COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Oximeter

Nancy524
Nancy524
Do any of you use a Pulse Oximeter? If so is there a certain length of time you need to leave your finger in it? There is nothing about it in the directions. I bought a Choicemmed OxyWatch C29. thanks, Nancy
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think many of us with COPD uses a pulse oximeter.
I only leave mine on long enough to get the reading but have left it on as long as 10 minutes. I dont see any need really to leave it on any longer than to take a reading but that is my opinion.
Not sure if left on for a certain length of time if it would shut off auto.
Hugs Rita
bjrapp2020
bjrapp2020
I leave mine on just long enough to get a reading. It will take a quick second or two to "adjust" then when it stops that is my reading. Mine re-adjusts every few seconds, each time the pulse rate changes , or my level of exertion changes, so I do not leave it on, but will take it before and after exercise for instance. I always take it as soon as I get up and just before bed. Just my choice.
deleted_user
deleted_user
My oximeter shuts off after a certain amount of time. I have to push the button on it, to get a new reading.
Nancy524
Nancy524
thanks, was wondering. Been having bad dizzy spells since middle of June, not every day but several times a week. Don't last long but just seem odd. Can be walking down the hall at work and all of a sudden get real dizzy, or climb the stairs and same thing. It happened to me laying on the chiropractors table the other day and he said it could be low oxygen and maybe get an oximeter. I have checked it several times today and it is always between 95 and 98, so its not low. Pulse has been 95 to 115. I am mild stage COPD and as of now my doctor does not have me on anything. I do take steriods for cancer which I have had almost 5 yrs. so I don't know if that is why. Plan on making an appt. with him and seeing what he says about it. Even in air conditioning I have trouble breathing, of course I still do smoke, and probably will continue to smoke. I have gained 45 lbs on the steriods and can't gain anymore as the weight is already killing me. Thanks so much, try to stay cool, hope this heat ends soon. Nancy
boldprint
boldprint
This question was asked a while back on another support forum I belong to. The general consensus is you need to wait for the oximeter to stabilize to get an accurate reading.

Some people said their therapists in pulmonary rehab used the Nonin oximeter. The therapists waited for it to blink 10 times, then waited an additional 10 seconds before taking the reading. That's what I do.

The user manual for a Nonin says to take the reading after 10 blinks.