Inogen One G4 Replacement Column Pair - Oxygen Accessories - Two Removable Metal Columns - 0.63 lb., 2.21 in. W x 2.37 in. L x 5.50 in. H

Why these columns matter

Portable oxygen concentrators are lifelines, but they’re also small machines that need routine care. On the Inogen One G4, the sieve beds—housed in two removable metal cartridges—do the heavy lifting to produce concentrated oxygen. Swapping those cartridges on schedule keeps the device delivering reliably and saves a trip to a service center. I installed the Inogen G4 replacement columns (model RP-406) on my own unit after getting the on-screen alert, and the experience was refreshingly straightforward.

What you’re getting

• Form factor: two metal columns (grey), sized to slide into the G4’s column bay without tools.
• Compatibility: specifically for the Inogen One G4 (not the G3, G5, or other models).
• Maintenance interval: about every 12 months, though usage and environment matter.
• Device integration: the G4 notifies you when it’s time and can clear the alert after replacement.

The pair feels solid and purpose-built. The machined metal housings are reassuringly snug, and the O-rings arrived intact and properly lubricated. The total weight is light enough (listed 0.63 lb) to toss into a travel kit as a spare set if you’re planning a long trip.

Installation: as easy as it should be

I’m always skeptical of “tool-free” claims, but this one delivers. From opening the compartment to clearing the alert, the swap took me a couple of minutes:

1. Power off the G4 and disconnect power.
2. Open the column access panel.
3. Unlock and slide out the old columns.
4. Seat the new columns firmly—don’t force them; they should align and slide in smoothly.
5. Close the panel and follow the G4’s on-screen prompt/manual to reset the column replacement indicator.

A few installation notes from my use:
- A confident, even push seats each cartridge; if you need to wiggle, check alignment rather than applying force.
- Keep the compartment clean. A quick wipe around the opening prevents dust from entering the device.
- If your unit doesn’t clear the replacement alert, double-check that both columns are fully seated and repeat the device’s reset procedure per the manual. An improperly seated O-ring can prevent a good seal.

I didn’t need any extra parts or tools. The device immediately recognized the new columns and cleared the maintenance message.

Performance after the swap

The payoff was immediate and exactly what I wanted: the G4 returned to producing consistent oxygen without the replacement warning. On pulse settings across my normal range, I noticed:

• Smooth, predictable oxygen delivery with no “breath detection” hiccups.
• No change in fan noise (as expected—this doesn’t affect the compressor or cooling).
• Stable operation during longer outings; no purity warnings or unexpected alerts.

It’s worth mentioning what these columns can’t do. If your G4 has compressor or sensor issues, new columns won’t mask those problems. But for routine maintenance and restoring oxygen production efficiency, they do the job cleanly.

Build quality and packaging

The metal bodies feel durable, and the finish resists scuffs. The O-rings and seals looked fresh, and the columns slid home with a tight, leak-free fit. I also appreciate that they’re clearly keyed for the G4, which reduces the chance of mixing models.

On packaging, mine arrived in good shape with protective material and a straightforward installation guide. I’d still prefer to see a more obvious tamper-evident seal; with molecular sieves, moisture exposure is the enemy. If yours arrive with compromised packaging or missing end caps, I’d request a replacement rather than risk shortened service life.

Cold-weather tip: if the columns arrive very cold, let them come to room temperature before installing. This avoids condensation risk inside the concentrator.

Maintenance and longevity

Inogen’s 12-month guideline is a reasonable baseline, but lifespan depends on:
- Daily hours of use and flow setting
- Ambient humidity (higher humidity is harder on sieve media)
- Dust and temperature extremes

The G4’s built-in alert is a practical backstop. I prefer replacing when I see the message rather than on a calendar day, and I keep a spare pair on hand to avoid downtime. After replacement, I mark the date on the box and stash the old pair in case I want to compare performance later or keep them as emergency spares if they were still functioning.

A few care habits that have served me well:
- Store new columns sealed until you’re ready to install.
- Avoid humid storage locations.
- Don’t handle seals with oily hands; wipe and dry if needed.
- Install promptly—don’t leave the column bay open longer than necessary.

Compatibility and limitations

• For G4 only. These will not fit the G3, G5, or other brands’ concentrators.
• They address sieve bed wear; they won’t correct unrelated device faults.
• If the device still throws a replacement or purity error after installation, check seating and reset steps first, then contact support.

None of these are knocks against the product—they’re just the boundaries of what a column swap can do.

Value: cost vs. convenience

Replacing columns at home is significantly cheaper and faster than shipping the unit out, and it prevents extended downtime. The time savings alone—two minutes versus potentially days without the device—makes a strong case for keeping a pair ready. For travelers or anyone who depends on the G4 daily, that convenience feels essential.

While I avoid quoting prices (they fluctuate), these columns typically represent a fraction of the cost of a service visit. Pair that with the tool-free install, and you’re paying mostly for the media itself rather than labor.

Troubleshooting tips I found useful

• If the replacement alert won’t clear, reseat both columns. A misaligned O-ring can cause a poor seal.
• Follow the exact reset procedure in the G4 manual; different firmware revisions can present prompts differently.
• If you hear unusual hissing after install, power down and check both columns for alignment and debris.
• Persistent purity or flow errors after a successful reset point to a device issue; don’t keep cycling the machine hoping it resolves itself.

Who this is for

• G4 users comfortable with simple, tool-free maintenance.
• Caregivers who need a quick turnaround to keep a device in service.
• Frequent travelers who want a back-up pair to avoid trip disruptions.

If you’re using a different concentrator model or aren’t comfortable performing basic maintenance, this isn’t for you—seek the model-specific columns or professional service.

Recommendation

I recommend the Inogen G4 replacement columns. They install in minutes without tools, integrate cleanly with the G4’s maintenance alerts, and restore predictable oxygen production without changing the device’s sound or feel. Build quality is solid, the fit is precise, and the overall experience respects what matters most for a medical device accessory: reliability and simplicity.

I’d buy them again for the convenience alone, and I’d suggest ordering from a reputable source, storing them sealed until needed, and keeping a spare pair on hand if continuous availability is important to you. For G4 owners, this is the right way to handle routine sieve bed maintenance quickly and confidently.