Mask vs tubes

[Pinky2017]

I had thought I posted a question/statement on this site for everyone's opinion but seems I was a private thread. But due to a runny nose n my O2 being at 71 on Mon morning I was afraid to use mask. But happy to say I have been on the mask for almost an hour n O2 is 98 !! Even better than with tubes. So anyone with a runny nose ..the mask is your best friend

[WheezyAnne]

Great news.

[mrsmummy]

Please check with your respiratory nurse/doctor because your readings seem extraordinarily high for an oxygen user.

[Pinky2017 in reply to mrsmummy]

Well I had to push my oxygen up on my concentrator due to my levels being down to 71early Mon morning . everyone tried to get me to go to the hospital . buy it's not my first time n the doctor said I would have fallen asleep n died .back on tubes to go to sleep now. Slept Mon till today so I'm up a little late tonight. Ok tired . hoped I helped 1 person

[mrsmummy in reply to Pinky2017]

The thing is that levels of oxygen need to be monitored because whilst it can be dangerous if they drop too low it is equally as dangerous for them to be too high. Changing your flow rate outside of what has been prescribed for you is not to be recommended. Please take some advice from your respiratory medics.

[Pinky2017 in reply to mrsmummy]

My doctor recommended pushing my O2 up to 3xwhen I added the water bottle to my concentrator . otherwise air wasn't getting thru.

[Pinky2017 in reply to mrsmummy]

High ? Mon I was down to 71. To stay out of hospital I pushed concentrator up to 3 1/2 to 4 to keep me at 94. That isn't high is it?. When it goes to 98 I am thrilled but usually steady at 94

[mrsmummy in reply to Pinky2017]

Yes, at least in the UK 94 would be considered high for someone using supplemental oxygen. As I said elsewhere, we generally aim for 88 - 92 though there are of course always exceptions to the rule. For example, someone who retains CO2 may operate at a lower level.

[jjnanna]

As an EX oxygen user .... take the advice of Mrs Mummy ..... asap !!

[Pinky2017 in reply to jjnanna]

I switched to liquid O2 n my O2 me feel is 97 at 3.I am glad it's above 88

[ZoeKatsoulis]

Hi Pinky2017! Nasal prongs will give you no more than 40% of oxygen at >10lit per minute. A blocked nose will further decrease this percentage. In these circumstances, It is safer to use your mask!

Zoe

[Dmactds]

I've never used a mask only a cannula and when my O2 drops during exercise of some sort, it's usually no lower than 85 or so and when it does, on the advice of doc, I simply stop and do my pursed lip breathing and I'm back up to 90 or more in no time.

Otherwise, when I'm in my therapy session on a treadmill or other machine, I may have my liters set anywhere from 4 to 6 for the really exerting stuff.

I seem to be improving month to month...