Amidst the oxygen crisis brought upon by the unprecedented second coronavirus wave, oxygen concentrators have emerged as the most-touted medical devices for appropriate oxygen therapy. The medical device is capable of providing a continuous supply of 5-10 liters of oxygen. Unlike oxygen cylinders that store medical-grade oxygen manufactured by industrial units, oxygen concentrators deliver pure oxygen by filtering the surrounding air. The easy-to-use medical device is an ideal solution for people suffering from mild respiratory distress having oxygen saturation levels ranging between 88-92%. For nearly two decades, Inogen has been blazing trails by introducing innovative and reliable oxygen delivering technology with supreme quality, that has been instrumental in saving countless lives of respiratory patients around the world.

Leading the evolution of portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) in the market, Inogen has recently added a compact One G5 system to the family of Inogen’s portable and user-friendly oxygen concentrators. The next-gen device features advanced flow settings and extended battery life to accommodate the varying needs of the consumers. While the pioneer company had earlier focused on designing exclusive at-home oxygen concentrators, the latest medical oxygen system is small, lightweight, and convenient enough to be carried everywhere you go!

Inogen One G5 has been built on the characteristics of its previous versions, One G3, and One G4, but designed with a “one-size-fits-all” approach to cover most of your supplemental oxygen needs. The flow setting capacity and battery life are the two primary updates introduced in the Inogen One G5 oxygen concentrator with an intent to increase the user’s ability to get more oxygen if needed along with increasing the functionality of the machine for long hours without the need for charging the device very frequently. Both the features allow users enhanced flexibility to perform activities of daily life without interruption or constant equipment changes.

Pulse Flow Settings

While the pulse flow settings of Inogen One G3 can reach up to five levels and those of Inogen One G4 up to three-level, the Inogen One G5 can reach up to six flow settings. The higher flow settings allow users to perform exercises, which requires one to intake more oxygen than usual. If the oxygen concentrator is unable to reach higher liter flows, the user might not be able to perform exercises or have to use a stationary oxygen device for continuous and optimal oxygen flow during the activity. Also, the high flow settings are highly beneficial for emergencies where the user might require greater amounts of oxygen until they seek proper medical treatment.

 Long Battery Life 

Patients who are dealing with any kind of respiratory distress and using portable oxygen concentrators to manage their oxygen levels understand the importance of battery life. Someone who is always on the go cannot opt for oxygen concentrators with 5-6 hours battery life because it is not possible to find a power source everywhere. Also, using the oxygen system with low battery life can put additional mental stress to be more extra-cautious, which can ruin your mood and lead to anxiety. But, thanks to Inogen One G5, the user does not need to check their battery or charge the device more frequently due to its 13 hours of battery life. Incorporating a double battery, the device is perfectly fit for anyone who desires to lead a fit and active life while being dependent on supplemental oxygen. 

Intelligent Oxygen Delivery Technology

Powered with intelligent Oxygen Delivery technology, the new Inogen One G5 is a revolutionary pulse dose oxygen concentrator that assists patients in being quickly accustomed to oxygen therapy. The lightweight medical device is extremely travel-friendly, and can be carried everywhere you go whether on a plane, car, or during camping. The highly versatile and robust Inogen concentrator offers patients the flexibility to enjoy a quiet and restful night of sleep without interruption. Therefore, the technologically advanced oxygen concentrator is an ideal solution to fulfill your therapeutic needs in the most efficient way regardless of the setting used.

Detecting the breathing rate of the patients on a precise level, the intelligent technology in the oxygen concentrator helps to regulate the oxygen levels. If the user engages in any form of physical activity, the unit detects it and starts delivering accurate and short bursts of oxygen to meet the oxygen demands. Whereas during sleeping or resting position, the medical device provides slower and large boluses of oxygen following the natural breathing pattern of the user. This way, the user can get customized oxygen therapy without doing anything. Also, the user does not require two different units-one during the day and the other at night as the medical device has been designed for 24/7 functioning. 

Light-weight and Stylish

Carrying around bulky oxygen concentrators can be difficult and limit your social gatherings. The new Inogen oxygen concentrator weighs only 5 pounds and measures 7.19 inches wide x 3.26 inches deep and 8.15 inches tall. The lightweight design of the medical unit makes it extremely versatile for transportation and helps the patient feel less isolated or embarrassed about their medical condition. The modern and stylish design adds to the look and feel of the oxygen concentrator and upgrades your social quotient. Since the device has a noise level of only 39 decibels, the medical unit can be conveniently placed in a social setting without attracting unwanted attention.

Free Mobile Application-Inogen Connect

The advanced oxygen concentrator comes with a dedicated mobile application, known as Inogen Connect. The free and user-friendly application provides users the ability to monitor the medical device through their android or apple mobile devices. You can connect the Inogen system to your mobile device, which displays information about the device in real-time such as battery life, software updates, maintenance reminders, and settings. With Inogen Connect, the user can also check their oxygen purity status and proactively monitor column life status. One of the greatest advantages of using the oxygen concentrator is that the device lets the user live life on their terms. Instead of checking the POC frequently, one can easily monitor the status of their device by looking at their smartphones. 

Travel-Friendly Device

If you travel frequently through flights, then Inogen One G5 is the perfect choice for you. Since the INOGEN One G5 has been approved by major airlines, you do not need to get into a hassle for bringing the device onto the plane. However, the user must carry a doctor’s note or prescription stating the urgency to carry the device while traveling and contact the airline beforehand about the concentrator for a smooth travel experience. 

Other Alternatives

Invacare Platinum Portable Oxygen Concentrator

The Invacare Portable Oxygen Concentrator is ideal for both short- and long-term conditions. The lightweight design of the device makes it travel-friendly and comfortable to wear. The batteries of the medical device can be easily recharged at home or in vehicle due to its multiple power options. The device can be connected with Invacare’s Piccolo O2 mobile app, which exhibits latest information about the device and user breathing status on an android or iPhone device. The oxygen concentrator is water-resistant and comes with an internal cushioning to prevent electrical components. You can wear the device as a purse, messenger bag or even backpack. Built upon the Sensi-Pulse technology, the oxygen concentrator delivers the optimal amount of oxygen according to the settings as well as customizes the size of each bolus of oxygen according to the changing breathing patterns so that the user always gets prescribed oxygen dosage. The medical device weighs around 4.8 pounds with a single battery, that can last up to 5 hours on setting 1 and required to be charged for 2 hours 20 minutes. The Invacare device is very easy to use and comes with a three-year warranty.

Philips Everflo

Designed for stationary use at home, Philips Everflo is a low-maintenance and low-decibel oxygen concentrator. Due to its small design, the device can be easily moved around the home with the help of wheels. Philips EverFlo oxygen concentrator has a flow rate of 0.5 to 5 liters per minute and an oxygen purity of 93-96%. The oxygen concentrator weighs around 14 kg and measures 23X15X9.5 inches. Enabling a hassle-free operation, the green device delivers a consistent supply of oxygen, which reduces repairs and the cost of maintenance. Incorporating Pressure Swing Adsorption technology, the filter delivers 5 liters per minute of oxygen flow without disruption. 

AirSep Focus 

One of the smallest portable oxygen concentrators in the market, Airsep Focus is designed for active patients who require little supplemental oxygen to carry out their daily activities. The AirSep Focus weighs around 800 grams and is palm sized. Inculcating Airsep’s Ultra Sense technology, the device does not miss to detect a breath and is highly sensitivity. The device is easy to use and smart to carry. With flexible power options, the AirSep Focus works well with a car charger and has a battery backup of 7 hours with an Airbelt. The machine’s flow setting is limited up to ‘2 pulse setting’ and cannot be set on ‘1 pulse setting’. Also, the device cannot be used directly with PAP devices. 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right oxygen concentrator can make all the difference to the quality of your oxygen therapy. Buying the most expensive or advanced version should not be your priority, instead consider the oxygen output, battery life, size and weight, power options, and brand value to choose the one model that works excellent for you. 

According to TechSci India research report, “India Oxygen Concentrators Market By Type (Portable v/s Stationary) By Technology (Pulse Flow v/s Continuous Flow) By Application (Bronchitis, Pneumonia, COVID-19, Lung Cancer, Others) By End Users (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Care Centres, Home Care) By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, FY2027”, India oxygen concentrators market is anticipated to grow with a double-digit CAGR during the forecast period. The growth can be attributed to the rising incidences of COVID-19 cases and other respiratory failure causing diseases.

According to another Techsci research report on “Global Oxygen Concentrators Market By Type (Portable v/s Stationary) By Technology (Pulse Flow v/s Continuous Flow) By Application (Bronchitis, Pneumonia, COVID-19, Lung Cancer, Others) By End Users (Hospitals & Clinics, Ambulatory Care Centers, Home Care) By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2026”, the global oxygen concentrators market is anticipated to register an impressive CAGR during the forecast period, owing to increasing instances of respiratory disorders and rising cases of COVID-19.