About ResMed

As one of the most technologically advanced Continuous and BiLevel Positive Air Pressure (CPAP/BiPAP) sleep therapy manufacturers in the industry, ResMed has truly changed lives with every breath. Their award-winning machines have provided relief for over two decades to customers who struggle with sleep apnea and other respiratory conditions worldwide.

The San Diego-based company has revolutionized respiratory equipment through their cloud-connected devices which now serve an excess of four million customers, in order to better cater to the individual needs of their customers. CEO Michael Farrell has overseen the development and production of some of the most successful products on the market including the Astral, the AirFit 20, and the AirTouch F20, Now, ResMed is allowing their customers the freedom they deserve.

What is the Mobi?

The Mobi is ResMed’s first branded portable oxygen concentrator. While in-home devices are designed for a specific medical condition, the Mobi has been designed for the active chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) customer. This portable oxygen machine will weight less than five pounds. Combined with a lasting battery life and stylish carrying case, the lightweight concentrator allows customers to experience a new level of mobility at home or on the go. When traveling by car, it can easily be charged through the DC outlet. It is also FAA airline approved, making it perfect for the frequent airplane traveler.

According to CEO Michael Farrell, ResMed has “achieved great mobility, comfort and therapy quality in sleep apnea treatment with AirMini, the world’s smallest Positive Air Pressure (PAP) device. Mobi offers that same great balance to the many millions of people who rely on supplemental oxygen to enjoy their highest quality of life.”

The Mobi is ideal for active customers who frequently engage in physical activity or exercise, which is incredibly important for individuals dealing with COPD.

Availability

The ResMed Mobi portable oxygen system is projected to hit the market in the late second-quarter of 2018 and will be available to all U.S. patients through their Home Medical Equipment (HME) providers soon.

GCE is the newest manufacturer of portable oxygen concentrators. GCE is a British company, though the Zen-O is manufactured in Auburn Hills, Michigan, making it an American-made product. In addition to the Zen-O, GCE has just released a new 5-pound Zen-O lite which provides pulse flow up to setting 5 and is comparable to the Inogen One G3 and SimplyGo Mini.

The Zen-O has been on the market since 2016 and has proven itself to be very dependable and easy to use. Most concentrators seem to require 6 months in the marketplace to allow the manufacturer to get the bugs out; however, it appears GCE took the time to test the Zen-O prior to releasing it to the market as it has had very few issues.

The Zen-O comes standard with the Zen-O concentrator in an attractive carry bag, AC and DC adapters for home and car, one (1) rechargeable battery (with the ability to hold a second battery), and a slim mobile cart.

The Zen-O provides continuous flow up to 2 liters per minute and pulse settings up to 6, making it similar to the Philips SimplyGo, yet it is superior in many features. Most notably is the Zen-O’s dual battery slots, providing double the battery time and less-frequent battery changing. Those using the unit at pulse 2 will enjoy 8 hours of battery time with two Zen-O batteries. Taller and narrower than the SimplyGo, the Zen-O is more comfortable to carry over your shoulder and allows for a slimmer cart, making it easier to put behind your seat in the car or even between your legs. The Zen-O cart is so compact you won’t have to remove and stow it away when traveling by plane. I also like the controls on the Zen-O with its easy on/off button that does not require double inputs like the SimplyGo. And at 38 decibels, the Zen-O is enjoyably quiet. Finally, those with minimal mechanical abilities will find it easy to change the sieve columns on their own, rather than waiting for factory service.

The Zen-O is an excellent option for travelers who need oxygen at 2 LPM only at night and are unable to use pulse flow at night, including those who use oxygen with a CPAP. The Zen-O can easily be packed in your carry-on luggage for a healthy night’s sleep while traveling.

Given the oxygen output, proven reliability, dual battery slots, and ease of use, I would say the GCE Zen-O is the best portable oxygen concentrator in its class (10-pound units). And if higher oxygen levels are not needed, I would also recommend the Zen-O over larger models such as the 14-pound SeQual eQuinox, 18-pound SeQual Eclipse 5 and the 20-pound Oxlife Independence.

You can find more information about the Zen-O at GCE Group.

The Inogen One G4 is the latest edition to the Inogen family of portable oxygen concentrators. With an ever-increasing demand for small and lightweight portable oxygen, Inogen is rising to the challenge with its newest offering.

The Inogen One G4 weighs an impressively light 2.8 pounds with the single battery and fits in the palm of your hand.

What You Get with the G4

The Inogen One G4 comes standard with the G4 concentrator in a thin, serviceable carry cover to protect the unit from scratches, AC and DC adapters for home and car, and one (1) rechargeable battery. The G4 offers two battery options – the Single battery provides up to 2.7 hours on setting 1 and keeps the overall weight at 2.8 pounds while the Double battery provides up to 5 hours on setting 1 and increases the overall weight to more than 3.5 pounds. Most retailers will provide additional batteries at a discounted price when you add them to the purchase of your Inogen One G4. An optional accessory is a desktop battery charger and I hear a hip bag is also in the works.

One Concern

The Inogen One G4 is a pulse only unit and provides up to setting 3. I was unable to find any information about the actual oxygen output. The fact that Inogen does not make this information readily available concerns me because I have stressed that pulse flow settings are arbitrary numbers set by the manufacturers and there is no industry standard, which means that a setting 2 on one portable concentrator may provide a different amount of oxygen per breath than a setting 2 from another model. Thus, while the small size and weight of the Inogen One G4 may be very attractive, don’t ignore or sacrifice the oxygen you need.

Comparing the New G4 with the Inogen One G3

For current Inogen One G3 users considering making a change to the G4, please note you are making only a size and weight improvement. You would sacrifice several pulse flow settings and possibly oxygen output at the same setting you use on the G3 so be sure to try a G4 before making the financial commitment. Also, note the reduced battery times – about half the time of the Inogen One G3 Single and Double batteries. Active users may find the size more appealing, but will also need more batteries to keep up with their activity.

The last notable difference is the carry bag. Inogen provides the unit with the shoulder strap connected directly to the unit itself, so the carry bag is not really a bag at all but more like a protective sleeve. Unlike the G3 carry bag that loads the unit from the bottom while providing easy access for changing the battery, the G4 carry bag/sleeve loads the unit from the top, so you have to remove the unit from the bag/sleeve in order to change the battery. Because of the small size, this will not be a great concern to most, but something to keep in mind. Similar to the G3, the G4 has replaceable sieve columns that are warrantied for one year and will need replacing about every 15-18 months depending on use and climate.

Inogen One G4 – What I like about it:

• Lightest POC that delivers up to pulse setting 3 – only 2.8 pounds
• Noise level – Good
• Two battery options
• Runs on pulse flow, and charges the battery, when plugged into an automobile outlet with the DC adapter
• Backed by Inogen’s reputation of quality products

Inogen One G4 – What I wish were better about it:

• Carry Bag – As I mentioned above, the carry bag is more like a protective sleeve. It has a side zipper and flap at the top that closes with a snap. The bag fits so snugly around the unit that I found it difficult to fasten the snap. Some people may even have trouble with the zipper due to the snug fit. Also, given the frequency with which the unit will have to be removed from the bag for battery changing, I am concerned the snap may pull away from the fabric over time.

All-in-all, I am impressed with the Inogen One G4. With its small size and light weight, it offers the greatest portability of all portable oxygen concentrators. For most, greater portability means more freedom to be active – and that’s the goal! The G4 is a great option for oxygen users who need only low oxygen settings. If you need more than setting 2, consider the more powerful Inogen One G3.

CAIRE Inc., the manufacturer of the AirSep FreeStyle 3 and global oxygen leader, recently released a new and improved AirSep FreeStyle 3.

A color change from dark gray casing to white is the most prominent change visually, but the upgrades don’t end there. The most practical and welcome change is the new user-replaceable battery. Formerly the FreeStyle 3 included an internal battery and the option of an external battery that required its own charger. With the new model, the battery is now accessible and is replaceable by the user. The image above allows you to see the new front-loading battery.

The FreeStyle 3 comes standard with one battery, but additional batteries may be purchased at a reasonable cost, much lower than I’ve seen from other manufacturers. The carry bag for the unit includes a side pouch that will store your extra battery for exceptional convenience. The battery lasts 3.5 hours on setting 2. Other accessories include AC and DC adapters for home and car and a carry-all accessory bag that holds the unit and all the accessories, with plenty of room for personal items. An optional desktop charger is also available and comes in handy when you have multiple batteries.

Another upgrade is a redesign of the power supply connections, which now features a metal connector with no pins to align or release button to press. The unit continues to have easy one-button on/off, simply by pressing the button that corresponds with your flow setting.

The FreeStyle 3 provides pulse flows up to setting 3, yielding the following levels of oxygen at 20 breaths per minute:

Setting 1: 11 ml per breath, 228 ml/min
Setting 2: 21 ml per breath, 420 ml/min
Setting 3: 25 ml per breath, 500 ml/min

The AirSep FreeStyle 3 has been approved by the FAA for many years so you can enjoy immediate airline travel with this upgraded model.

CAIRE AirSep FreeStyle 3 – What I like about it:

• Lightweight POC – only 5 lbs.
• Easiest control panel of all brands.
• Noise level – Good.
• Small, easy-to-change battery; there is no confusion of multiple battery sizes and weights.
• Improved carry case that has a bottom zipper opening and a handy battery pouch.
• The AirSep FreeStyle 3 has long been a reliable product with few service issues.
• Dealers have access to parts when service issues arise. You’re not stuck dealing with excessive manufacturer repair expenses.
• The sieve beds are covered under the standard 3-year warranty. Other POCs, such as the Inogen One G3 and SimplyGo Mini, offer only a 1-year warranty for the sieve beds. This means less service and expense because you won’t have to pay for replacement sieve columns every 15-18 months.

CAIRE AirSep FreeStyle 3 – What I wish were better about it:

• The weight – even though it is smaller than other models, such as the Inogen One G3 and the SimplyGo Mini, the weight of 4.9 pounds may be a hindrance to some oxygen users. The greatest demand from oxygen patients continues to be more power and lighter weight.

All-in-all, I like the new FreeStyle 3. It is a great option for oxygen users seeking a small, lightweight unit that has simple controls and no confusing battery options. The FreeStyle 3 would be a great choice for those who are intimidated by mechanical items and would be fearful to try a portable oxygen concentrator.

I would not hesitate to recommend the FreeStyle 3 to many oxygen users.

First, Inogen increased the oxygen capacity from a maximum of 840 mL per minute to 1050 mL per minute. This increase in oxygen allows for an additional pulse setting. Thus, the new Inogen One G3 provides pulse settings from 1 to 5.

Second, Inogen made the G3 quieter. When reviewing the original Inogen G3 several years ago, I found only one problematic flaw – the noise! The Inogen One G3 had a rather loud purging sound and I could not recommend it for those who are noise sensitive or frequent quiet places, such as the theater. Inogen finally corrected the issue. The new high-flow Inogen One G3 is noticeably quieter than the original version.

Finally, the particles filters have been improved. Previously made of a rubber-type material, the new filters consist of a durable stainless steal mesh enclosed by a plastic frame. These new filters, which are only compatible with the high flow G3, will require less frequent replacement.

The SimplyGo Mini portable oxygen concentrator is the latest edition to the respiratory product line from Philips Respironics. Following the clean design lines of its predecessor, the SimplyGo, the Mini offers high oxygen capacity in a compact size.

The most notable features of the SimplyGo Mini is the weight – only 5 pounds – and an increase in oxygen output of 20% over other 5-pound models. The SimplyGo Mini is a pulse only unit and provides up to setting 5. The Mini provides the following levels of oxygen at 20 breaths per minute:

Setting 1: 11 ml per breath, 220 ml/min
Setting 2: 22 ml per breath, 440 ml/min
Setting 3: 33 ml per breath, 660 ml/min
Setting 4: 44 ml per breath, 880 ml/min
Setting 5: 50 ml per breath, 1,000 ml/min
+/- 25% or 6 ml, whichever is greater (average of 20 consecutive pulses)

The SimplyGo Mini comes standard with the SimplyGo Mini concentrator in an attractive carry bag, matching accessory bag, AC and DC adapters for home and car, and one (1) rechargeable battery. The SimplyGo Mini offers two battery options – the Standard battery provides 4.5 hours on setting 2 and keeps the overall weight at 5 pounds while the Extended battery provides 9 hours on setting 2 and increases the overall weight to only 6 pounds. Most retailers will provide additional batteries at a discounted price when you add them to the purchase of your SimplyGo Mini. Other optional accessories include a desktop battery charger, backpack in brown or black, and black carry and accessory bags.

The SimplyGo Mini is currently awaiting approval by the FAA; however, individual airlines may allow its use, so check with your airline before traveling.

Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini – What I like about it:

• Lightest POC that delivers up to pulse setting 5 – only 5 lbs.
• Provides 20% more oxygen than other 5-pound models
• Oxygen output levels are strong and not misleading. Other manufacturers often provide oxygen output figures using only 15 breaths per minute which is fewer breaths than most people take in a minute. The Mini output levels are provided for 20 breaths per minute, which is more in line with average breathing rates.
• Noise level – Good. I was actually impressed with how quiet the Mini is compared to the Inogen One G3
• Two battery options with long battery life
• Runs on pulse flow, and charges the battery, when plugged into an automobile outlet with the DC adapter

Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini – What I wish were better about it:

• Carry Bag – The SimplyGo Mini carry bag has nothing across the top of the bag to prevent the unit from slipping out if it is picked up incorrectly and turns upside down. This would rarely be a problem, but I’d hate to see your investment end up damaged on the ground after falling out of the bag. Just be aware of this and use caution when picking up the bag to be sure it is upright.

All-in-all, I am impressed with the SimplyGo Mini. It is a great option for oxygen users seeking a small, lightweight unit, but need or want the option of higher pulse flow settings. Also, those who are noise sensitive, or who were unsatisfied with the loud purging sound of the Inogen One G3, will be very pleased with the quietness of the SimplyGo Mini. I would not hesitate to recommend the Mini to many oxygen users.

Today Philips Respironics is releasing their newest portable oxygen concentrator – the SimplyGo Mini. Boasting 5 pounds with pulse flow up to setting 5, the SimplyGo Mini has upped the ante in the market and is the new standard for high oxygen capacity in a small compact size.

Philips’ last portable concentrator offering was the SimplyGo, a 10-pound unit that provided pulse flow settings up to 6 and continuous flow up to 2 liters per minute. While the SimplyGo continues to be the lightest continuous flow unit available among all brands, oxygen users are increasingly seeking portable concentrators that are small and light enough to allow an active lifestyle. It wasn’t long after the release of the SimplyGo in the spring of 2012 that Philips began working on its newest offering, the SimplyGo Mini, which is now the most powerful oxygen concentrator among 5-pound units, boasting 20% more oxygen capacity than competitors’ models.

The SimplyGo Mini offers simple touch screen operation and has two battery options. The standard battery keeps the overall weight at 5 pounds and provides 4.5 hours of operating time at setting 2, while the extended battery increases the weight by just 1 pound and provides an impressive 9 hours on setting 2. The unit comes standard with your choice of battery size, AC power for electrical outlets, DC power for automobiles, a brown carry bag that has a built-in carry handle and a removable shoulder strap that allows you to carry the unit over your shoulder or cross-body. A matching accessory case rounds out the complete system. Optional items include an external battery charger and a custom backpack. Also available is the carry bag, accessory bag and backpack in black.

Online retailers have the new SimplyGo Mini in stock, with pricing starting at $2,595. Be sure to look for the SimplyGo Mini badge on the retailer’s website to ensure that you are purchasing your unit from an authorized dealer. Also, be sure to review my article on why choosing the right dealer is so important.

I’ll be returning later this week with a full review of the SimplyGo Mini. In the meantime, I would love to hear from those of you who get your hands on the new SimplyGo Mini right away. Is it the unit you’ve been waiting for?

For many oxygen users, their first interest in a portable oxygen concentrator arises when they wish to travel by airplane. Whether for a vacation abroad, or a trip across the country to see their newest grandchild, oxygen users are no longer bound at home, but are free to travel the world. With manufacturers ensuring that their portable concentrators are approved by the FAA, air travel is now accessible for most oxygen users.

The FAA requires all airlines to allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators, but the airlines are not required to provide electricity to power your unit. Instead they require that you have sufficient battery power for the flight. Thus, when traveling with a portable oxygen concentrator one of the most important considerations is the number of batteries you will need for your flight.

Most airlines require sufficient battery power to last 150% of the flight time. For example, if the flight time is four hours then you would need six hours of battery time (4 x 150% = 6).

Once you determine how much battery time your flight requires, then you can calculate the number of batteries you will need. Let’s look at a couple examples.

Battery Example #1 – Inogen One G3

Flight time – 5 hours
Flow setting – Setting 2

First, let’s do the math for the flight: 5 hour flight x 150% = 7.5 hours of battery time required.

Now let’s look at our battery options: the Inogen One G3 offers an 8-cell battery that lasts 4 hours on setting 2, or a 16-cell battery that lasts 8 hours on setting 2. So for our flight we would need either two 8-cell batteries or one 16-cell battery.

Battery Example #2 – SeQual Eclipse 5

Flight time – 4 hours
Flow setting – Setting 2 LPM (continuous flow)

Again, let’s do the math for the flight: 4 hour flight x 150% = 6 hours of battery time required.

Now let’s look at our battery: the Eclipse battery lasts 2.3 hours at 2 LPM continuous flow so we will need 3 batteries (2.3 x 3 = 6.9).

Note: If the flow setting is 2 pulse, then the battery lasts 4.4 hours and only 2 batteries would be needed (4.4 x 2 = 8.8).

Additional Points to Consider

• While you may need oxygen only for a short time during your flight, airlines hold to a worst case scenario and assume that you will need oxygen during the entire flight, and they will not allow you to fly without sufficient battery power.
• Short layovers between connecting flights will not allow enough time to recharge used batteries so you need to add this additional time into your calculations.
• Be sure to use your DC power supply while driving to the airport so you do not prematurely drain your batteries. Also, as soon as you get through security, use the electrical charging station at the gate (or a plug on a wall) to keep your battery charged while waiting to board the airplane.
• Battery duration times provided by the manufacturers assume a new battery. As your batteries wear down over time you may need an additional battery to have sufficient battery power for your flight.

Looking to buy an Inogen portable concentrator? Not sure which company will give you the best service?

I think I can help.

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for a great deal; but in this case take your time and read the fine print. As I’ve said before, you’re buying a piece of medical equipment, not a toaster. You may save a couple hundred dollars, but if you cannot use the unit you chose, then you may end up wasting thousands of dollars.

First, take time to find out which unit is best for your oxygen needs. I’ve written extensively on how to choose the best portable oxygen concentrator.

Once you’ve chosen the best unit, you must also take time to find the best dealer. Portable oxygen concentrators are the only piece of medical equipment that I know of that manufacture and deliver a prescription drug, and like all medical equipment, require service from time-time. A good dealer is the key to continued satisfaction with your portable oxygen concentrator purchase.

Choosing the right Inogen portable oxygen concentrator, the such as the Inogen One G2 or Inogen One G3, is important; choosing the right company to buy from can be a challenging.

After doing my research, I have found that you can purchase the Inogen portable concentrators directly from the manufacturer or from four Inogen Authorized Resellers. These companies are listed on Inogen’s website.

While you may find other companies selling Inogen products, Inogen is quick to note the danger in purchasing from a company that is not an Authorized Reseller. You risk buying used, damaged or stolen products, not having access to after sales support, and being unable to obtain warranty service. Without the Inogen warranty, service on your Inogen could cost upwards of $900.

Which Company is Best?

I took the time to visit all four of the Inogen authorized dealer websites.  My goal was to find value and, more importantly, the service they offer after I made my purchase.

All four companies were very competitive on pricing, and I found that you will save several hundreds of dollars buying your Inogen One G2 or G3 from one of these authorized dealers than buying directly from the manufacturer. They all offered extra accessories or extended warranties at little or no extra cost, and the prices on batteries are much lower than buying directly from Inogen. But how about the service? A wise man once told me, “the sweet taste of low prices can fade quickly after the bitterness of poor service prevails.”

What I found is that not all Inogen authorized dealers are equal. All of them were eager to give a great price and even deliver an Inogen in one to two days. But only one company, OxiMedical, stated upfront that they have a money-back guarantee, they would give me time to test my Inogen, and they would be willing to upgrade my purchase to any portable concentrator that met my oxygen needs in the event the Inogen I chose didn’t meet my needs. They also stated in writing that they would not charge me for using a loaner unit if my Inogen needed to go in for service.

The other companies offered less time to try a unit and a much higher restocking fee if the product did not work for me. The other companies also charge a rental fee of $100 to $200 a week when you need a loaner unit. Also, I discovered that while Inogen will not transfer the warranty, OxiMedical would, which means if you ever needed to sell your portable concentrator, it would retain its value and garner a high selling price. Now that’s service after the sale!

In doing my research, I also discovered that OxiMedical has stores in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona; Atlanta, Georgia; and Denver, Colorado, which include showrooms with service centers.

All the way around, I was impressed with OxiMedical Respiratory and rank them at the top of my list for purchasing an Inogen portable concentrator.

Many people dream of smaller, lighter, and more powerful oxygen equipment. If a travel-sized oxygen concentrator that provides up to 5 LPM has been on your wish list, then your dream is about to come true.

Inogen, Inc., the manufacturer of the popular Inogen One G2 and G3 portable oxygen concentrators, recently announced that is has received FDA approval for a first-of-its-kind home oxygen concentrator called the Inogen At Home. The At Home will be the smallest and lightest 5 LPM concentrator on the market.

How does 18 pounds sound?

At 18 pounds, the Inogen At Home will be small enough to easily pick-up-and-go for travel – even air travel. No more home concentrator arrangements will have to be made at your destination when you can bring your own home concentrator with you. The At Home will come with a wheeled cart for easy transport, and it will be small enough to place in your carry-on luggage.

Even if a travel-sized concentrator isn’t your greatest need, many will find its reduced noise level and lower power consumption a great benefit. Even for home use only, a lower electric bill is sure to please.

Inogen set out to change the oxygen therapy market with our Inogen One family of products and in a similar fashion with the Inogen At Home, we intend to change the perception of oxygen concentrators used in the home. We believe we have created a home concentrator with product attributes that will be patient preferred. – Raymond Huggenberger, Inogen CEO

The Inogen At Home is expected to be released later this year. I anticipate an unveiling at the Medtrade Show next month and will provide more information as soon as it is available.