When to add O2

How low can O2 desats go before it is recomended to add O2 to cpap ?

It's more than just how long you desat but how often and for how long as well.

But do you know where I can find the guidelines?

See if this helps: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1003144/

It's a comment on the Medicare rules.

Thanks Rooster I found a similar article to indicating O2 was needed when desats of 88% or lower were occurring 30% or more of the
time. At least his was the recomdation for people without OSA. The few hours I have used my new recording pulse oximeter says
I am right on that line. Drat I guess I need to buy another oxygen concentrator. The one I have been using the past 2 years I found
in a GoodWill store for $12 had it checked out and replaced the internal and external air filters that cost $14 so I really can't complain.
It sure disappointed my DMS when I turned in the rental to stop that $39 a month copay.

Woody wrote: Drat I guess I need to buy another oxygen concentrator. The one I have been using the past 2 years I found
in a GoodWill store for $12 had it checked out and replaced the internal and external air filters that cost $14 so I really can't complain.
It sure disappointed my DMS when I turned in the rental to stop that $39 a month copay.

Excellent. I would never have thought to check at GoodWill.

Are you able to maintain O2 levels while awake, do you have a medical reason to need O2 enhancement ? These are the questions that need to be asked, O2 is prescribed by you doctor if needed. If you are OK in the daytime and don't have a reason to need the extra O2, maybe at night your XPAP treatment isn't effective, if so that's where the repairs need to be made. Jim

rooster wrote:See if this helps: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1003144/

It's a comment on the Medicare rules.

That's a confusing read, but very interesting. Thank you for posting the link.