers up to 1,260 oxygen ml/min
Home delivers up to 5,000 oxygen ml/min
Package bundles at a discounted price
Variety of accessories available
User-friendly app
Oxygen specialists available for one-on-one support
Cons
Options can be hard to navigate
Battery life varies between flow settings
Lifetime warranty is a significant additional cost
Additional Features:
The Inogen One G3 System is a basic, portable oxygen concentrator available for insurance rental only. If you’re experiencing a temporary condition where you need oxygen therapy, your insurance may cover the rental fee to help you through recovery. Renting can be a great option for post-surgical oxygen supplementation or conditions expected to improve, like pneumonia or COVID-19. Although some retailers have discontinued offering this model, it is still widely available to people with Medicare or other health insurance plans who would prefer to rent their unit instead of purchasing it outright.
The G3 is relatively lightweight at only 4.8 pounds, roughly the weight of an average modern laptop. Though it isn’t the lightest portable oxygen concentrator in Inogen’s line, it’s easy to carry around for most older adults. With a single battery, the concentrator can last about 4.7 hours and up to 10 hours with the optional double-size battery. Its maximum oxygen output is enough to accommodate most conditions where the user is otherwise active and mobile.
If you’re interested in using the G3, or any oxygen concentrator, you’ll need a doctor’s prescription for oxygen therapy. From there, Medicare or your private insurance may cover up to 80% of the rental cost. Inogen can work with you and your insurance company to determine your eligibility and make sure you have the proper paperwork for insurance coverage.
Additional Features:
Like the G3 system, the G4 is built for portability and oxygen therapy on the go. The G4 is only 2.8 pounds, making it the most lightweight model in Inogen’s line of oxygen concentrators. For anyone using the app, real-time stats and service reminders keep your unit functioning exactly as you need it to.
With the Inogen One G4 system, you can purchase an extra battery or double battery through the Inogen site as well as through most retailers that offer Inogen oxygen products. With one battery you’ll get about 2.7 hours of use, while a double battery can give you up to five hours. Inogen’s battery life estimates are based on continual use while on the second oxygen flow setting. The G4 has three different settings, so battery life may vary quite a bit for the first or third flow setting.
Considering its size and maximum oxygen output, the Inogen One G4 system is an excellent option for users who want more freedom and whose conditions are mild to moderate. The maximum oxygen output is relatively low, so this model may not be suitable for those with more advanced conditions or conditions that fluctuate dramatically.
Additional Features:
The Inogen One G5 System offers the longest battery life and most flow settings out of any other Inogen One product. You can enjoy up to 6.5 hours of use with the standard single battery, or up to 13 hours with an optional double battery for all day use. Like the G4 system, the G5 connects wirelessly to the Inogen Connect app to monitor battery life and product health.
Besides Bluetooth app connectivity and Inogen’s highest output in a portable oxygen concentrator, what really sets this model apart is the fact that it’s capable of up to 24/7 use. Many portable concentrators require down time to allow for battery charging, whereas the G5 system can be plugged in and functioning while simultaneously recharging the battery. Although it’s not recommended that you use a POC for all-day use, Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology also enables this system to adapt to breathing changes that occur during sleep while maintaining the proper level of oxygen delivery. This makes it a great model for frequent travel or long days when you’ll be away from home (and away from your at-home unit, if you have one).
Additional Features:
The Inogen At Home is Inogen’s stationary oxygen concentrator. While it’s heavier than Inogen’s portable options, it’s still only 18 pounds—light enough to move throughout your home as needed. The At Home model is larger than the Inogen One concentrators, but it’s still just as quiet at about 40 decibels, allowing your home to remain peaceful, even while you sleep.
One way the At Home concentrator differs from other Inogen One models is that it offers continuous flow, which means that you can receive up to 5 liters of oxygen per minute, whether you’re inhaling or exhaling.
Though the At Home concentrator uses AC power, it will hardly affect your utility bill. The concentrator only uses about 100 watts of energy, similar to the energy consumption of a ceiling fan or small TV, making it an efficient option for ongoing oxygen therapy.
The Inogen At Home doesn’t come with a carry bag, though it does include one cannula. The At Home also doesn’t offer Bluetooth connection to the Inogen Connect app, so keep in mind that you’ll have to pay attention to time frames regarding necessary maintenance to keep the unit functioning properly.
Additional Features:
Inogen’s Freedom Bundles offer a portable concentrator and the Inogen at Home model at a combined discount to provide total oxygen coverage. If you’re looking for long-term use out of your oxygen concentrator, as well as portable and stationary use, the Freedom Bundle will give you the best deal.
With any Freedom bundle you choose, you’ll receive one Inogen At Home, one Inogen One portable concentrator, a single or double battery, and corresponding carry bags. Each of the G4 and G5 systems offer three different freedom bundles, which include a varying amount of batteries.
When you choose a Freedom Bundle online, an Inogen oxygen specialist will contact you to offer a free consultation. The oxygen specialist can help you determine which bundle is right for you depending on your health needs, budget, long-term use, and more.
The pricing reflected in this article is sourced from Inogen’s website, and retailer pricing may vary. Additionally, patients in the states of Massachusetts and New Jersey will see higher pricing online from the manufacturer. This is a result of state regulations requiring a clinician to deliver, set up, and titrate oxygen products, and the cost of this additional service is reflected in consumer pricing. Generally, however, Inogen oxygen concentrators cost between $1,645–$5,619, depending on the model and options you choose. Factors like warranty, battery, and particular model or bundle will affect the final price range for your purchase, as well as where you choose to buy your Inogen concentrator. While it’s unlikely to find a deeply discounted Inogen oxygen concentrator, some retailers may offer them for slightly more or less expensive prices than others.
| System |
| Base Price | |
| Inogen One G3 | Medicare or insurance only |
|---|---|
| Inogen One G4 | $2,651 |
| Inogen One G5 | $2,882 |
| Inogen At Home | $1,645 |
| Single Battery Life | |
| Inogen One G3 | 4.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Inogen One G4 | 2.5 hours |
| Inogen One G5 | 6.5 hours |
| Inogen At Home | N/A |
| Double Battery Life | |
| Inogen One G3 | 10 hours |
|---|---|
| Inogen One G4 | 5 hours |
| Inogen One G5 | 13 hours |
| Inogen At Home | N/A |
| Warranty Upgrade Available | |
| Inogen One G3 | |
|---|---|
| Inogen One G4 | |
| Inogen One G5 | |
| Inogen At Home | |
The prices listed in the above table are for the listed model with a standard single battery and accessories. The price will increase when selecting a double battery or when upgrading the warranty on your purchase.
Yes, in some cases Medicare will cover some portion of your portable oxygen concentrator. If your condition falls within certain parameters according to medical tests and your physician’s recommendation, Medicare will cover 80% of costs after you meet your Medicare Part B deductible. Generally speaking, Medicare will offer the most coverage for renting oxygen equipment, as is the case with the Inogen One G3 system. If you plan to purchase your equipment, Medicare coverage will vary.
Inogen Connect is Inogen’s proprietary mobile app, available for both Apple and Android devices. Using Bluetooth technology, the Inogen One G4 and Inogen One G5 seamlessly report battery life, when to replace filters, and usage patterns through a user-friendly interface. The app also offers tech support and troubleshooting, as well as helpful content for supplemental oxygen users. Inogen Connect also offers users discounts on purchases of parts and accessories.
To optimize your Inogen oxygen concentrator for your lifestyle and preferences, Inogen has parts and accessories available for purchase in addition to what comes standard with each model. The table below shows some examples of available accessories, though more accessories or add-ons may be available depending on which system you’re purchasing.
| Accessory |
| Double battery | |
| Price | $597 |
|---|---|
| Compatible units/systems | G4, G5 |
| External battery charger | |
| Price | $330 |
|---|---|
| Compatible units/systems | G3, G4, G5 |
| Rolling cart | |
| Price | $145 |
|---|---|
| Compatible units/systems | G3, G5 |
| Backpack | |
| Price | $116 |
|---|---|
| Compatible units/systems | G3, G4, G5 |
Double battery: The double battery is in fact a single battery, but with double the cells as the standard “single” battery. As the name suggests, the double battery offers double battery life, but it also adds size and weight.
External battery charger: This allows users to charge their batteries on the go, extending the portability of their units without needing to find a power outlet for battery charging. The external battery charger must be charged separately and holds power to charge both single and double batteries without any additional equipment.
Rolling cart: For those who prefer not to use a backpack or carry bag for their concentrator, the rolling cart allows for easy transport without holding any weight on your body.
Backpack: The backpack option allows users to carry their portable concentrator comfortably on their back, keeping it out of the way and allowing them to be hands-free. This accessory also offers additional storage space for personal items. Besides the backpack, carry bags and carry straps are also available for most models to accommodate users’ carrying preferences.
Other accessories: Standard components and replacement parts are always available for purchase from Inogen. These items include power cords, replacement filters, and standard single batteries.
All Inogen concentrator models are designed to be user-friendly, and Inogen offers assistance over the phone (800.630.3144) for those who need help setting up their new unit. The Inogen website also has short videos to show and explain the setup procedure for each model. Setup procedures may vary slightly for portable and home models, but the following setup steps for the Inogen G5 are a great example of how simple the Inogen concentrator setup is:
Inogen offers a limited warranty on their oxygen concentrators, giving the customer the choice between a three-year or lifetime limited warranty at additional cost. Regardless of the term, the limited warranty states that products will be free from any defect in materials or workmanship. The warranty specifies that it’s only applicable under normal use and with proper maintenance and care as outlined by the manufacturer.
The three-year and lifetime warranty terms apply only to the concentrator itself, and other parts or accessories have different warranty periods. Sieve beds and batteries are covered under warranty for one year, and other accessories like bags, cords, and chargers are covered for one year. Disposable items like cannulas and tubing are not eligible for warranty coverage.
Inogen seems pretty well regarded across trusted review sites. The brand has a 3.9 rating (as of Sept. 22, 2022) on Trustpilot, with 79% of the reviews falling under “good” or “excellent,” and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Overall, Inogen’s customer testimonials include stories about reclaiming their independence. Many customers were able to do activities they didn’t think would be possible, such as extended traveling. It’s easy to forget the portable oxygen concentrator is even there with accessories like the hip bag or backpack and Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology.
With any product, there’s always a small chance that you’ll receive a damaged or defective product. Some customers received concentrators that didn’t last as long as promised or didn’t work altogether. In response to these scenarios, Inogen takes a proactive approach to offering extended warranties and fast repairs or replacements.
As tends to be the case with review sites and reviews of medical companies, there are a handful of negative reviews that mostly cite poor customer service or billing issues. This isn’t uncommon, but seems to be rare with Inogen. Negative reviews refer to the company preying on older adults and only caring about money, but we’d recommend double-checking prices and contract or purchase terms before entering into any agreement or sale to potentially avoid these issues.
| Company |
| Cost | |
| Inogen | $1,645–$5,619 |
|---|---|
| Respironics | $2,995–$3,295 |
| Caire | $3,195–$3,900 |
| Flow type | |
| Inogen | Pulse, Continuous |
|---|---|
| Respironics | Pulse, Continuous |
| Caire | Pulse, Continuous |
| Weight | |
| Inogen | 2.8–18 pounds |
|---|---|
| Respironics | 5–10 pounds |
| Caire | 5–18.4 pounds |
| Warranty | |
| Inogen | Three-year or lifetime limited |
|---|---|
| Respironics | Three-year limited |
| Caire | Three-year limited |
The prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases has been steadily increasing worldwide, with an increase of nearly 40% since 1990. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COPD affects more than 15 million people in the United States alone. If you’re an older adult dealing with a respiratory disease such as chronic asthma, lung cancer, or COPD and require supplemental oxygen, Inogen offers a wide variety of oxygen concentrators. All of the concentrators in the Inogen One portable line use a proprietary Intelligent Delivery Technology to optimize oxygen delivery at all hours of the day, while the Inogen At Home offers continuous-flow delivery up to 5 liters per minute for high-volume, steady oxygen. Inogen has been producing innovative and industry-leading oxygen therapy products for decades, making them a trusted choice for quality supplemental oxygen devices.
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:
To provide the most fair and objective reviews and comparisons, we use a mathematical formula to score each model based on the following considerations:
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.
See a full explanation of our research methodology.
Insurance coverage will depend on your individual insurance provider and plan. Before purchasing an Inogen oxygen concentrator, check with your provider to determine what (if any) coverage is available.
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.
MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Elizabeth has been a respiratory therapist since 1983 and remains licensed in the state of New York. Her experience in respiratory care includes routine and critical care in the hospital setting outpatient and at home equipment modalities and management and use of home ventilators, CPAP, BiPAP, apnea monitor, nebulizer, and other respiratory-related equipment.
