If you’re someone who wants to get the most out of your electronic devices, you need to keep them in the best condition possible. For example, if you purchase a smartphone, you should do your best to keep the charging port clean, prevent the screen from cracking, and avoid overheating the device.
When it comes to oxygen concentrators, this is no different. From the moment you unbox your Inogen One G5, it’s important to take care of your unit by cleaning it and replacing parts when they’re needed. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what the best practices actually are, so we’re going to help clarify some of the most common concerns people have.
Keep in mind that each oxygen concentrator is different. What may be great for one concentrator could be detrimental to another. In general, if you have questions about maintaining your device, it’s best to first consult your user manual, and if that doesn’t answer your question, get in touch with the manufacturer or retailer that you purchased it from.
Since the Inogen One G5 is the most advanced and popular portable oxygen concentrator on the market, we figured there would be no better place to start. This portable oxygen concentrator just released this past summer so replacement parts are widely available and it’s old enough that the manufacturers have already dealt with some of its most common issues.
Many people purchase a portable oxygen concentrator without realizing that they have control over how long their device lasts. There will always be faulty units out there, but those are few and far between and if you have a warranty, you may be able to get a full replacement unit for no added cost.
However, if your oxygen concentrator is working as intended, it’s important to have a clear cut plan that you can follow for cleaning and maintaining it on a weekly basis. Once you get into the routine of taking care of your device, it will become second nature and you shouldn’t have to stress about it.
At the end of the day, cleaning your portable oxygen concentrator will be just as important for your safety as it is for the integrity of your device. Even just wiping your mobile oxygen machine down daily will keep it bacteria-free and ensure that germs don’t spread.
The case is the hard outer shell of the portable oxygen concentrator. This part of the unit is designed to protect the important electrical components from water, dirt, dust, and grime. While the Inogen One G5 has a very durable and airtight shell, it’s not waterproof and a significant amount of dirt on the device could damage it. What’s more, all Inogen units are white, so if they get dirty, it will show. Follow these tips weekly to clean your Inogen One G5.
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The nasal cannula is the rubber tube that runs from your portable oxygen concentrator to your nose. While most cannulas are well-made and can last for months, they still need to be cleaned regularly to protect both the concentrator and your own health.
Many manufacturers recommend cleaning nasal cannulas weekly, but some people will clean them daily. It’s also recommended that you replace your cannulas every two or three months if you use oxygen therapy on a daily basis. Follow the steps below to clean your nasal cannula.
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There are two types of filter inside your Inogen One G5, one that filters out airborne particles (gross particle filters) and one that filters out nitrogen from the air (sieve beds). Both of these need to be in good condition for your device to work properly.
Particle filters, like the ones found on the Inogen One G5, are really helpful because they provide an additional layer of protection that can help you prevent COPD exacerbations and other respiratory symptoms. By blocking airborne allergens, you’ll be able to breathe pure air and get the most out of your oxygen concentrator.
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The G5 is one of the most reliable portable concentrators on the market. If you follow these weekly cleaning and maintenance tips, your G5 can easily last several years, even if you use it persistently. However, there are several long-term maintenance tips you should be aware of in order to keep your concentrator in great working condition.
Two of the major maintenance concerns you should have with the G5 are the sieve beds and the batteries. G5 batteries are expected to last at least 500 full charge/discharge cycles, and sieve beds (metal columns) are expected to last at least one year.
Contrary to popular belief, the Inogen One G5 sieve beds (columns) can be replaced by anyone and you will not have to send it back to the manufacturer or retailer that you bought it from. Unlike with the G3, the columns are not visible on the G5 unit. You’ll need to take the battery off the bottom of the oxygen concentrator to remove your old sieve beds.
Steps:
Removal of Old Columns
Installation of New Columns
Checking the Display
Note:
If you are using the Inogen Connect app on your phone, navigate to the “Advanced” screen, then click on the “Column Reset” button.
If you ever charge your Inogen One G5 portable oxygen concentrator in the car via the cigarette lighter, you need to use the DC power plug. This plug contains a fuse that can wear out the more you use it, so if you’re not receiving a charge from a port that you know is working, you may need to replace it entirely.
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Like all other portable oxygen concentrators, the Inogen One G5 is an electronic medical device. In other words, if your device malfunctions, it may be due to a software issue and not just a hardware issue. In general, the G5 has a very simple-to-use interface that shouldn’t offer you too many problems. However, there are several things you should be aware of when it comes to device maintenance.
If you’ve ever encountered an issue with your laptop or desktop computer, you’ve probably been asked, “did you try restarting it?” For many of us, this is the go-to answer for issues with our electronics because it’s so easy to do and works a lot of the time.
While you can press the power button and then press it again to restart your portable oxygen concentrator, this is not the best way to do it. Think of the power button as a sleep button on a smartphone or other device. While the power button shuts the screen off, it doesn’t necessarily shut down all of the components of the machine.
A hard reset is designed to completely remove your concentrator from its power source and reboot the system. This is great to try if your control panel is malfunctioning or you’re not receiving oxygen the way you should. Try the steps below and if it doesn’t fix your issue, get in touch with the manufacturer:
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Portable oxygen concentrators are an investment. Although they last for years, many people will no longer need them and eventually start looking for a way to sell them. If this does happen, you need your device to be in great condition so that you get the maximum monetary value for it.
If your device stops working for whatever reason or it starts making funny noises, you may be tempted to start taking it apart to figure out what’s wrong with it. However, we strongly advise against this! Attempting to take apart your POC could result in making the issue worse. Rather, you should reach out to the oxygen manufacturer or oxygen retailer that you purchased it from.
The Inogen One G5 is one of the most state-of-the-art portable oxygen concentrators on the market. Although the reliability of the G5 is unmatched, you still need to be prepared to clean it regularly or send it in for repairs when they’re needed. Doing so will ensure that your concentrator lasts as long as possible without needing replacement parts. If you need additional assistance with the steps above, read your Inogen One G5 manual or speak with an oxygen repair specialist.