Hi Reo, great question for your doc. The way I understand O2 therapy, Sat levels of 90 and above protect your internal organs. That's what we are all shooting for. I know there are posts from the past that give great web sites to visit and read all about O2 therapy and different new breathing techniques..

I can feel when my sats are dropping. One day I was at the doc's office without my O2. He asked me how I was feeling and I told him about 85 (not years old, mind you!) He checked my pulseox and sure enough it was 85. I thought I was doing great to be that high. He put me on his office O2 bottle for the rest of our visit. I had to go straight home and get under the O2. Moral to this story is don't go down below 88-89. But I think the length of time you are under 90 is more important than the actual number.

Have you tried Pursed-lip breathing? It is the quick way to get your sat level up. Breath in through your nose, purse your lips (like you are going to whistle) and breath out harder and longer than normal and repeat. You can play with the oximeter and try your new technique and see how fast your sat levels will rise.
Hope this helps. Laurie

I don't let like mine to go below 90, but right now the guideline says 88, however they say to allow for a 2%. My Repirologist says I should keep them at 94 or above, and I have to say when moving around I do feel better at that number. I adjust my O2 accordingly, with my doctors blessing.

Everyone is different and functions at different levels. Ask your doctor if you can turn your oxygen up or down a little to experiment with where you feel good at.

my readings stay at about 97 if I'm just sitting and watching tv or reading but they drop almost immediately when I start moving around to about 94 and then when I stand and start to walk well then it's down to 90 and this is all with oxygen. My doctor wanted me to lower my oxygen to 1 when I was just sitting but even then it went down to where I felt a little fuzzy so I put it back to 2. The only time I am without oxygen is when I'm washing my face. It goes everywhere I go.
So it seem like what Sassy said it so true we are all different.

Gosh now this is a good one...my levels go all over the place...makes me crazy....but wow, anything under 90 and I feel it....big time and know it is time to crank up the O2....Like most others when at rest during the day...the O2 basically keeps it around 94 but whew it bottoms out with activity...I am working on it....I think a person can really tell by how they feel....when mine get lower then that I appear to be drunk and feel very disorientated....confused....slurred speach....lawd.....The numbers are not as important in my opinion as how one feels....I let me body guide me....Great question...
Love and Blessings, Serenity

Hi Dont let your sats drop below 89 if possible. 95 is average when moving around. Below 89 starts damaging organs if you stay there too long.
Ciao

thanks to all you guys for the great advise - I just sparted on oxygen therapy so all information is greatly appreciated - I'm starting a 1 lpm when sleeping and laying around watching tv - 2 when active - (I will cheat a leave my oxygen in the car when I have my hair and nails done) what price vanity right -I am in the process of changing the gas oxygen (run by electric) to the Helios (I hope) which doesn't need ic - Im really not sure why the doctor gave me the gas cylinders and concentrator - I'm so glad I found you guys - with all the great advise.

thanks again
Roe