Getting out and about—finding the best portable oxygen concentrator for you

Breathing is one of the four primary signs of life. Breathing helps our lungs facilitate gas exchange which provides life-giving oxygen that is required for cellular respiration. Normally, how often and how deeply we breathe is controlled by the homeostatic mechanisms in our body. These mechanisms keep the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our blood constant so that we can lead a normal life.

When we suffer from respiratory disorders such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), the normal breathing pattern of our body is disrupted, causing considerable respiratory distress, and in severe cases—even death. These disorders require individuals to go in for long-term oxygen therapy at home or a care facility for extended periods.

Confinement of individuals to their homes or limiting their movement close to their source of oxygen was not a practical solution, but the only one possible until the advent of portable oxygen concentrators. These life-changing devices help individuals suffering from COPD to lead a near-normal life by providing them with oxygen on-the-go. Portable oxygen concentrators such as the Inogen One G5 and Philips SimplyGo Mini provide oxygen therapy and respiratory support to sufferers while on the go ensuring a quality, near-normal life.

Both these devices offer features, quality and price points that are pretty similar and are very well regarded internationally. Inogen is a company that specializes in innovative portable oxygen concentrators that are patient-focused, portable, reliable and cost-effective, ensuring maximum value for money. Philips is a global brand producing a diverse range of solutions. Their wide network and innovative devices provide peace of mind and guarantee durability. Both devices are similar, yet have features that set them apart from each other. Their similarity makes it difficult for customers to make a quick choice.

Here’s a user’s perspective of what to look for while choosing a portable oxygen concentrator:

Weight

Most COPD patients love the benefits of a portable oxygen concentrator, but for someone struggling to breathe, the last thing they wish to carry is extra weight. Although the Philips SimplyGo Mini is a great device with a class-leading feature set, it is also a bit heavy at nearly 2.5 kg. For someone suffering from COPD devices that are heavier are difficult to carry and would mitigate the benefits provided by it with its weight. The Inogen One G5 is lighter than the SimplyGo Mini and at 2.2kg, it is the ideal device to carry around.
Our choice: Inogen One G5

Battery life

A portable oxygen concentrator is only portable as long as its battery lasts. Once the battery is exhausted, you end up plugging it in to charge it or need to swap the battery, which is an additional weight to carry along. The Philips SimplyGo Mini lasts around 4.5 hours on the pulse mode which is more than enough for an hour-long walk in the park. However, if you wish to travel to a different city, run errands or take a short flight, the Inogen One G5 wins hands down by offering over 6.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, making travel much easier and more convenient. With a double battery, the Inogen One G5 can easily last around 13 hours on a single charge, making it the perfect companion for a long flight, without the added bulk.
Our choice: Inogen One G5

Noise Level

If you wish to use your oxygen concentrator even while you’re sleeping, the device must be silent enough to not disturb you or delay the onset of sleep. At 43 decibels, the Philips SimplyGo Mini is a pretty quiet machine but is easily overshadowed by the whisper-quiet operation of the Inogen One G5 at a mere 38 decibels, making it one of the quietest devices around.
Our choice: Inogen One G5

Dimensions

For portable oxygen concentrators, size does matter! Even if the weight were not a problem, size is as these devices are carried by the patient. The Philips SimplyGo Mini is a pretty compact device, measuring 9.4” x 3.6” x 8.4”. Although this device is not very large, it is not compact enough to wear and walk around all day. On the contrary, the Inogen One G5 is a much smaller, discreet device that can even be mistaken for a mid-sized laptop! Measuring only 7.1” x 3.2” x 8.1”, this device is pretty comfortable to lug around in a backpack or a shoulder sling.
Our choice: Inogen One G5

Oxygen output

Our body’s demand for oxygen can even triple during demanding activities such as bike riding or jogging. An oxygen concentrator with a high flow volume is the preferred device in such cases. Although the Inogen One G5 has 6 settings to choose from, its maximum oxygen output is 1260ml/min, compared to the 1000ml/min offered by the SimplyGo Mini. With its lower oxygen output, the additional weight of the SimplyGo Mini can quickly run you out of breath due to the additional effort required to carry the heavy device around.
Our choice for the outdoors: Inogen One G5

Although no oxygen concentrator can be perfectly suited for your needs, finding the best set of features that suit you the most and advice from your physician will help you pick the right device for your needs.

Sanrai is the authorized retail partner for both Inogen and Philips in India and is providing sales, support, and warranty services for the Inogen and Philips range of devices. An experienced and innovative global medical products distributor with a presence in 46 countries, Sanrai’s expertise in devices used for the management of COPD set it apart from the competition with knowledgeable sales personnel and quality after-sales service. Contact Sanrai for your portable oxygen concentrator needs today!