Inogen Rove 6 vs Inogen G5

by Fran Fox August 8, 2023

Update 9-07-2023:

Inogen, the manufacturer is introducing the Inogen Rove. As a manufacturer, they are responsible for introducing new models with a limited rollout. This allows for bugs, glitches, and software updates to be made before widely releasing new products. This was the case when the Inogen G3, G4, and the Inogen G5 first came to market. Inogen is very good about improving their new products, but it takes time.

WARNING: Some sales reps working at Inogen are spreading false information that the Inogen G5 is being discontinued. This is not true and has been confirmed many times with top leadership at Inogen, including the CEO. It would be helpful if you were told this, to report it. I will then pass on to the leadership group. If a sales representative from Inogen tells you this, please report it by emailing Report@mainclinicsupply.com.

I will pass details to Inogen's leadership. Since they can no longer sell the flagship Inogen G5 portable oxygen concentrator, some falsely claim it's discontinued. Please email any reports of false claims that the Inogen G5 is discontinued.

For people who need supplemental oxygen on the go, portable oxygen concentrators the freedom and independence. These lightweight, battery-powered devices provide on-demand oxygen without heavy tanks. This article will give a detailed comparison of the Inogen G5 vs. Inogen Rove portable oxygen concentrators. The Inogen Rove sells for over $3,000, and the Inogen G5 sells for $1,995.
What is a portable oxygen concentrator, and where can I buy an oxygen machine?

You will likely be shocked to find out which one is the clear winner. Be sure to read this section “Noise Level” CHART OF INOGEN ROVE NOISE LOUDNESS COMPARED TO INOGEN G5

What this article covers:

Oxygen Flow Rates - Rove 6 and Inogen G5
Portability
Noise Level Really Matters -Key Differences
CONCULISON: Newer Is Not Always Better

Life Expectancy of Inogen G5 and Rove 6

August 07, 2023

Press Release:

The Inogen® Rove 6™ was launched in Europe in December 2022. Having completed the necessary regulatory processes, the expected service life of the Rove 6 will be extended from 5 years to 8 years for all Rove 6 devices sold worldwide. The 8 year best-in-class expected service life has also been extended to Inogen One® G5 portable oxygen concentrators in the US.

Intelligent Oxygen Delivery

Both machines use Inogen's proprietary intelligent delivery of oxygen.

The key to the lightweight design of the Inogen G5 and Rove 6 is Inogen's proprietary pulse flow technology. Traditional oxygen concentrators use a continuous flow method to deliver oxygen. This requires a heavier compressor or sieve bed columns to produce constant oxygen output.

In contrast, Inogen's pulse flow technology utilizes sensitive electronic sensors to detect the start of inhalation and deliver a measured "pulse" of oxygen only during inspiration. This allows the concentrator to conserve oxygen in between breaths, requiring less power and allowing for a smaller, lighter device design.

Inogen's pulse-flow devices can also adjust pulse volumes to precisely meet a user's prescribed flow setting from 1 to 6 liters per minute. This helps optimize oxygen delivery and battery life. The pulse flow technology allows the Inogen G5 and Rove 6 to provide the high levels of supplemental oxygen users need while weighing under 5 pounds.

In summary, the proprietary pulse flow method allows Inogen concentrators to provide maximum oxygen in a small, lightweight package by only delivering oxygen as needed during inhalation. This advanced technology allows improved mobility and freedom for oxygen therapy users.

The two machines have almost the same oxygen-flow rates.

As you can see below, the rates at different settings and breath rates are the same except in a few cases where the G5 is a fraction more powerful.

Flow Setting	Breaths/min	Inogen One G5 Pulse Volume (mL)	Inogen Rove 6 Pulse Volume (mL)
1	15	14	14.0
1	20	11	10.5
2	15	28	28.0
2	20	21	21.0
3	15	42	42.0
3	20	32	31.5
4	15	56	56.0
4	20	42	42.0
5	15	70	70.0
5	20	53	52.5
6	15	84	84.0
6	20	63	63.0

Portability

Why Portability Matters When Choosing a Portable Oxygen Concentrator

For those who require supplemental oxygen on the go, a portable oxygen concentrator can be a life-changing device. With innovative technology, portable oxygen concentrators are now smaller and lighter than ever before while delivering the needed oxygen flow rates. When selecting a portable oxygen concentrator, portability should be a top priority. Here's why portability matters.

Weight Matters

Portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be carried or wheeled around to give users independence and mobility. Look for lighter weight models, usually under 10 pounds, for the greatest portability and ease of transport. Heavier models can become a burden over time.

Inogen G5: Weight: 4.7 pounds (2.13kg) (with single battery)

Inogen Rove 6: 4.8 pounds (2.2kg) (with single battery)

The Inogen G5 and Inogen Rove 6 are two of the lightest portable oxygen concentrators on the market, but there is a slight weight difference between the two models. The Inogen G5 weighs approximately 4.7 pounds with a single battery installed. In contrast, the Inogen Rove 6 weighs around 4.8 pounds with a single battery.

Size Matters Too

Compact; smaller concentrator units are ideal for carrying a carry bag or backpack. Larger units may need to fit better into bags and tight spaces. Measure dimensions and look for a petite, low-profile design.

Comparing the Dimensions: Inogen One G5 vs. Inogen Rove 6 Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Portable oxygen concentrators like the Inogen One G5 and Inogen Rove 6 are designed to provide lightweight, mobile oxygen therapy. With compact sizes, they offer freedom and independence for active oxygen users. But when looking at the Inogen One G5 vs Rove 6, how do their dimensions compare?

Key Size Specifications:

Inogen One G5:

Length: 7.19 in (18.26 cm)
Width: 3.26 in (8.28 cm)
Height: 8.15 in (20.7 cm)

Inogen Rove 6:

Length: 7.18 in (18.24 cm)
Width: 3.27 in (8.31 cm)
Height: 8.14 in (20.68 cm)

The Rove 6 is slightly wider by 0.01 in (0.03 cm) compared to the G5. In both dimensions, it's also fractionally shorter in height and length by 0.01 in (0.02 cm).

Overall, the size difference between the two popular portable oxygen concentrator models is negligible. The dimensions are very close. For those considering the Inogen Rove 6 versus the Inogen G5, you can see they compare closely though the Inogen G5 is a fraction smaller.

Noise Level Really Matters - Key Differences

Why Noise Level Matters When Choosing a Portable Oxygen Concentrator.

For those who require supplemental oxygen therapy, portable oxygen concentrators offer the freedom and flexibility to continue an active lifestyle. These compact, battery-powered devices provide on-the-go access to oxygen therapy at home while traveling and anywhere life takes you.

Inogen Rove vs Inogen G5 the Sound and Noise Level

When selecting a portable oxygen concentrator, one of the key factors to consider is the noise level. Although portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be quiet, there can be notable differences in sound levels across different inogen models and brands. Understanding the importance of noise level will help you choose the best portable oxygen concentrator to meet your needs and preferences.

Excessive noise can be distracting, make it difficult to hear conversations and media, and may disturb sleep. A noisy oxygen concentrator can disrupt your ability to rest, relax, and enjoy activities.

Additionally, loud devices can be annoying or distracting to those around you.

This is a significant factor to consider! And here is where you see the clear winner! There is a big difference between the Inogen Rove 6 and the Inogen One G5.

From the Inogen Rove 6 owner's manual and from the Inogen G5's owner's manual.

Sound Level Specs

Rove 6 - Maximum system sound power of 62 dBA

Rove 6 - Maximum system sound pressure of 54 dBA

Inogen G5: Maximum Sound Power of 60 dBA

Inogen G5 Maximum Sound Pressure level of 50 dBA.

Sound power is typically used to characterize the noise output of machinery or equipment, independent of its surroundings. Sound pressure is what we typically measure with microphones in various environments to gauge the actual sound levels experienced.

Perceived Noise Loudness to the Human Ear

While the technical specs may not seem very far apart, the 4-decibel difference in sound pressure between the Rove 6 (54 dBA) and Inogen G5 (50 dBA) results in a significant gap in perceived loudness. Due to the logarithmic nature of decibel scales, every increase of 3 decibels effectively doubles the perceived volume. So the Rove 6 at 54 dBA would sound roughly twice as loud to the human ear as the Inogen G5 at 50 dBA. That substantial difference makes the Inogen G5 noticeably quieter and more discreet in real-world use. Such a significant reduction in perceived noise can significantly improve the quality of life for oxygen device users who require portability and discretion. Considering sound pressure levels reveals that Inogen G5 provides a significant advantage in quietness over the Rove 6.

When it comes to noise, loudness matters. But the loudness of a sound as we perceive it can differ from the actual physical intensity of the sound waves. This is known as perceived noise loudness.

In simple terms, our ears and brains don't linearly perceive sound. For example, a sound that is 10 decibels louder than another sound will actually be perceived as twice as loud, even though the intensity of the sound wave has increased by just 10 decibels.

This concept is crucial because it explains why certain sounds can be much more disturbing or harmful than their absolute noise levels might suggest. A noise that rates at 60 decibels might be perceived as twice as loud as a 50-decibel noise. Even though the measurable difference is just 10 decibels, it sounds twice as loud to our ears and brains.

Things like frequency, context, and duration also affect the perceived loudness of sounds. So a noise may measure at 60 decibels but seem even louder than that depending on these other factors.

So for portable oxygen users who prioritize discretion and noise reduction, the Inogen G5 doesn't just have an edge; it absolutely crushes the Rove 6. With a much smaller noise footprint, the Inogen G5 is the obvious choice for those requiring a quiet operation.

Perceived Loudness - Sound Power:

Rove 6: 62 dBA
Inogen G5: 60 dBA
Difference: 2 dBA
Every 3 dB doubles perceived loudness
Therefore, the Rove 6 is 1.7 times louder in perceived sound power than the Inogen G5

Perceived Loudness - Sound Pressure:

Rove 6: 54 dBA
Inogen G5: 50 dBA
Difference: 4 dB
Every 3 dB doubles perceived loudness
Therefore, the Rove 6 is 1.4 times louder in perceived sound pressure than the Inogen G5

Chart of Inogen Rove Noise Loudness Compared to Inogen G5

Rove 6 Sound Comparison to the Inogen G5, Inogen Rove 6 is very load and noisy

Newer Is Not Always Better

The Inogen Rove 6 is the newest machine from Inogen. But after reading this article, you can see newer is not always better. The Inogen One G5 has been the flagship of Inogen's portable oxygen concentrators for many years. Here at Main Clinic Supply, we are Authorized by Inogen for Sales and Service. Our Inogen Service Department has worked directly with Inogen, the manufacturer, to take the Inogen One G5 to where it is today in operation and relatability.

Along the way, many internal parts of the Inogen G5 were upgraded, function changes, and multiple software updates. All of this has resulted in what is the 2023 Inogen One G5. The Rove 6 will have to make this long journey as well to make it to where the Inogen G5 is today!

Conclusion: Inogen One G5 Is the Clear Winner

For portable oxygen users who prioritize lightweight design, noise reduction, and maximum mobility, the choice between the Inogen One G5 and the Inogen Rove 6 is clear. The G5’s slight advantages in weight, size, and especially its much quieter operation decisively outweigh the Rove 6’s flashy new design. With performance that surpasses the newer model, the G5 remains the gold standard for portable oxygen concentrators - and at under $2,000, it comes at a significantly lower price than the $3,000+ Rove 6. With a lighter body, dramatically reduced noise, and substantial cost savings, the G5 delivers the freedom and flexibility oxygen-dependent individuals need. So for those searching for the best companion for their active, mobile lifestyle, look no further than the Inogen One G5. With its impressive portability, ultra-quiet operation, and bargain price, the G5 is the intelligent choice for breathable independence. Don't pay more for less.

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Shop for the Inogen One G5 and Inogen Rove 6

About the Author

Fran Fox, CEO of Main Clinic Supply

As CEO, I am passionate about helping people first and making a profit second. If fact, I made this part of our company mission statement. Our family-owned medical equipment provider, we are guided by the values that made Mayo Clinic a global healthcare leader here in Rochester, Minnesota. We are inspired to follow in Mayo's footsteps by putting patients and their families first. Just as Mayo Clinic started here in our small town and grew into a large institution that now sees over one million people every year from all over the world. We hope to grow our business as well while staying true to our mission - "The needs of the patient come first" .

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