16 hours

[Karate-Kid1]

I have a concentrator for 16 hours a day including overnight. I have found I need to leave it on all the time because it is only set to delver 0.5 litres of oxygen. Is it safe to leave on all the time. My says drop if I turn it off

[skischool]

Hi if you are on long term oxygen therapy LTOT it is normally only considered effective if used for 16 hours in any 24 hour period,at a rate of only 0.5 litres an hour you could probably safely use it 24/7 as even if you where a retainer of Co2 it would probably do you no harm.Your sats will drop overnight as they do even with people without a lung condition but i imagine,after discussion with your respiratory nurse that it may be quite acceptable for you to sleep withoudt additional O2,please check it out with them.

Regards Ski's and Scruff's x

[judg69]

Second what Skis said. I am on 24/7 prescribed oxygen of 2-4 lpm ( I do turn it off a few hours every day, however, as long as I am sitting quietly watching tv or on my iPad) . I would definitely check with your pulmonologist/respiratory specialist, however, to ensure that .5 lpm is sufficient for your needs. Best Wishes, judg69

[Bevvy]

You really should check with prescriber if you want to use for longer than prescribed oxygen for.

[jabber]

My understanding when I was first given oxygen, was that it was for a minimum of 16 hours per day, not a maximum, so keeping it on for longer wasn't a problem. If you're concerned about never taking it off you could perhaps try not using it when you're sitting relaxed watching tv or reading. But do discuss it with your respiratory nurse if your sats drop a lot when not on oxygen.

[Tykelady]

I am on 24/7 at 2 litres per minute. I must admit if I go out for a coffee or a meal I do turn my portable cylinder off whilst sitting to make sure I have enough to get home. I have a machine downstairs and one upstairs for nights as my stats are apt to drop rapidly.