Oxygen flow rate.

[patiop0t]

Hello all, can anyone tell me why it is seen as dangerous to increase flow rate when my oximeter shows that I am not getting enough oxygen on the present setting also does the same apply if I forget to lower the flow rate overnight?

grateful for all info.

patio pot

[Caspiana]

Hi patiop0t . 👋

What are your current sats on oxygen? And how many litres are you on?

[patiop0t in reply to Caspiana]

hi caspiana,

I seem to vary between 84 and 92 but can easily drop to 76 trying to do something a bit different.

I normally need 5 lpm at rest and 6 rpm moving about but I am starting to need 7lpm moving about

[Caspiana in reply to patiop0t]

Hello again.

Have you told your respiratory team this?

[patiop0t in reply to Caspiana]

will do thanks

patio pot

[mskpjb]

I was always told not to alter the flow rate unless told by the oxygen nurse. I know what you mean about altering the flow rate at night. Fortunately it has only happened a couple of times and because I always read before sleep I've eventually realised it was too high. Very annoying having to get out of bed ! Sheila x

[patiop0t in reply to mskpjb]

thanks, best wishes

patio pot

[stone-UK]

Hi

You should follow the instructions given by your respitory nurse as to when and if you can alter the flow rate of medical oxygen with particular lung condition.

The problem being your lungs may be unable to process the increase in oxygen leaving you with a higher than normal level of CO2.(hypercapnia and respiratory acidosis)

Supplementary oxygen is usually set at the lowest level to keep you in the 90/92 range after desaturation.

[patiop0t in reply to stone-UK]

thank you ,that is helpful

[Grandmatojack]

To much oxygen is as bad as to little. I used to up my oxygen as my nurse told me I could for certain things but then would forget to put it down. I am now on a NIV for 18 hours a day as I retain carbon dioxide due to this.

[patiop0t in reply to Grandmatojack]

hi Grandmatojack,

thats the kind of info I need thank you very much

patio pot

[judg69]

patiop0t, please review this with your Doctor . There is no one size fits all answer. For many/most people, yes, you can and should increase the flow so that you are above 89% at MINIMUM. Any level below that you will begin organ and brain damage. IF you indeed ARE a CO2 retainer , and so diagnosed by your Doctor, then in that case, yes, you must be very careful about increasing your flow rate. Please do not make your decision solely on this forum. This requires your Dr’s advice. All Best Wishes , judg69