From what i know about Oxygen, as i'm not on it, having high saturation in the mid - high 90's all the time...if your levels fall below 90%, not sure if the guidelines state 86 or thereabouts, you need oxygen.....Other than that, others here can let you know....

Take care..Peter

I was told by doc that you have to hit 88 for 5 min for medicare to decide you need oxygen. If it hits 88 and goes right back up they say it is not needed. thats here in the states

I believe the need for 02 all the time and being SOB are two different things. Ask your Doc to explain it to you.

Maybe someone can explain it here.

Hi Karen, Haven't been around for awhile but happy to see you still on DS.
I use oxygen 24/7. I am also severely SOB but when I am at a resting state, my breath levels off to a much lower level of SOB.

What I pay the most attention to is the reading I get when I use the oximeter on my finger. If it drops below 89.90%, I want oxygen used because so far I have no notable heart involvement because of the lack of oxygen.. I keep my levels usually 2.5 % oxygen.

I am not on to sit around much unless it is at the computer or at my desk and I am up and down getting things so I just keep the o2 on. The main reason I do this is to protect my heart from as much damage as possible.

The link below is from the American Thoracic Journal and may answer some of your questions. Other than that , discuss this with your doctor.

http://www.thoracic.org/copd-guidelines/for-patients/why-do-i-need-oxygen-therapy.php

Always good to see your name appear.
Love, Anna

I think when your stats fall when you DO things, that you can get Medicare to pay for 24 hour use. Portable etc. they may want you to do a walk test, but from what you are saying, your O2 is not going to go back up while you are walking. So you would qualify. I can take mine off when sitting...but stats drop during activity. Even talking can make your stats go down.

We can't just SIT to keep our stats up and they know that. You should have your DR. Do the paperwork etc. you would just use it "as needed" during the day if you fall below 90 when moving around.

P.S. Having to hit 88 for 5 minutes is tested while you are walking. That's how I qualified. My stats go back up when sitting

Thank you everyone for all your advice. I appreciate it very much.

Karen

While totally unqualified, IMHO, those numbers are far too low and unhealthy. Exactly what may be happening depends on your specific condition (diseases). Of some slight interest the two scenarios are only moderately related, however, increasing Oxygen use is likely to help in both cases.

[At night ones breathing slows down, your heart rate goes down all of which can cause ones SpO2 to drop and CO2 to build-up. Once awake and moving around just the opposite is going to drop your SpO2 breathing goes up, heart rate increases, and CO2 may increase.]

You need to contract your doctor immediately and explain the situation. You didnt mention if you also have other symptoms such as Shortness of Breath, Pain, rhinitis, etc. If you do, be sure to mention them as well.
Note: What Medicare Administration may require with a specific 6MWT, ABG, etc. goes flying out the window if a Pulmonologist says you need X or Y specifications for your Oxygen Therapy. (Whether they fake the paperwork, or there is fine print somewhere I dont know but you will get what you *need*. Smile.) I have been on Oxygen 24/7 since 2005, yet I did not fail a 6MWT until last year, and I have never failed a ABG. But without Oxygen my SpO2 would just suddenly plunge and I would become so SoB I had no choice but to go to the ER. I think they just got tired of seeing me. LOL

So dont out-think-yourself about your disease or about what some 3rd party may or may not pay for, etc. if you are having problems contact someone immediately. A Pulmonologist specifically if possible.

My Pulm told me to always keep my 02 above 90% because going below that causes brain & organ damage.

Lilellie's link has great info!

I've been on 02 since 2010 & i've only had to increase my sleeping LPM once in that time.
However, my "active" I have needed to increase each year.
This year I just started needing it when sitting also.

For me, it is not a matter of what medicare will pay because my 02 company charges1 fee for whatever I need.
If money is the issue, then you may want to check out 02 supply companies in your area & find one that furnishes all you need for 1 price.
good luck to you & if in doubt call your dr & get in asap.