From the Guidelines
Inogen oxygen concentrators are a viable option for supplemental oxygen therapy, but their use should be guided by a healthcare provider's prescription and consideration of the patient's specific needs, as outlined in the American Thoracic Society's clinical practice guideline for home oxygen therapy in children 1. When selecting an oxygen concentrator, it is essential to consider the patient's age, size, and oxygen requirements. According to the guideline, children require access to age-appropriate equipment and supplies, including low-flow delivery systems for infants and young children 1. Inogen oxygen concentrators are portable devices that can provide supplemental oxygen, but their flow rates may not be suitable for all patients, particularly those requiring low-flow delivery. Some key considerations for using Inogen oxygen concentrators include:
- Flow rates: Inogen concentrators typically provide flow rates ranging from 1 to 5 L/min, which may not be suitable for infants and young children who require lower flow rates 1.
- Humidification: Humidification of the oxygen circuit is recommended for flow rates above 1 L/min, but the benefit of humidification for low-flow oxygen therapy has not been clearly established 1.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance, including cleaning and replacing particle filters, is necessary to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the device.
- Prescription and coverage: Inogen oxygen concentrators require a prescription and may be covered by Medicare or insurance if deemed medically necessary. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable oxygen concentrator and flow setting for each patient's specific needs, taking into account the guidelines and recommendations outlined in the American Thoracic Society's clinical practice guideline 1.
From the Research
Inogen Oxygen Concentrators
- Inogen oxygen concentrators are a type of demand oxygen delivery system (DODS) that provide an oxygen bolus only during inspiration, which can prolong oxygen cylinder life and battery life 2.
- A study compared the performance of Inogen One G2 POC with a compressed oxygen cylinder during 6-min walk tests in patients with interstitial lung disease and exertional desaturation, and found no significant differences in nadir oxygen saturation or 6-min walk distances between the two devices 3.
- Another study evaluated patient preference between a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) and a small cylinder in patients with COPD and interstitial lung disease, and found that 73.3% of subjects preferred the POC due to its ease of transport and lower weight 4.
Comparison with Other Oxygen Delivery Systems
- A study compared the performance of DODS devices, including an oxygen concentrator, with continuous flow (CF) devices in hypoxemic COPD patients, and found that oxygen saturation at endurance shuttle walk test isotime was not clinically different between devices, but 20% of patients showed a ≥4% lower oxygen desaturation while using a DODS device 2.
- Another study compared the performance of two different POCs, including the Inogen One G2 POC, with a compressed oxygen cylinder during 6-min walk tests in patients with ILD, and found no significant differences in nadir oxygen saturation or 6-min walk distances between the three devices 3.
Clinical Implications
- The use of Inogen oxygen concentrators and other POCs may be beneficial for patients with COPD and interstitial lung disease who require ambulatory oxygen therapy, due to their portability and ease of use 4, 3.
- However, individual testing of oxygen saturation is recommended to determine the suitability of DODS devices, including Inogen oxygen concentrators, for each patient 2.