Understanding Respiratory Conditions and Oxygen Needs
Over 30 million Americans currently live with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. These diseases restrict airflow and impair the body‘s ability to absorb oxygen effectively. Supplemental oxygen administered through concentrators or tanks provides relief.
However, traditional oxygen setups chained people to their homes. Bulky tanks and loud, unwieldy machines stripped away independence and mobility.
Inogen set out to change this status quo. Let‘s analyze if they succeeded in our comprehensive Inogen review.
Inogen‘s Origin Story: Born to Set Breath Free
Co-founders Alison Bauerlein, Brenton Taylor, and Byron Myers launched Inogen in 2001. Their goal? To develop portable oxygen solutions that restored freedom and autonomy.
The inspiration was personal. Brenton‘s grandmother, Mae, struggled with mobility due to reliance on heavy oxygen tanks. This motivated the founders to find a better way.
The result? A lightweight 5 pound oxygen concentrator allowing Mae to travel and engage in activities again.
Buoyed by Mae’s renewed autonomy, Inogen committed to refining portable, flexible oxygen concentrators. Let‘s see how their products stack up.
Overview of Inogen‘s Product Lineup
Inogen manufactures portable oxygen concentrators, stationary home systems, and ventilators. I‘ll analyze popular models to evaluate their efficacy in improving quality of life.
Inogen One: The Pinnacle of Portability
The Inogen One series of portable concentrators leads the charge towards mobility and independence. With over 500,000 units sold, it makes up over 80% of Inogen‘s revenue.
I‘ll review the latest iterations – One G4, G5, and G3 – highlighting advanced features facilitating life on the move.
Inogen One G4:
- Weighs only 2.8 lbs with single battery installed
- Lasts up to 2.7 hours on one charge
- Ultra quiet at 40dB – less than a library
- 6 flow setting options from 1-6
- Pulse flow modulates oxygen based on breath rate
- Backpack, shoulder bag, cart available for handsfree carrying
Inogen One G5:
- Compact and ultralight – only 4.7 lbs
- Lasts up to 6.5 hours on single battery
- Whisper quiet at 38dB
- Fully featured with 6 settings
- Easy to service with replaceable columns
- Optional double battery for 13 hours run time
Inogen One G3
- Only 4.8 lbs but runs for 5 hours per charge
- Low noise operation
- Proven reliability with 300,000+ users
- Locking roller bag lets you roll it behind you
- Double battery doubles run time to 10 hours
Verdict: True to Inogen‘s mission, One series concentrators set the bar for portable oxygen therapy. With options balancing weight, runtime, and features, most users should find a model fitting their lifestyle.
Inogen At Home: Stationary Oxygen on Demand
While portable concentrators empower mobility, home based systems provide economical 24/7 oxygen without tanks. Let‘s review the flagship Inogen At Home.
- Supplies 1-5 LPM continuously via wall power
- Weighs only 18 lbs for easy room to room portability
- Optional battery for off-grid use
- Quiet at 40dB, like a library
- 5 year warranty on concentrator
- Low maintenance closed system
The Inogen At Home competes favorably with other stationary concentrators in its weight class. For many users, it strikes an ideal balance between home oxygen supply and mobility.
Inogen TAV: Ventilation Assistance
Inogen also manufactures the Tidal Assist Ventilator (TAV) for those needing more support than supplemental oxygen alone.
The TAV works in conjunction with an oxygen source to provide pressure support timed with the user‘s breathing. Key specs:
- Weighs only 4.5 oz – lighter than a baseball
- Attaches via nasal pillows
- Provides up to 5x more oxygen with each breath
- Quiet, easy to use and maintain
- Works with portable and stationary oxygen sources
- Settings for active and passive ventilation
For those struggling with chronic lung issues, the Inogen TAV offers a lightweight, non-invasive ventilation solution to pair with your oxygen supply.
By the Numbers: Inogen‘s Growth and Adoption
The proof lies in the numbers. Inogen now:
- Holds 67 patents on oxygen technology
- Markets products in over 50 countries
- Employs over 1,100 staff
- Generating almost $500 million in 2021 revenue
- Approved by Medicare and leading insurers
- Maintains A+ rating with Better Business Bureau
With over 2 million patients using their devices, Inogen dominates the portable oxygen concentrator market they created.
What Real Users Say in Inogen Reviews
Let‘s dig into customer impressions of Inogen products in their own words:
"This device gave me my life back. I use my Inogen G3 everywhere without being tied down."
"So quiet and easy to use. I barely notice the weight when running errands or shopping."
"Reliable oxygen wherever I go. I don‘t worry about running out of air halfway through my walk."
"I can finally travel again without lugging around heavy tanks."
Verified buyers widely praise Inogen models for improving mobility and independence. Portability, battery life, and reliability rate well across hundreds of reviews.
However, some users report issues getting support for malfunctioning units:
"My unit kept displaying errors. Customer service took weeks to address it."
"Tech troubleshooting advice was confusing and contradictory."
While most reviews praise Inogen‘s service, long response times prove frustrating for those relying on oxygen.Still, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive.
Choosing the Right Inogen System
With Inogen‘s wide range of products available, selecting the right system depends on your oxygen needs and lifestyle.
Consider these factors when deciding:
- Portability: Will you move around with the device or use it stationary at home?
- Supplemental O2 Needs: Do you need continuous flow or intermittent pulses?
- Lifestyle: How long does battery need to last away from power outlets?
- Budget: What options does your insurance coverage allow?
Also discuss your history and activities with your doctor to choose wisely. Maximizing independence hinges on selecting the right Inogen equipment.
Financing Inogen Systems
First check what insurance covers, as Medicare and private plans help defray costs. Beyond insurance, Inogen provides financing options including:
- 36 month payment plans at competitive rates
- Approvals for a range of credit scores
- Loans requiring only 10% minimum down payment
- Payment amount depends on specific equipment
Financing lets most buyers access Inogen systems by deferring upfront costs over time. Compare terms to find the most favorable option.
Getting the Most from Your Inogen Device
Once you invest in an Inogen product, learn techniques ensuring you receive full value from your system:
- Read manuals fully to understand features and customization
- Keep backup batteries charged and handy for longer excursions
- Clean equipment routinely to prevent particle buildup
- Carry concentrate filters to swap out as needed
- Use carrying cases to prevent damage in transit
- Know what warning codes mean to address errors promptly
While Inogen systems shine for their convenience, proper habits maximize uptime. Consult your provider for best practices with your specific equipment.
How Does Inogen Compare?
Given the pivotal role in improving breath and mobility, how does Inogen stack up against competitor brands?
Overall, Inogen systems rate well against rivals like Respironics, Caire, and Nuvo in critical categories:
- Weight – One G4 and G5 are the lightest available
- Battery life – Up to 13 hours with extra One G5 battery
- Noise – 38-40 dB matches quieter competitors
- Reliability – Proven technology with 300K+ units sold
- Portability – Purposely designed for mobility
- Customer support – Responsive despite some delays
While other companies make quality devices, Inogen goes farther optimizing portability critical to active lifestyles.
Where Can I Buy Inogen Products?
Inogen only sells directly to consumers online or over the phone to manage pricing. Beware third party resellers charging inflated costs.
Buy directly from Inogen via:
- Call 877-466-4362 to purchase over the phone
- Online at Inogen.com
- Inogen distributors internationally
Purchasing directly lets you select equipment based on your prescribed therapy and mobility needs.
The Last Breath on Inogen
After exhaustive analysis of specs, performance, real user impressions and company track record, I rate Inogen:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Through tireless innovation, Inogen empowers mobility and autonomy through best-in-class portable oxygen solutions.
While a smattering of customers report support delays, effectiveness and reliability shine overall. Ultimately, Inogen succeeds delivering freedom and breath when people need it most.
