There are two types of portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) available on the market today: continuous flow oxygen and pulse dose, or intermittent flow, oxygen concentrators. The type of unit and flow settings you’ll need will be determined by your doctor. But it’s up to you to choose an oxygen concentrator that will best suit your needs and lifestyle.
We’ve compared two industry-leading portable oxygen concentrators, the Respironics SimplyGo and the Inogen One G5, to help you determine which machine is best for you.
Inogen One G5 vs. Respironics SimplyGo Flow Settings
The Inogen One G5 is a pulse dose oxygen delivery system that provides gentle bursts of oxygen whenever you breathe. The G5 offers six different pulse settings and features Inogen’s Intelligent Delivery Technology which ensures oxygen is delivered within the first 400 milliseconds of inspiration, when oxygen is most effective. It also adapts to your oxygen needs as your breathing changes, like at night; it’s designed to deliver more oxygen per breath as the frequency and depth of respiration decreases during sleep.
The Respironics SimplyGo has both continuous flow and pulse dose capabilities. This portable oxygen concentrator system has six different pulse output settings and delivers up to 2 LPM on the continuous flow setting. The SimplyGo also features a Sleep Mode setting that increases oxygen output during the night.
Weight and Size
The Inogen One G5 is one of the most portable and lightweight POCs available, weighing in at 4.5 pounds and measuring 8 inches tall, 7 inches long, and about 3 inches deep. It comes with a carry bag that you can easily carry over your shoulder.
The SimplyGo is also an easily transported concentrator, though larger than the G5. It weighs 10 pounds and measures 10 inches tall, 11.5 inches long, and 6 inches deep. It comes with a carrying case, detachable accessory bag, and a cart.
Battery Life
It’s crucial you consider battery life and charging time when evaluating and choosing the right portable oxygen concentrator for you. You need the battery life of your POC to match your routine, needs, and lifestyle.
The battery life for the Respironics SimplyGo will depend on whether you’re using it as continuous flow (1.6 hours at 1 LPM) or pulse delivery (3 hours), as well as what setting it’s on.
The Inogen One G5 boasts the longest battery life of any POC on the market today. The exact length will depend on which pulse dose setting and battery (8-cell single or 16-cell double) are being used. The G5 can last up to 6.5 hours with the single battery and 13 hours with the double battery on a setting of 2.
Inogen One G5 Battery Life and Power Power Consumption:
*Battery run times are based on average values. Actual run times may vary up to 10%.
Side-by-Side Unit Comparison
*includes single battery
Depth: 3.26 inches
Height: 8.15 inches
Depth: 6 inches
Height: 10 inches
Pulse Dose: 1 to 6 settings
Pulse Dose: 1 to 6 settings
Up to 9 hours with double battery
Continuous: 1.6 hours (at 1 LPM setting)
Additional Features
Additional features to note for the Inogen One G5 include:
- An easy-to-read LCD display
- Simple, intuitive controls
- It is Bluetooth capable and fully integrated with the Inogen Connect App
Additional features to note for the Respironics SimplyGo include:
- Its durable compressor was created to last for years
- It can function at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet
- There are alarms built into the device for low oxygen purity, high breath rate, no breath detection, no flow, depleted battery, and more.
Inogen G5 vs. SimplyGo Comparison Video
The Final Choice: Inogen One G5 vs. Respironics SimplyGo
Whether the SimplyGo or Inogen One G5 is the right oxygen concentrator for you will depend on the type of concentrator you need, as well as the level of portability you’re looking for.
Do you need continuous flow or pulse dose? Do you want to carry your POC on your shoulder, wear it in a backpack, or pull it on a cart? Do you need a concentrator to bring on errand runs or bike rides and hikes? How lightweight do you need your POC to be?
The answers to these questions, along with your doctor’s advice, will help you choose the right portable oxygen concentrator for you.
- In-Depth Expert Review of the Inogen One G5 Oxygen Machine
- In-Depth Expert Review of the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Oxygen Machine
Have more questions about for these units?
- Call Us at 877.774.9271
- Download our Guide to Oxygen Therapy and Oxygen Concentrators
Updated: July 20, 2023
Published: August 8, 2019
Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.
Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.