One of the most prominent features of the Inogen One G5 Concentrator is portability. Weighing in at just 4.7 pounds, the Inogen One G5 is an excellent choice for travelers. Whether you’re on an airplane, a cruise, or a road trip, the Inogen One G5 is easy to take wherever you go.
“Our new POC is just what we had hoped for. Small and easier to carry less weight and a lot more attractive than the large tanks on two wheels. We’re glad we decided to purchase the new Inogen G5.” -Paul
Flying with the Inogen One G5
The FAA allows in-air use of the Inogen One G5 for all U.S. aircraft and many international airlines will also allow it onboard. To make your trip seamless, follow these tips:
- Get a note from your physician stating your ability to fly with oxygen. Many airlines require this document to board your flight. Use the physician’s statement template for an idea of what your letter should include. However, check with the airline in case they have any special requirements.
- Never rely on an airplane’s electrical power outlet to charge your device. The FAA requires you to bring enough batteries to power your device for at least 150% of the maximum flight duration. For example, if your flight is 4 hours long, you should have enough batteries to last 6 hours.
- Save battery power by powering your Inogen One G5 from an electrical outlet at the airport terminal, while dining, or waiting at your gate. Keep your wall adapter (AC adapter) in an easily accessible pouch or pocket for convenience.
- Brush up on our guide to flying with an oxygen concentrator.
Cruising with the Inogen One G5
Cruising with a battery-operated oxygen concentrator is ideal. This one machine will supply you with supplemental oxygen without the need for extra equipment or refilling tanks when in port. Every cruise line has different requirements, so find out what policies and procedures your selected cruise line has in place for using oxygen on board. Identify and obtain the medical documents you’ll need from your doctor and any forms you’ll need to complete in advance of your departure and have them filed somewhere easy to access when boarding the ship. Do not place these documents in your luggage, as it is oftentimes be loaded onto the ship by cruise line staff before or after your embarkation. Keep all the necessary documents in your purse to present when you board the ship.
Most cruise ships have several pools on board, while you’re at sea you are surrounded by water! Check to make sure your G5 is safely installed in the carry bag or backpack and the shoulder straps are affixed correctly. Your concentrator needs to stay dry during your onboard and excursion activities.
Familiarize yourself with power outlets in your stateroom so you can maintain the charge on your batteries. Ask the concierge if there are outlets available while dining or enjoying a performance in the auditorium. Cruise lines offer events and activities almost every hour of the day that you won’t want to miss out on. We recommend bringing along an external battery charger and extra batteries to enable you to charge a spare while out enjoying all your cruise has to offer, you’ll never miss a beat!
Road Tripping with the Inogen One G5
Most of us travel by car on a daily basis, this lightweight and sturdy concentrator is the perfect travel companion for everyday activities in and out of your vehicle. Compact in design, this machine fits comfortably in any car, truck or van. The G5 Basic Package comes with a DC power adapter, this cord plugs into the cigarette lighter of your vehicle and will power the device AND charge the battery while you use it!
For best results, be sure that the cigarette lighter is clear of any debris before plugging in your G5. Never use a DC extension cord or a plug splitter. Place your concentrator on the center console or the seat next to you for easy access to the controls. Choose a secure location that will not allow the machine to bounce around if sudden stops are necessary. Keep the concentrator in an upright position with unobstructed vents to allow air circulation which is required for the machine to stay within optimal operating temperatures. Laying the machine flat or placing it in a purse or a bag could cause overheating.
Using your Inogen G5 in conjunction with the DC cord is easy:
- Start your vehicle first so that it is running then plug the machine into the cigarette lighter and you’re ready to go.
- Place the G5 on the seat next to you or the center console so that it can be easily accessed.
- Plugging the DC adapter in before the automobile is running could drain your vehicle’s battery.
- When you’ve reached your destination, unplug the DC cord before turning off your engine.
- The manufacturer recommends a minimum 15 Amp power socket to effectively power this device, check the specifications in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to verify compatibility.
If you’re in the driver’s seat, make sure your cannula is affixed correctly to the output nozzle and is free of any compression or kinks before you begin your trip. Using a shorter cannula may prevent the tubing from getting tangled up with your gear shifter or other moving parts inside your vehicle. The machine will need to sense your breathing in order to properly dispense oxygen and will let you know if a disruption in breathing is detected. If running on battery power, pull over in a safe place to change batteries or make any adjustments to the machine.
Before going on a long trip, run multiple tests to ensure the car can maintain power while properly charging your Inogen One G5 – the last thing you want is to drain your car’s battery because of a machine. Even after running these tests, it’s a good idea to pack at least a battery or two, just in case.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re flying, cruising, or driving, don’t forget to pack the Inogen One G5’s other portable accessories like the carry bag, backpack, and extra cannulas. While traveling with oxygen may take some more preparation, the Inogen One G5 makes it easy for you to focus on your trip, not your oxygen concentrator. So, book that ticket, plan ahead, and make some lifelong memories!
Related Information
- Top-Rated Portable Concentrator for Travel
- Traveling to the National Parks with Oxygen
- Traveling with the Inogen One G4
- Traveling with the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort
Updated: April 7, 2023
Published: September 23, 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.
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
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Scott Ridlhttps://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/blog/author/scott/
As the patent holder for an oxygen concentrator way back in 1959, I was writing instructions for use of such devices long prior to the one given here, but I am very much impressed with its accuracy and thoroughness. It nicely covers all aspects of traveling with a concentrator, and includes all the conveniences and health benefits of such travels. Well done and congratulations to your staff.
Thanks for your valuable feedback, Milt! We’re glad it helped.
Do you have to purchase a home concentrater as well as a portable?
Talk to our Oxygen Specialist for a free consultation, please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.
Will this portable unit produce 3 lpm of continuous flow oxygen?
The only portable oxygen concentrator that produces 3 liters per minute of continuous oxygen is Caire Eclipse 5.
We’ve lost our DC power adapter that charges thru the cigarette lighter.
We need to replace it. Where to purchase, how to purchase, and cost please.
Our Oxygen Specialist would be happy to help you out with your requirements. Please give us a call at (877) 644-4581.
I’m looking for portable oxygen concentrator that can produce 2-3 liters/min and can be used during long distance traveling.
We can quickly answer all your questions over a phone call. Please reach us at (877) 644-4581. We are open seven days a week.
Can I ship the inogen G5 to oversea? What is the requirement in term of shipping? I heard the shipping company requires a UN and PI numbers, do you know anything about it? Thanks,
It depends on where you ship it and what’s the purpose of shipment and how many units you are shipping. Please check with your carrier they’d help.