I am curious about nightitme O2 levels. I know ideally they say you should be over 92% saturation and that they won't usally prescribe oxygen until you drop under 88. But how many events at night should one have before it really an issue? For example, I recently purchased my own O2 monitor that records. After using it several nights, I am averaging 78 events under 90% which is totalling 40 minutes out of 7 1/2 hours of sleep. Is this an acceptable amount? Do I need be be at 50% of my sleep below 90% before I need oxygen. At one point I drop all the way to 44% O2 but I am still averaging 92% O2 for the entire night.
Several years ago I was diagnosed with Nocturnal Asthma and currently I take Advair for it.
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Posted 10 August 2012 - 01:33 PM
Dear Awioa,
Welcome to BBLW!
I'm glad you asked this question. I'm not an expert in analyzing vital signs during sleep, but that sounds like an awful lot of low O2 Saturations to me. I recommend you notify your doctor and share this information with him / her right away.
Without knowing exactly how they decide when oxygen is needed at night, I'd venture to say that, no, you would not have to be that low for 50% of the time. Also, 44% is extremely low. I'm wondering if the probe was not in place at that time or there was some other mechanical reason for that result. For your sake, I hope so!
It's great that you have a pulse oximeter that records, but in order to obtain a prescription for nighttime oxygen, you'll probably have to have your doctor order a nighttime oximetry test done with a device from a DME (durable medical equipment) company or other approved center. This way, the documentation will be official and accepted by a payer. I know that sounds like a lot of red tape, but it does ensure reliable results, which is so important! In other words, even if your equipment is accurate, it would not be right for a doctor to prescribe oxygen (which is a medication) simply according to information provided by the patient.
I hope this helps, Awioa. Again, welcome to BBLW! You've found a great source of information and support here with wonderful, caring people.
Breathe Well and stay in touch!
Jane.
Welcome to BBLW!
I'm glad you asked this question. I'm not an expert in analyzing vital signs during sleep, but that sounds like an awful lot of low O2 Saturations to me. I recommend you notify your doctor and share this information with him / her right away.
Without knowing exactly how they decide when oxygen is needed at night, I'd venture to say that, no, you would not have to be that low for 50% of the time. Also, 44% is extremely low. I'm wondering if the probe was not in place at that time or there was some other mechanical reason for that result. For your sake, I hope so!
It's great that you have a pulse oximeter that records, but in order to obtain a prescription for nighttime oxygen, you'll probably have to have your doctor order a nighttime oximetry test done with a device from a DME (durable medical equipment) company or other approved center. This way, the documentation will be official and accepted by a payer. I know that sounds like a lot of red tape, but it does ensure reliable results, which is so important! In other words, even if your equipment is accurate, it would not be right for a doctor to prescribe oxygen (which is a medication) simply according to information provided by the patient.
I hope this helps, Awioa. Again, welcome to BBLW! You've found a great source of information and support here with wonderful, caring people.
Breathe Well and stay in touch!
Jane.
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