Inogen G4 Vs. G5: Which Concentrator is Right for You?

For individuals in need of medical oxygen, everyday activities can be stressful. With the introduction of portable oxygen concentrators (POC), patients who once relied solely on oxygen tanks can now use smaller, compact machines to provide supplemental oxygen anywhere. The Inogen One line of POCs is lightweight and small, easy to carry around while on the go. So, which would you pick: Inogen One G5 or Inogen One G4?

Inogen is one of the best oxygen concentrator manufacturers providing comfortable portable and at-home oxygen therapy. They are a pioneer in oxygen therapy and provide extensive features to make therapy a hassle-free experience for all patients. All the Inogen One portable oxygen concentrators have different features and specifications which make every device unique and easy to use.

The Inogen One G4 and G5 are two great options when shopping for high-performing POCs. They are compact enough to easily transport from place to place wherever you go. They offer several hours of battery life before having to be recharged again. They also include several features to enhance treatment and provide optimal performance while you are traveling or on the go. 

The Inogen One G4 POC provides 24-hour oxygen delivery in 3 different pulse dose settings, meaning oxygen is only delivered when the unit detects the patient inhaled. While it is one of the most compact concentrators on the market, it can deliver powerful performance and hours of therapy (when using the optional extended battery.) The Inogen One G5 has a backlit LCD screen, a large font on the display, as well as four large push buttons, making oxygen therapy as easy as possible and ideal for older people. This device can offer up to 30 treatments before having to charge again. Additionally, the G4 doesn't require a lot of maintenance so it's easy to prolong its lifespan.  

The Inogen One G5 POC is the newest member of the Inogen One family of products. This unit provides pulse dose therapy in 6 different settings to ensure oxygen patients find a setting that is most suitable to them. Weighing less than 5 pounds, this POC is highly mobile and portable. Additionally, thanks to its low-volume design, the Inogen One G5 allows users to get a peaceful and restful sleep and will also not disturb others if they need to receive therapy in public. This device has a large LCD, offers hours of therapy before needing to be recharged again, and offers several features like Breath Detection Alert Mode that notifies users (both visually and audibly) when a breath has not been detected for more than 60 seconds. 

There’s nothing as counterintuitive than a portable oxygen concentrator that weighs a ton. Inogen prioritized weight with this line of POCs. Both are highly portable and easy to travel with or take on the go. The Inogen One G4 weighs in at 2.8 lbs with the 8-cell battery and 3.3 lbs with the 16-cell battery, while the G5 is slightly heavier, weighing 4.7 pounds with a single battery. The Inogen One G5 is the smallest device that has 6 levels of settings, but the G4 is the winner when simply comparing weight. 

Along with weight, a compact design is essential when traveling with your concentrator. You want a unit that is small enough to carry and easy to pack. It’s no surprise that the machine that weighed less is also a smaller-sized unit. The Inogen One G4 measures only 5.9" L x 2.7" W x 7.2" H with a single battery. The G5 dimensions are as follows: 7.19" x 3.26" x 8.15" with a single battery and 7.19" x 3.26" x 9.03" with a double battery. While the weight and size aren’t significantly different, the Inogen One G4 does lend itself more to those with an active lifestyle. 

Remember, how long your concentrator is capable of delivering oxygen is one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to a portable unit. Battery life depends on pulse rate and the battery cell type, so consider both factors when deciding what fits your needs. 

The Inogen One G5 has a noise level that ranges from 39-58 decibels depending on the pulse dose setting you are prescribed. The G4 has a noise level of about 40 dBA. 

When comparing the Inogen One G5 vs Inogen One G4 portable oxygen concentrators, both were designed to be lightweight and easily fit into a bag to carry along for daily activities. Both are battery-powered and can also be charged via AC/DC power sources. 

As mentioned previously, the G4 ranges from 1-3 pulse dose settings and the G5 consists of 6 pulse settings. This means that the G5 has more variety for a doctor to choose from when selecting your ideal prescribed setting. 

The Inogen One G5 offers backlit and bright displays with intuitive and large controls. It also has visual and audible alarms to alert the user when something is wrong or the battery is low. The G4 has the same features and capabilities. 

Maintenance is fairly simple with both devices. This allows for users to focus more on their therapy than on maintenance the device. Both devices need their exteriors wiped down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Before wiping it down, make sure it is not plugged into any power source.

The particle filters inserted into both units should be removed and cleaned weekly. To clean them, simply wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Make sure they are completely dry before inserting them into the unit.

Both the Inogen One portable oxygen concentrators are reliable and efficient supplemental oxygen sources and can easily be incorporated into your daily life. Whether you choose the Inogen One G4 because it is lighter and more compact or the Inogen One G5 for its wider range of pulse dose settings and longer battery life is a decision based on your individual lifestyle needs. Both the Inogen One models come with a generous warranty of 3 years.

If you have any questions about either Inogen POC or other products we offer, The Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop would be happy to help! Our knowledgeable staff can be reached at 888-941-1688.