Inogen
Verified
Founded in 2001, California-based Inogen manufactures and distributes medical equipment including both at-home and portable oxygen concentrators. Inogen’s portable oxygen concentrators have been clinically validated through research, development, and testing for 24/7 use.
Inogen recently released the Inogen G5, which is their smallest and longest lasting Inogen oxygen concentrator to date. Inogen concentrators are bestsellers that many patients rely on for their supplemental oxygen.
The Good
- Lifetime Warranty
- Device Options
- First-Time Patient Resources
- 24-Hour Pulse Flow
- Low Power Consumption
- Customizable with Accessories
Lifetime Warranty
Inogen is one of the few portable oxygen concentrator companies that offer a lifetime warranty on its products. Though the default warranty is three years at the base price, Inogen sells a number of different “Freedom Packages” that provide customization for the needs and preferences of the patient.
For example, a customer can purchase the Inogen One G4 oxygen concentrator for $2,295 with a 3-year warranty or the customer can upgrade to the next tier up for an additional battery and a lifetime warranty on the device for $3,195. An Inogen One G5 can be purchased for $2,395.
All oxygen concentrators, regardless of the package purchased, are eligible for a 30-day, risk-free trial and free shipping.
Device Options
Inogen sells a larger-capacity at-home oxygen concentrator that is relatively lightweight, small, and quiet compared to other at-home systems. Patients requiring constant oxygen may want to consider the at-home system in addition to a portable concentrator so they don’t have to worry about charging the portable system’s battery as frequently.
First-Time Patient Resources
The Inogen website provides a thorough introduction to the benefits of oxygen concentrators, the safety of the devices, and answers to frequently asked questions about oxygen therapy and portable oxygen concentrators specifically. Prospective customers can request an even more detailed information kit for free.
24-Hour Pulse Flow
The G2, G3, G4, and G5 all offer 24-hour pulse flow oxygen. This makes vacations and travel easier and more convenient. Very few POC have this capability.
Low Power Consumption
The long battery life of the Inogen POC line is complemented by the units' low power consumption. Other portable concentrators are incapable of a long battery life because of their high wattage use. Inogen's wattage usage is well below average.
Customizable with Accessories
Inogen concentrators have lots of equipment created specifically for each model. Patients can purchase a carry bag, backpack, AC and DC power cables, extra double battery, or external charger off of Inogen's site.
The Bad
- No Financing Available
- No Continuous Flow POC
No Financing Available
Inogen does not appear to provide payment plans for the purchase of any of its oxygen concentrators. Each product must be paid for in full at the time of sale.
No Continuous Flow POC
While Inogen At Home is a stationary concentrator that can provide continuous flow oxygen, their line of portable concentrators only offer pulse flow oxygen delivery. Depending on your prescription, you might need to look into another portable unit for continuous flow.
The Bottom Line
Inogen has made an effort to get its portable oxygen concentrators tested for peer-reviewed and published research about its ability to provide oxygen efficiently both night and day for most patients. It offers an at-home oxygen concentrator if a combination of portable and at-home solutions are deemed best for a patient.
The best selling point of this company, though, is the option to upgrade to a lifetime warranty. That’s simply not an option in most other portable oxygen concentrator companies. For such a large investment in medical equipment, it’s worth the extra money to get your device covered for a lifetime rather than the default three years.
