Are you struggling to choose the right portable oxygen concentrator that fits all your needs? With so many choices out there, it can feel confusing and stressful to make the right decision. Your health and comfort depend on picking the right one, and the wrong choice could lead to problems you don’t need. Like this blog by Medworld Trade, we’re here to make that decision easier for you. The Inogen One series is known for its simple designs and easy-to-use features, and it offers two popular models: the G5 and G4. But which one is the best for you? In this showdown, we’ll look at the important differences between the Inogen One G5 and G4, helping you find the portable oxygen concentrator that’s perfect for you.
Size and Weight
Inogen One G5: The Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator is slightly larger and heavier than the G4, weighing approximately 4.7 pounds with a single battery. Despite its weight, the G5 is still considered lightweight and easy to carry, making it suitable for users who prioritize battery life and oxygen output over compactness.
Inogen One G4: The G4 is one of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators available, weighing just 2.8 pounds with a single battery. Its compact size makes it extremely portable, fitting easily into a small bag or backpack. If you value portability and prefer to travel light, the G4 is the clear winner in this category.
Winner:
Inogen One G4 is for those prioritising portability, while the G5 is ideal for users who can handle more weight in exchange for enhanced performance.
Battery Life
Inogen One G5: The Inogen One G5 offers impressive battery life, with up to 6.5 hours of operation on a single battery and up to 13 hours with a double battery. This extended battery life is one of the G5’s standout features, making it an excellent choice for users who need long-lasting power throughout the day.
Inogen One G4: The G4, while highly portable, has a shorter battery life. It provides up to 2.7 hours of operation with a single battery and up to 5 hours with a double battery. While this may be sufficient for shorter trips or outings, users who need extended usage without frequent recharging may find the G4 limiting.
Winner:
Inogen One G5 is the winner for battery life, offering nearly double the usage time compared to the G4.
Oxygen Output
Inogen One G5: The G5 offers a higher oxygen output than the G4, delivering pulse doses from 1 to 6 settings. This makes the G5 suitable for more oxygen therapy needs, including users requiring higher oxygen levels.
Inogen One G4: The G4, while highly portable, offers pulse dose settings from 1 to 3. This lower oxygen output is sufficient for users with mild to moderate oxygen needs but may need to be more adequate for those requiring higher doses.
Winner:
Inogen One G5 wins again in this category due to its higher oxygen output, catering to a more extensive range of users.
Noise Level
Inogen One G5: The G5 operates at a noise level of approximately 38 decibels, comparable to a quiet conversation. While it’s not entirely silent, the noise level is unlikely to be disruptive in most environments.
Inogen One G4: The G4 is slightly quieter than the G5, operating at around 40 decibels. While the difference in noise level is minimal, the G4 may be more appealing to users who are particularly sensitive to sound.
Winner:
Inogen One G4 is the quieter option, although the difference is slight.
User Interface and Features
Inogen One G5: The G5 features an intuitive design with a user-friendly control panel that's simple to navigate, Bluetooth connectivity, and allows users to monitor their device via the Inogen Connect app, providing real-time information regarding battery life, oxygen output and other essential functions.
Inogen One G4: The Inogen One G4 offers an intuitive control panel but lacks Bluetooth connectivity on its successor, the G5. Further more, while straightforward in design, it contains fewer advanced features than its counterpart.
Winner:
Inogen One G5 comes out on top thanks to features like Bluetooth connectivity and app integration that make using it even simpler for the user.
Price
Inogen One G5: The Inogen One G5 price is generally higher than that of the G4 due to its enhanced features and capabilities. However, the price difference may be justified for users who require higher oxygen output and longer battery life.
Inogen One G4: The G4 is more affordable, making it an attractive option for those who need a reliable portable oxygen concentrator without the extra bells and whistles.
Winner:
Inogen One G4 is the budget-friendly choice, though the G5 offers more value for users with specific needs.
Conclusion
The decision between the Inogen One G5 and G4 ultimately comes down to your specific needs and lifestyle. If you require higher oxygen output, longer battery life, and advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, the Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator is the superior choice. However, if portability, quiet operation, and affordability are your top priorities, the Inogen One G4 portable oxygen concentrator is an excellent option.
Both models deliver the reliable performance that Inogen is known for, so you can’t go wrong with either choice. Consider what matters most to you in a portable oxygen concentrator, and let that guide your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long will Inogen One G5 last?
Concerning use conditions and flow settings, an Inogen One G5 may last between 6.5 and 13 hours with one battery installed and multiple batteries added together.
Can an Inogen oxygen concentrator be used daily?
Absolutely. All Inogen oxygen concentrators - such as the G5 - have been designed for continuous daily use to provide reliable oxygen therapy as healthcare providers prescribe.
Can the Inogen G5 be Used While Sleeping?
As its pulse dose, oxygen delivery adjusts to your breathing patterns while you rest.
Are Inogen One G4's Continuous Flow Settings Supported?
No. The Inogen One G4 only offers pulse dose oxygen delivery and does not support continuous flow settings.
How Can You Select the Appropriate Oxygen Concentrator?
When selecting an oxygen concentrator, key considerations include your oxygen needs (pulse dose vs. continuous flow), portability, battery life, noise level and additional features such as app connectivity or ease of use - in consultation with the healthcare provider of choice!