POC Comparison: AirSep FreeStyle 5 vs Inogen One G3

Inogen_One_G3_Thumbnail AirSep FreeStyle 5

The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other chronic lung diseases, has required you to need the help of supplemental oxygen to complete basic daily functions.

This should not be seen as a negative, but as a positive reinforcement that will help you live the highest quality of life possible with COPD.

To further add to our portable oxygen concentrator battle, today we will be comparing the Inogen One G3 portable oxygen concentrator against the AirSep FreeStyle 5 so you can better assess which concentrator is a more appropriate choice for your specific needs.

Comparing the Inogen One G3 against the AirSep FreeStyle 5

Size Comparison

Inogen One G3: Easily take the G3 with you anywhere you go without ever being weighed down, weighing in at a total of 4.8 pounds with the 8 cell battery while only bumping up to 5.8 pounds with the 16 cell battery. The G3 was designed for the active and traveling oxygen patient, the dimensions of 8.25" x 3.0" W x 8.75" D allow for the concentrator to be stowed underneath an airplane seat with room to spare!

AirSep FreeStyle 5: Garden, shop, golf, fly, and so much more without the restrictions standard oxygen tanks provide. The overall lack of weight of the FreeStyle 5 makes all these things possible, amassing a total weight of 6.2 pounds and measuring 10.7" H x 6.6" W x 4.4" D, the AirSep FreeStyle 5 has the ability to fit and go where you need it to.

In overall size and weight the Inogen One G3 is lighter and more compact than the AirSep FreeStyle 5, the size and weight factor are a huge decision factor in patients decisions but you should be sure the unit you choose keeps you adequately saturated during rest and exertion.

Flow Rate Comparison

When shopping for a portable oxygen concentrator you should first look at the flow rate it offers, and make sure it matches or excels your oxygen prescription. If at any point you feel you are not being properly saturated then speak with your doctor about possibly upping your prescribed flow rate.

Inogen One G3: This compact portable oxygen concentrator offers strictly pulse dose flow options, easily slide between settings of 1 - 4 with the push of a button. The G3 is even packed with sleep mode technology to allow it to be used at night while sleeping. The sleep mode technology is so advanced that it will even pick up shallow mouth breaths, that would otherwise trigger a no breathe alarm on other portable concentrators.

AirSep FreeStyle 5: Not only can you take the FreeStyle 5 wherever, but you will also stay properly saturated with the pulse dose settings of 1 - 5. If you are looking for a portable that offers sleep mode technology to be used at night, the FreeStyle 5 does not offer this technology.

If you require a pulse flow of 5 then the FreeStyle 5 is the winner, though if the G3 flow settings are congruent with your prescription and you are in need of sleep mode technology then the Inogen One G3 would be more suited for you.

Battery Life Comparison

Inogen One G3: The Inogen One G3 gives you the option to choose your battery life, for short jaunts around the block or to the store the 8 cell is perfect while the 16 cell is ideal for all day events! The 8 cell battery delivers supplemental oxygen for up to 4 hours on a pulse setting of 2, and the 16 cell offers up to 8 hours of total battery life on a pulse flow of 2. Not only does it give you the option of two battery sizes but the G3 also has the capability to be charged on the go! To do this just simply plug the DC power supply into a cigarette lighter outlet, which are present in most cars and boats. When using the DC cord the G3 is fully functional and will charge on all settings, so you never go a minute without precious oxygen.

AirSep FreeStyle 5: Take back control of your life and stop having to stay close to home due to lack of oxygen supply, and see everything you can accomplish with the help of the AirSep FreeStyle 5. Offering a battery life of up to 2 hours off of the internal battery on a pulse setting of 2. For even greater battery duration the external battery will provide an additional 2 hours on a setting of 2, for a combined battery life of up to 4 hours. The external batteries also have a battery gauge on them, so you can always be aware of when it is time to charge when they aren't in the unit.

Charging on the go is also possible with the AirSep FreeStyle 5, which is also done through the DC power cord which plugs into a car cigarette lighter outlet. The internal battery will always charge through the DC cord, but to charge the external batteries you must use the external desktop charger.

The Inogen One G3 8 cell battery outperforms the AirSep FreeStyle 5 unless there is the additional external battery attached, which makes them equal contenders. Though when a 16 cell battery is running the G3 there is simply no competition.

Sleep Apnea

Inogen One G3: Usually less of a deciding factor, but the G3 by Inogen does not have the ability to be used with CPAP or BiPAP machines.

AirSep FreeStyle 5: The FreeStyle 5 is not compatible with CPAP nor BiPAP machines.