Inogen Models

by Courtney Sornberger May 16, 2023

Buying an oxygen machine can feel intimidating, especially if you are unfamiliar with medical equipment.

When considering which oxygen concentrator to buy, remember that your chosen model depends on how much oxygen you need. You must also consider whether you need a stationary or portable model, or perhaps both.

While some people need a high oxygen flow rate from a reliable home oxygen concentrator, lower flow rate portable devices are an excellent solution for many.

Inogen offers several different models of oxygen concentrators, including the portable Inogen One G5, Inogen One G4, and the stationary constant flow model, the Inogen GS-100.

Which device you choose will depend on your specific needs. This article looks at the Inogen models One G5, One G4, and the GS 100. Remember, before you rush out to buy, you do need a prescription for an Inogen. After you have ordered your concentrator, Main Clinic Supply can obtain a prescription for you.

What this article covers:

Inogen Models One G5, One G4, Gs 100
Inogen One G5, One G4, or Gs-100?
Does Inogen G5 or G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrators Have Constant Continuous Flow Oxygen

Inogen Models One G5, One G4, GS 100

Technical Spec

	Inogen One G4	Inogen One G5	Inogen GS-100
Weight	2.8 Lbs	4.7 Lbs	18 Lbs
Dimensions	Length: 5.91″ Width: 2.68″ Height: 7.2″	Length: 7.2″ Width: 3.2″ Height: 8.1″	Length: 13″ Width: 7.0″ Height: 16,5″
Noise	40 Decibels	38 Decibels	40 Decibels
Pulse Dose	1-3 settings	1-6 settings	No
Continuous Flow	No	No	Yes 1-5 LPM
Battery Life	Standard battery: 2.7 hrs Extended battery: 5 hours	Standard battery: 5 hrs Extended battery: 9 hours	N/A
Battery Charge	Single battery: charge 2-4 hrs with AC or DC power Double battery: charge 4-8 hrs with AC or DC power	Single battery: charge 2.5 hrs with AC or DC power Double battery: charge 4 hrs with AC or DC power	N\A
Power Supply	AC Power Supply 100-240V, 50-60Hz (auto sensing to allow worldwide use). DC Power Cable: for mobile use Rechargeable Battery: 12.0-16.8 V	AC Power Supply 100-240V, 50-60Hz (auto sensing to allow worldwide use). DC Power Cable: for mobile use Rechargeable Battery: 12.0-16.8 V	AC Power Supply 100-240V, 275W, 50-60Hz (auto sensing to allow worldwide use)

Oxygen Flow Performance

If your doctor has prescribed oxygen for your medical condition, you are probably asking how much oxygen does Inogen produce?

The Intelligent Delivery Technology found in all Inogen portable oxygen concentrators utilizes triggering sensitivity to quickly detect a breath and deliver oxygen.

Inogen One oxygen portable concentrators use proprietary conserver technology to ensure that oxygen is delivered within the first 250 milliseconds of inspiration. This is important because oxygen has the most effect on lung gas exchange during this time. The Inogen One oxygen systems also use triggering sensitivity to quickly detect a breath and deliver oxygen within this critical period.

During periods of sleep, respiratory rates typically decrease. The Inogen One actively responds to this changing physiology through its use of proprietary technology to increase the amount of oxygen delivered. At 10 breaths per minute (BPM), the Inogen One home oxygen systems deliver double the amount of oxygen delivered as when the breathing rate is 20 BPM.

This means that the Inogen One oxygen systems can provide the same level of oxygen therapy during sleep as they can during waking hours. This is important for people who need oxygen therapy 24 hours a day, including those with COPD, asthma, and heart failure.

In addition to being safe and effective, Inogen One oxygen concentrators are also lightweight and easy to carry. They are also quiet, so they will not disturb others. Inogen One oxygen concentrators have a long battery life, so you can use them all day without having to worry about running out of oxygen. And they are affordable, so you can get the oxygen therapy you need without breaking the bank.

The Inogen One G4 portable oxygen concentrator delivers up to 1260ml/min of 90% oxygen. The device has 6 pulse dose oxygen delivery settings. Like the One G4, each flow setting delivers a specific flow rate.

what is the difference between inogen g4 and g5

At each flow setting, the device generates 210ml/min of oxygen.

Flow Setting	Flow Rate
1	210 ml/min
2	420 ml/min
3	630 ml/min

The Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator delivers up to 1260ml/min of 90% oxygen. The device has 6 pulse dose oxygen delivery settings. Like the One G4, each flow setting delivers a specific flow rate.

Flow Setting	Flow Rate
1	210 ml/min
2	420 ml/min
3	630 ml/min
4	840 ml/min
5	1050 ml/min
6	1260 ml/min

The device can also be easily charged in the car or via an AC or DC power source, making travel convenient.

The easy-to-read LCD screen displays the battery level and oxygen flow rate. It also features audible and visual alarms to alert the user when the battery is low, or the oxygen flow rate needs to be adjusted.

The Inogen GS-100 is a stationary oxygen concentrator that can be used at home and requires an electrical outlet.

The GS-100 administers up to 5 LPM of continuous flow oxygen. This concentrator is designed to run day and night for 24/7 supplemental oxygen.

Differences

Size & Weight

The Inogen One G4 is smaller and lighter than the Inogen One G5.

The G4 weighs only 2.8 pounds and measures 7.2 inches high with a single battery.

The G5 weighs 4.7 pounds with a single battery and at 8.15, is an inch taller than the G4.

The GS-100 weighs 18 pounds and measures 16.5 inches high, 13 inches wide, and 7 inches deep.

Battery Life

There is a significant difference in battery life between the G4 and G5 POCs.

A single G4 battery can last up to 2.7 hours on a single charge, and you will get up to 5 hours out of a double battery.

The G5 single battery can last up to 6.5 hours on a single charge, and a double battery will give you up to 13 hours on setting one.

The Inogen GS-100 requires an AC power supply.

Flow Settings

The Inogen One G5 has more flow settings than the G4. The G5 has six flow settings, while the G4 has only three.

Unlike the G4 and G5 which offer pulse dose oxygen, the GS-100 is a continuous flow model delivering 1-5 LPM of oxygen.

Noise Level

Noise levels of the Inogen One G5 and G4 POCs are similar. However, producing 38 decibels of sound, the G5 is 3 decibels quieter than the G4 which produces 40 decibels.

Similarly, the GS-100 has a low noise level of 40 decibels.

Price

The Inogen One G5 is generally more expensive than the G4 due to its wider range of oxygen flow settings, longer battery life, and additional features.

Factory Warranty

All Inogen models have a 3-year standard warranty with an optional upgrade to a lifetime warranty.

This warranty covers any defects in materials or quality that may arise during regular device use.

The warranty may not cover damage or malfunctions caused by misuse, neglect, or unauthorized repair attempts. In addition, some parts and accessories, such as batteries and filters, may have a shorter warranty period than the concentrator itself.

Optional Additional Warranties

Authorized Inogen Service Centers can offer additional warranties that extend your warranty for as long as a "Lifetime". Main Clinic Supply also offers warranties that cover routine service and maintenance.

Inogen One G5, One G4, or GS-100?

Inogen One G4

The Inogen One G4 is one of the most compact and lightweight portable oxygen concentrators.

What is a portable oxygen concentrator? Unlike traditional oxygen tanks, which are heavy and require frequent refills, portable oxygen concentrators are lightweight and compact, allowing users to take them on the go easily.

A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) works by filtering and concentrating the oxygen from the surrounding air. The device uses a compressor and sieve beds to remove nitrogen and other gases from the air, leaving behind concentrated oxygen. The concentrated oxygen is delivered to the user through a nasal cannula.

The Inogen One G4 is designed to be user-friendly, with a simple control panel and intuitive interface. Users can easily adjust the oxygen flow rate and view battery life and other important information on the display screen.

The FAA approves the Inogen One G4 for air travel, meaning you can use it on commercial airlines. Only POCs are allowed to deliver oxygen on commercial flights. No tanks are allowed. This approval makes it a convenient option for those needing oxygen therapy while traveling.

The battery life is fair for the size and weight of the unit. A single battery can last up to 2.7 hours, and a double battery can last up to 5 hours, depending on the settings. You can charge the G4 on AC power inside the home or by using DC power in a car or airplane.

The Inogen One G4 operates quietly at 40 decibels. Based on input from our customers, the low noise level makes it an ideal option for use in public places or around others, as it won't disrupt conversations or activities.

The Inogen One G4 is designed for low maintenance, with few parts to replace or clean, making it a cost-effective option for those who need oxygen therapy.

On the downside, the battery life can be limiting if you lead an active lifestyle. A single battery provides only 2.7 hours of power on setting one. It takes 3.5 hours to charge a single battery fully.

Oxygen flow is limited to 630 ml/min. If higher flows are needed or may be needed in the future, consider the G5 instead.

Why It’s Great

Highly portable
User-friendly interface
FAA approved for air travel
Easy to clean
Low maintenance

Who It’s Right For

People who require a lower amount of supplemental oxygen
People who require oxygen when traveling
People who need additional oxygen when performing functions like walking the dog or cleaning the house, a trip to the store, or out for lunch or dinner

Inogen One G5

The Inogen One G5 is a pulse flow portable oxygen concentrator with 1–6 flow settings, the widest variety of settings for Inogen One machines. The device offers an oxygen flow rate of up to 1260 l/min.

While larger and weighing more than the One G4, the Inogen One G5 maintains a sleek design and is relatively lightweight, allowing users to move around freely.

The G5 has a carrying case to hold the device and its accessories. The case features a shoulder strap for easy carrying and protects the device during transport. You can purchase an Inogen One G5 backpack if you prefer a hands-free option.

The Inogen One G5 battery is a single 24-cell lithium-ion battery that provides up to 6.5 hours of power when fully charged. A double battery will give you up to 9 hours of power, depending on your setting. The battery can be charged using the AC or DC power supply that comes with the device.

The device also features an LCD screen that displays essential information such as oxygen settings, battery life, and alarms or alerts.

The noise level of the Inogen One G5 is around 38 decibels (dB) at a setting of 2. At higher flow settings, the noise level may increase slightly. However, based on our research, it is still quiet compared to other portable oxygen concentrators.

Additionally, the Inogen One G5 features Intelligent Delivery Technology, which helps to minimize wasted oxygen and reduce noise levels.

Intelligent Delivery Technology (IDT) is designed to sense your breath and automatically adjust the oxygen flow to meet your changing oxygen needs as you move, breathe faster, or slow down.

The G5 includes Bluetooth capabilities, just like the G4, which enables you to use your smartphone or tablet to connect to the Inogen Connect app.

You can check the status of your filter, cannula, and battery life and access the user manual, frequently asked questions and troubleshooting advice.

Why It’s Great

Highly portable
Long battery life
Quiet operation: The Inogen One G5 operates quietly, making it perfect for public use.
Easy to use

Who It’s Right For

Patients with higher oxygen needs who want to maintain an active lifestyle
Patients who need oxygen while they sleep
People who need a quiet device in a home or work setting.

Inogen GS-100

The Inogen GS-100 is a stationary oxygen concentrator designed for home use, which must be plugged into an electrical outlet. It is one of the most lightweight and compact continuous-flow oxygen concentrators on the market.

Although it is not a portable model, it weighs just 18 lbs, making it easy to move from one room to another or even for travel purposes such as moving homes.

The device boasts an easy-to-read LCD screen that displays essential information like the oxygen flow rate and remaining battery life, making monitoring and adjusting settings convenient. Moreover, the control panel buttons are large, making it easy for those with visual impairments to operate.

The GS-100 is an energy-efficient machine, using 100 watts at 2 LPM up to 275 watts at 5 LPM. The low noise levels of 40 dB at flow setting two help to ensure undisturbed sleep if you require 24-hour oxygen support.

The GS-100 is compatible with CPAP or Bi-PAP devices.

Despite its impressive features, it's important to note that the oxygen flow rate of the Inogen GS-100 is limited to 5 LPM. While this output level may be adequate for many users, more is needed for those who require higher flow rates.

Why It’s Great

Operates at elevations up to 8000 feet
The lightest home concentrator, only 18 pounds

Low energy use
Large, easy-to-read buttons

Quiet operation: The Inogen GS 100 operates quietly, making it perfect to use during sleep hours.

Who It’s Right For

Patients with continuous flow oxygen need up to 5 LPM
Patients who need oxygen while they sleep
People who need a quiet device in a home or work setting.

Conclusion

If you have a respiratory condition that requires supplemental oxygen but still lead an active life, a highly portable oxygen concentrator may be the solution for you.

While portable oxygen concentrators offer a lower oxygen flow rate than stationary at-home units, they are suitable for many people who need oxygen therapy.

When you’re considering an oxygen concentrator, you must make decisions based on your individual needs and with the guidance of your health professional.

In all, both of these machines have their strengths and their weaknesses, so you should choose the one that best fits your health and lifestyle needs. Hopefully, this guide has given you the tools and information to do just that.

Inogen Models One G4 And One G5 (FAQs)

What is the difference between the Inogen G4 and G5?

The main differences between the Inogen One G4 vs G5 are the battery life and oxygen output. The One G5 has double the battery life and oxygen flow rate.

Does Inogen G5 or G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrators have Constant Continuous Flow Oxygen

All Inogen portable oxygen concentrators deliver oxygen using Inogen’s proprietary conserver technology called “Intelligent Oxygen Delivery.” This is different than continuous flow oxygen and standard pulse flow oxygen.

Inogen Intelligent Oxygen Delivery - Find Your Oxygen Flow

The Inogen One G5 and G4 oxygen concentrators are portable devices that deliver 90% (+6%/-3%) oxygen. Inogen G4 delivers up to 630 ml/min on a setting of three. It has three flow settings: 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. The Inogen One G5 has six settings with the maximum flow on a setting of six of 1260 ml/min 90% (+6%/-3%) oxygen. The Inogen G5 has six flow settings: 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. The flow setting that is right for you will depend on your individual needs.

To select the right flow setting, you will need to consider the following factors:

Your doctor's prescription: Your doctor will have prescribed a certain level of oxygen therapy for you. This prescription will be based on your medical condition and your individual needs.
Your breathing rate: Your breathing rate is the number of breaths you take per minute. The faster your breathing rate, the more oxygen you will need.
Your inspiratory tidal volume: Your inspiratory tidal volume is the amount of air you breathe in with each breath. The larger your inspiratory tidal volume, the more oxygen you will need.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start to experiment with different flow settings to find the one that works best for you. You should start with the lowest flow setting and increase it until you feel comfortable. You should also talk to your doctor about the flow setting that is right for you.

Here are some additional tips for selecting the right flow setting for the Inogen One G4 oxygen concentrator:

If you are using the Inogen One G4 for the first time, start with the lowest flow setting and increase it gradually until you feel comfortable.
If you use the Inogen One G4 while exercising, you may need to increase the flow setting.
If you use the Inogen One G4 while sleeping, you may need to decrease the flow setting.
If you have any questions about the proper flow setting, talk to your doctor.

Can you sleep with an Inogen Portable Concentrator?

Inogen One G5 has integrated Intelligent Delivery Technology that follows your natural breathing pattern. Oxygen delivery is tailored to suit your needs whether you are active or asleep. However, if you require continuous flow oxygen while you sleep, the Inogen GS-100 may be your best option.

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Inogen Models