Philips Respironics and Inogen are both respected and innovative medical device manufacturers. While their products are universally praised and well-engineered, you want to be sure to examine both units in depth to determine which would be the best for your individual needs.
If you are looking for a portable oxygen concentrator that is compact and mobile but still has enough power to last all day with the use of a larger battery, the Inogen One G4 and the Respironics SimplyGo Mini are two options you will want to consider. Although both are considered small in size, the Inogen One G4 has a significantly smaller footprint. The two units offer pulse dose oxygen delivery with additional options for extended battery life.
Let’s examine some of the features from the top-of-the-line models from these two great companies, the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini and the Inogen One G4.
Size and Portability
The Inogen One G4 and Respironics SimplyGo Mini are two of the smallest concentrators on the market. The Inogen One G4 is about half the size and weight of the SimplyGo Mini, however.
The bright screen at the top of the SimplyGo Mini is a sleek touchscreen. No need to mess with buttons anymore, this intuitive and easy-to-learn control panel displays practical symbols to inform users of how their unit is running along with any alarms. The rounded edges add to the SimplyGo Mini’s streamlined appearance, providing comfort when worn with the included carrying case. Its backpack-style accessory carrying case makes this on-the-go oxygen concentrator unit suitable for any active lifestyle.
Inogen One G4 is the smallest concentrator on the market today. It weighs in at less than 3 lbs, and is roughly the size of a small bunch of bananas. Its compact size does exclude some features that a larger concentrator unit would allow, but for the oxygen user who wants the convenience of a non-intrusive unit, this concentrator is for you. The easy-to-reach LED screen is at the top of the unit with large, clear symbols as well.
The Respironics SimplyGo Mini and the Inogen One G4 both have the capability to charge via AC power (wall outlet) or DC power (car charger). This feature makes both these units perfect for the mobile user. In addition, these two portable units are approved for airline use through the FAA. To check out some tips for traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator, read more about traveling on a plane or in a car.
Oxygen Output and Flow
Both units provide pulse dose oxygen delivery, rather than continuous flow oxygen.
Inogen One G4 has 3 pulse dose settings, delivering a maximum of 630 mL/minute at around 90% oxygen purity. This small but mighty unit includes Intelligent Oxygen Delivery, which responds to breathing rate changes during increased oxygen demands.
SimplyGo Mini has 5 options for flow settings, reaching a maximum oxygen output of 1,000 mL/minute. Its average oxygen purity hovers around 93%, allowing users to breathe easy knowing their oxygen demands will be satisfied with this unit.
Battery Life
Both the SimplyGo Mini and Inogen One G4 units have the ability to increase running time with an extended battery option. Even without the extra battery, the SimplyGo Mini lasts 4.5 hours and the Inogen One G4 lasts 2 hours 40 minutes on a setting of 1. Adding an extended battery to the SimplyGo Mini can increase the battery life by up to 9 hours, and the Inogen One 4 will last up to 5 hours, decreasing the need for recharging throughout the day.
Speaking of recharging, the SimplyGo Mini will recharge a single battery in about 4 hours, and it takes the Inogen One G4 only 3 hours to fully recharge.
Noise Level
The Inogen One G4 is a bit quieter than the SimplyGo Mini. Measuring 40 decibels at the highest setting of 3, its noise level is similar to a quiet conversation. A few decibels higher, around 43, is the volume of the SimplyGo Mini on a setting of 2.
Side-by-Side Unit Comparison
Setting of 2: 2 hours 15 minutes
Setting of 3: 1 hours 20 minutes
Accessories Included
The accessories included with both units:
- The concentrator unit
- Rechargeable battery
- AC and DC power adapters
- Nasal cannula
- User’s manual
- Shoulder carrying case
The SimplyGo Mini includes a convenient backpack-style accessory bag that makes this unit truly hands-free. The optional extended battery allows the concentrator to last up to 9 hours of use on a setting of 2.
Inogen One G4’s software incorporates a user-friendly downloadable app that connects via Bluetooth. You can monitor your device straight from your smartphone- including battery life, maintenance due, and even oxygen purity status.
Key Features
Inogen One G4
- Made in the USA
- Connects to your smartphone
- 3 pulse dose settings
- Smallest portable unit on the market
Respironics SimplyGo Mini
- LED touch screen
- Includes backpack-style accessory bag
- Optional extended battery allows 9 hours of use
Cost and Warranty
Both units include the standard 3-year warranty on the device and 90 days on accessories. SimplyGo Mini also includes 1-year warranty on the sieve beds. Please call us today at 877.774.9271 to chat with an oxygen specialist to learn more about our packages.
Inogen G4 vs. SimplyGo Mini Comparison Video
Final Thoughts
Both of these portable oxygen concentrators stack up well next to each other. Although the Inogen One G4 is smaller and lighter, it only offers 3 oxygen pulse dose settings versus the SimplyGo Mini’s 5. However, the Inogen One G4 does include Inogen’s auto-adjusting technology. They both can boast an excellent battery life with extended batteries and offer discreet, quiet operation. Also, both units are protected by excellent 3-year warranties from the manufacturers.
When purchasing an oxygen concentrator unit, you are undoubtedly making an investment in your health. We want to make sure you are choosing the best unit for your personal lifestyle and budget. Here at the Oxygen Concentrator Store, we offer individualized help to assist you in this decision.
- In-Depth Expert Review of the Inogen One G4 Oxygen Machine
- In-Depth Expert Review of the Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Oxygen Machine
Have more questions about these units?
- Call Us at 877.774.9271
- Download our Guide to Oxygen Therapy and Oxygen Concentrators
Updated: January 4, 2023
Published: June 2, 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.
-
Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
-
Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
-
Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
-
Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
Need a price for a SimplyGoMini Battery. Standard and Extended life if you can. I’m a new owner but need more battery power.
The pricing for these is $300 for the small and $450 for the large.
How long is battery charge good for if you are on a constant 5L/min?
The SimplyGo Mini and the Inogen G4 are both dose machines and do not offer a continuous flow option. Please give us a call at 888-360-9879, and one of our oxygen specialists would be happy to discuss what machine would work best for you.
It looks like the philips supports puse and continuos flow. They also appear to similar in price.
The SimplyGO does support pulse and continuous.
Hello,
My 80 year old mom has been in need of an O2 concentrator for a year now and we’re not excited about the costs of an Inogen unit, which seems to run between $1,400 – $1,500. In looking for comparisons I found your simplygo mini oxygen concentrator. I am unable to find costs to compare to Inogen although the quality appears to be comparable.
It must be FAA approved so she can travel to see family across the U.S. and we’d like to have it delivered to her in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho before Christmas. Can you help us with this?
Hello Roy, all our portable oxygen concentrators are FAA approved. We can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call and get the unit delivered in time. Please reach us out at (888) 387-5914. We are open seven days a week. Don’t forget to ask for our holiday specials.