I have one of the expensive O2 finger monitors. I have an Inogen G5 (which I mentioned earlier, I only use for me and I have an Aerox bottle that is for pax and my backup). I regularly fly 17k or so in my O3. Using the Inogen, I’m 96% or higher. Using the Aerox, the same.
Like all nasal cannula, you have to remember to breathe in through your nose, out through your mouth. If you’re a mouth breather you wont get any O2 from any system. If my Inogen doesn’t detect O2 demand (breathe in through the nose) after a short time it beeps loudly with an alarm. The alarm is nearly impossible to hear in the cockpit with the Bose on.
The Inogen is a reliable unlimited source of oxygen. I use it anytime time I’m at or above 8k which is basically all the time. I never worry about how much is left in the tank, how much it costs to refill, or who can refill it. Refilling the Aerox can sometimes be a PITA. At my home base KHND the FBO charges $150 to fill it. Luckily I have a friend with a refill kit in his hangar, but coordinating with him can be hit or miss. I fly a lot, primarily XC. I’d say there’s a 30% chance that there’s portable O2 refill available on field during my trips. The last thing I want to do when I get to my destination or on a fuel stop is to have to drive around trying to find someone who will refill the bottle. If I solely use the Aerox bottle, I’ll be lucky if I have enough O2 for 6 hours. I love the Inogen!