pulse oximeter o2 sats - how low is too low?

[Calmcat]

May pulse oximetry o2 goes low when I start to sleep (88-90ish when I open one eye to look). Up a bit when wake up a bit (95ish). Is this normal ?

[Hidden]

I heard it is a bit lower at night as you are resting so you don't need as much and you awake up it will go up as you are active

[Calmcat in reply to Hidden]

Thanks 😊

[Calmcat in reply to Hidden]

Thanks 😊

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

It really depends on what your ‘aim’ is. For asthmatic/healthy individuals typically they like the 94-98 range, whereas for COPD the aim range may be 88-92. I think older people may run slightly lower (tho again typically in the healthy range). People with resp conditions may be slightly lower (1-2%) overnight if they are having issues. If you don’t know what you should be aiming for I’d suggest you speak to your GP/consultant and tell them that you’ve identified a sats drop during the night (and tell them where it typically drops too) so they can investigate it if they think it’s necessary. Pulse Oximetry isn’t very helpful if you do t know your guidelines and why you do it/what to look for... it’s why they discourage people from having them at home unless they have been instructed otherwise (typically COPD)

Hope this helps

[Calmcat in reply to EmmaF91]

Thank you. I have an asthma diagnosis at the moment (but there seems a query over this). I’m 54m(so not old😄)

just found something reassuring on Verywellhealth.com about sleep apnoea (not necessary due to asthma/COPD) that said abnormal (for diagnosing hypoxia) is below 88. I’m a bit reassured by this as 88 is the lowest I’ve seen.

Youre about right though . I’m seeing gp on Monday- will seek advice on whether this is important relevant or useful. I’m so I’ll at the mo it’s hard not to get spooked. I really appreciate you Kamilla taking the time to respond. Many Thanks 😊

[Poobah in reply to Calmcat]

This info will help your doctor understand your swings in O2 and knowing when it happens will feed into the right treatment regime.

All the best.

[Calmcat in reply to Poobah]

Thanks 😊

[Calmcat in reply to EmmaF91]

Thanks emma

[Dietrech]

88-90 is normal for me, so it varies according to the degree of lung disease we have. Mine goes as low as 74 when I’m asleep, (I have a smart watch which records it), but I don’t fret about it.

[Calmcat in reply to Dietrech]

Thanks 😊. Very reassuring

[Calmcat in reply to Dietrech]

Hi Dietrech

You have set me wondering about getting a smart watch which records O2 sats while asleep. Is there any particular one that you would recommend?

[erifder]

Thanks that really helps, was going to get one but won’t .

I had a bad chest infection recently an my asthma returned after 35 years, couldn’t believe it!

[Dietrech]

Sorry, only just got your message! I have a Vivosmart 4 by Garmin which records when you’re asleep, but will also read your 02 sats when you’re out and about if you need it to! Lots of things, like relaxation breathing, timer, steps walked, calories used, reminders to get up and walk, and many more. It also alerts you to phone calls and messages if you sync it with your phone! 🥰

[Calmcat in reply to Dietrech]

Thanks will check it out.

[Calmcat in reply to Dietrech]

Just seen some mixed reviews on Amazon- can I ask how accurate you find it for O2 pulse and BO (which is all I really want)?