Inogen One G3 Portable Concentrator Review
$2,640.00
Inogen has been one of the pioneers in the portable oxygen concentrator market, having developed one of the first portable oxygen concentrators ever in 2004. The company makes high-quality portable oxygen concentrators that may be used on the move or at home for oxygen therapy. The brand is also known for physician-recommended items that help its users remain independent and healthy. These customers are never slow to rave about Inogen’s products and services. Its proprietary Intelligent Delivery Technology distributes oxygen to the lungs within the first 400 milliseconds of inhalation, during which it has the greatest impact on lung gas exchange.
The company has upgraded its design five times since the initial Inogen One concentrator and currently offers the Inogen One G2, G3, G4, and G5. I’ll be diving into the Inogen One G3 portable oxygen concentrator in this article. Let’s take a look under the hood.
What are the Features of the Inogen One G3?
Some questions and concerns potential users have about portable oxygen concentrators:
- How big is it?
- How light is it?
- Do the flow settings suit my needs? Do I need higher flow settings?
- Is it portable and convenient?
- Can I take it on a trip with me? Even on a plane?
- Would it look good on me when I go out?
- What’s the battery life like? How often do I need to recharge it?
Fortunately, this portable inogen series has managed to combine all of these appealing characteristics into a single product that is simple, small, and transportable.
APPEARANCE AND DESIGN
The Inogen G3 has been regarded by some as one of the smallest and lightest portable concentrators. For those with an eye for fashion and good looks, this unit is packaged in a sleek matte white plastic casing with metallic blue accents that is unobtrusive at home and when you’re away from home.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
This portable concentrator is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and comes with a carry bag. It is wearable and is comparable in size to other POCs that deliver similar flow and is 45% smaller than the Inogen One G2 system that preceded it. This unit is powered by a rechargeable battery – the 8-cell and 16-cell.
The Inogen G3 weighs about 4.8 pounds with an 8-cell single battery and 5.7 pounds with the optional 16-cell double battery. And it measures 7.25 inches high, 8.75 inches wide, and 3 inches deep.
ITS BATTERY LIFE?
Inogen offers two battery options – a small one that keeps the weight low, and/or a larger one that lasts twice as long, but adds a little weight.
The unit could last for about 4.5 hours on a fully charged 8-cell battery, and twice as long (9 hours) on a fully charged 16-cell battery. The single battery takes 2-4 hours to charge, while the double battery takes 4-8 hours to charge.
FLOW SETTINGS
The G3 is a mobile oxygen concentrator with a pulse flow setting system that delivers oxygen with each breath. It has pulse dose settings of 1 through 5 and can give up to 1,050 ml of oxygen per minute when set to setting 5. It gives oxygen concentrations of 87 percent – 95.6 percent on all levels. Also worthy of note is that the Inogen G3 portable oxygen concentrator has no continuous flow setting. Consumers in need of this function may not be satisfied with this drawback.
PORTABILITY AND MOBILITY
This sizeable and lightweight unit is a perfect portable oxygen concentrator for travel as well as regular outings. Trips to the food market, parks, and restaurants with supplemental oxygen are made easier with the supplied carry bag. The Inogen One G3 has also been authorized for air travel by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA approved).
CONTROLS AND LCD SCREEN
The machine is controlled by five large, easy-to-read buttons on the Inogen One G3 control panel. The G3 is turned on and off with ease thanks to a large power button. Pushing two triangular plus and minus buttons on the G3 changes the pulse dosage settings. With an audible alarm button on the panel, you may turn the audible breath detection alarm on and off. The built-in safety systems on the Inogen One G3 control panel include a breath detection light and an alarm light that could respond when breathing patterns change.
An additional perk to the Inogen G3 is an interactive LCD display screen, which displays important parameters like the power status, flow settings, alarm settings, and battery life. The alarms are displayed in plain simple text, along with a solution to the problem.
Inogen Freedom Bundle
The Inogen One G3 offers Freedom Packages that include extra batteries and a lifetime warranty for a reduced price. For around $4,600, the Inogen Freedom Bundle combines an Inogen At Home with an Inogen One G3 with both single- and double-cell batteries and a lifetime warranty. You get a three-year guarantee if you don’t buy a bundle or package.
What Accessories would you get with the Inogen One G3?
Inogen offers a whole lineup of accessories that gives a more convenient use of the unit. These may include:
- Inogen One G3 portable oxygen concentrator itself
- Single battery
- Double battery
- External battery charger (Car charger)
- AC power supply
- DC power cord
- Nasal cannula
- Particle filters
- Backpack
- Attractive carry bag
- Others could be additional batteries, sieve beds, etc.
Maintenance
Weekly cleaning of the display screen and particle filters with a mild detergent and water is recommended. Not just that! The metal columns holding the sieve beds should be replaced every 18-24 months.
Conclusion
The Inogen G3 is a reliable option for even the most oxygen-dependent patients, thanks to its sturdy characteristics. Its tiny size gives you more freedom and portability than a home oxygen concentrator, and the elegant style blends nicely with your decor. With the bundled 8-cell battery, you can travel for up to 5 hours without worrying about running out of oxygen.
Videos: Inogen One G3 Portable Concentrator Review
Ellis A. –
I had the G2, but really this thing is smaller with the same features and everything. The smaller size made it that much more worth it, though! Great for taking with you to go cycling.
Barb T –
I couldn’t find anything wrong with this thing. I love how small and quiet it is, that’s the best part. I almost feel like I’m not even using an oxygen concentrator most of the time.
Gianni –
I wanted to get it right the first time and get the most bang for my buck with my portable oxygen concentrator. This is one was definitely the right choice. It’s small size battery life and features are worth every dollar.
Rachel –
The website said 38 decibels and I didn’t know what that meant at first, but I guess it just means that it’s quiet! I forget that it’s even on. It’s also tiny which is another plus.
Meets my oxygen requirements –
This changes when I’m resting, and drops just enough to where I need it without being hit with too much oxygen. Very smart design and great features for such a little machine. I’m happy with this concentrator.
Gary B –
I wanted to wait before I reviewed my Inogen One G3 so I knew it would last. I’ve had mine for 2 years and want to say that it still works just as well as the day I got it. The changing of filter is reasonable maintenance, and that’s it!
Dina –
I was comparing portable concentrators to size, weight and range of pulse dose, and this one seems to come out on top in both of those aspects. This was a no-brainer. I’m glad I was able to get this portable concentrator.
Ollie V. –
I’ve seen many of my patients with portable oxygen concentrators, but when I saw this one in use I was pretty impressed. I’ll always recommend this one to any one of my patients. So small but so many features and great quality.
Jim Q –
I couldn’t believe how light it is for how powerful it is. Inogen really knows how to make a portable concentrator. I also like that there is a choice in battery size.
Torin O. –
The battery life is fantastic on this portable concentrator. I highly recommend the 16-cell battery, especially if you are very busy.
mary hardy –
This machine is truly portable.The backpack for it also is impressive.Great portable concentrator.
douglas smiley –
Very informative, and pleasant conversation.
FERNANDA DA GAMA ROSE –
MY HUSBAND IS USING THIS 24 X 7 AND IT IS QUIET, PORTABLE AND GREAT! WE LIVE IN KENYA WHERE IT IS DUSTY – I JUST REMOVE THE FILTERS, WASH THEM AND THE MACHINE WORKS WONDERFULLY!
ONLY QUSTION I HAVE IS NOT SURE HOW OFTEN TO REPLACE THE FILTERS!
James –
My experience with this unit is less than good. I have had it for less than 2 years and it is now going back for the third time for Low O2. This is now the 3rd time in less than a year. I am told it is due to the humidity in Florida even though the last issue was during the dry cool winter and much of the use is in an A/C environment There is also no apparent way to contact Inogen directly. Have to work through this company that sold it, who simply writes up anther RMA to return to Inogen for which I pay the shipping and then I also have to rent a unit, if needed, whlle mine is in the repair cycle.
Tony –
Excellent, very comfortable and lite weight!
Bill –
I researched and then confirmed by looking at a friend’s unit before ordering. I was convinced this is the lightest with good battery life. After using it for a month, I am convinced I made the right decision to chose this unit. It has performed well, is easy to carry and has very good battery life.
Glen –
This concentrator works great for me, but what I really love is the long battery life. I use the 16 cell battery because I use it for many hours each day. Keeps me off the couch and out of the house most of the time.
james wallace –
Xlnt choice ! I did a great deal of research before I chose this one … Quite happy with it. It is very high quality, and well made ..battery life is XLNT.. Freedom to go anywhere now
Chris I –
It’s so nice to be able to go out while still getting the oxygen I need. I hated being confined to my house, even when I didn’t want to go anywhere. I take my G3 everywhere and I’m very pleased with its performance.
Marsha –
i think it is great! I go out with it for long periods of time. One of the best ones i have had.
Terri –
This is perfect for traveling in every way. I used to have an older portable oxygen concentrator that didn’t charge up as fast, and was much heavier. I’m glad that I can get the oxygen, 4 LPM pulse dose from a smaller and more efficient concentrator.
Rick –
When I went on vacation last year, I rented the G3 rental with two 16 cell batteries. I liked it so much that when I got back, I decided to buy it. I was impressed by how long the batteries lasted, and how quiet it was, among other things!
John D –
I’ve only had the Inogen for a short time soon far but it’s the best I’ve used.
Ladyvet17 –
This unit is one of the best investments I’ve ever made! Worth every penny! I take it everwhere. The only improvement I could suggest is to be able to change it to continuous flow while you’re at a movie. Once the sound comes up you can’t hear it.l
Jerome Pilgrim –
Great, reliable and backed by a good company. Let’s me be free to travel and participate in various events I would miss otherwise. Mine is almost three years old. I would be lost without it.
Mary Harlow –
I have designed a bag to carry my Inogen as well as all my essentials (cell phone,IDs, credit cards, money, etc) and I love it. I found it cumbersome to carry the Inogen along with my shoulder bag purse and this solved the problem for me.
T. Ries –
I travel continually and this machine allows me to travel the world! Have used it in Europe, Asia, South America,Australia and in all parts of the USA. It works fine using both 120 and 240 charging. Easy through security and lightweight.
Gloria Pringle –
I waited for years until I could finally get my G4 portable oxygen unit and I absolutely love it although I won’t be mountain climbing anytime soon there’s not much I can’t do that with my oxygen from in a Jen thank you so much for making a machine just for me
Jasmine Steg –
I have the inogen g3 and it is the best purchase I have ever made. Started having some error alarms that resulted in the machine needing to go for repair. It has been very difficult to get timely information from Oxygen Store. Every person i talk to gives me a different story. Since its warranteed maintenance, it should be a simple process. So basically the sales staff is great but the repair staff is lousy. Hoping it all works out.
Alan Sederis –
The unit worked right out of the box, never had a problem. The batteries work great and they last all day. The people at the Oxygen Concentrator store like Carlos Arroyave, and Nick at customer service are great. I will all ways recommend you guys
Hitesh Patel –
We were looking for portable oxygen concentrator for my mom from last 4 months and could’t find good company that can explain all our questions, then we found Oxygen Concentrator Store and sales person, Avery helped us throughout the process from selection to placing order. He took a lot of time to go and verify and explains each details to me. I may find $100 cheaper from somewhere else but I won’t find this kind of great service and confidence to purchase.
JR –
Just purchased an Inogen G3 and so far seems to be a great machine. I had done a lot of research on “truly portable” POC’s and kept coming back to Inogen. With several outfits offering these units, I have to say hands down Luke Corrick with American Medical Sales & Rentals put forth a level of service not seen in years. His product knowledge, patience and attention to detail are unsurpassed. If your’re in the market for a POC, you should call Luke first, you will not be disappointed!
Mary –
The unit that I purchased has been wonderful in Colorado, but I spent 10 days in South Carolina & my oxygen levels were fine without the unit. We are planning to move back to S.C. in approximately 9 months & I will probably keep the unit for traveling.
Norma –
Great customer service. Only thing I would like to comment on is the cannula. It is to long. I would like to see a 4 ft offered also.I catch the 7 ft on everything I have to wrap it around the concentrator.Other wise I really like my Inogen 3.
Carol –
Halle, a sales rep at Oxygen Concentrator Store, went above and beyond to resolve a problem with my Inogen. Convenience and price where a big factor. She is an amazing asset to this company.
Linda –
Thank you Aaron for taking the time you did to explain everything!! The Inogen One is still taking a little time to get use to, but when I am not lazy about breathing, it works great – just as it is designed to do. It has been so helpful for me when, even though limited at this time, I go out to the store. I find that when I walk in the park, I must turn to 4, and sometimes 5, to walk at a pace I want. I will probably use much more frequently in the future, as it is so very easy and convenient. Thank you again
Patricia Vincent Neal –
I really like it I think it is a little heavier than I wanted, otherwise it is a very nice little machine.
Patricia Vincent Neal –
I really like it I think it is a little heavier than I wanted. Otherwise it is a very nice little machine.