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Inogen TAV (Tidal Assist Ventilator): This is a relatively new product and I believe I am one of the first to buy and use it. It functions as both a conserver and to provide ‘tidal assist’. It works with gaseous O2 tanks or Inogen’s special model concentrator that delivers the higher pressure (50psi) needed by the TAV. There is a full description of it here: https://www.inogen.com/blog/what-is-tav/
I do not need/use supplemental O2 for leisurely activities but beyond that, doing physical work, walking fast, climbing hills/stairs, etc. I need much more than portable POCs can provide. So I use a small gaseous O2 tank, an MB08, 228 liter, 3,000psi tank weighing 2.3lbs, 3.2″ diameter, 11.8″ height. I put the tank in a small back pack with chest strap (and belly strap too but I don’t often use it). I find the TAV performs as advertised. I have tried a number of conserving regulators including smart/electronic ones and find the TAV much superior, both better at conserving and the tidal assist reduces the effort required to do rapid, deep inhales. With the TAV in a pocket or worn as a pendant around the neck, I particularly appreciate the ability to quickly and easily adjust the bolus size/duration with a simple press of an increase or decrease button as my exertion level increases/decreases. No need to get the tank into your hands and look at the regulator settings to do this.
That is not to say that it’s a perfect system. It is not. First off, it is expensive. Just under $1,500 if I recall correctly. There are two hoses to the TAV pendant/hand unit, a heavy O2 supply line to the tank/regulator and a normal cannula hose and they complicate the donning of the gear. It uses a special, venturi effect cannula they call a pillow cannula. It’s made of soft silicon rubber designed to seal in/against each nostril. It requires a little practice and fussing to get them in place correctly. I’ve not worn it for more than an hour at a time and I don’t now if the pillow cannula will become bothersome when worn for long periods. It is also noisy. There are venturi jets within the cannula jetting O2 at much higher velocity than normal systems. Those near you are definitely going to hear it, especially at the higher settings.
I’ve already suggested to them that they build the electronic/mechanical part of the TAV unit into the regulator on the tank. Then only one hose is needed, the cannula run from there. A hand held / pendant remote control could then communicate via Blue Tooth (BLE) to control the TAV hardware at the tank.
