For patients who use supplemental oxygen, day and night can be two very different experiences. Your doctor may have recommended that you need both day and night oxygen, just during sleep, or just during activity. If you need to have supplemental oxygen overnight, you may be wondering how to make the most of this therapy and what equipment is best for you.
We all breathe differently while we sleep compared to when we’re awake, so your oxygen needs will also be different. Many people who use oxygen at night have also been diagnosed with sleep apnea and/or use a CPAP machine. If you require a CPAP, you must find an oxygen concentrator that can be used in conjunction with this equipment, and there are several on the market. Perhaps you have undergone a sleep study through your doctor’s office, where they measured your vital signs throughout the night. This allows your doctor to best understand what your body needs and the best dose of oxygen for you.
The first thing to know when using oxygen overnight is to make sure you’re getting the right dose. This will likely be a lower setting than you might use during the day, but you can work with your doctor to find the right settings on your concentrator unit. Secondly, you’ll need a concentrator that can either be plugged in while running or has a long enough battery life to get you through the night. Thirdly, you want to be comfortable! Look for a concentrator that is ultra quiet, and find a cannula or mouthpiece that is pliable and easy to wear.
Sleeping with supplemental oxygen may take some getting used to, but don’t give up too quickly. Your body will adjust, and you’ll feel the benefits! At Portable Oxygen Solutions, we have several concentrator models that can be used overnight, and we can help you find the right one for your needs. Explore our website and reach out to us to learn more!
Please Call 1-800-958-0192 to speak to one of our friendly oxygen specialists.