In order to qualify for supplementary O2 in the US, your O2 saturation levels have to be below 88 at rest or with exertion. In order to qualify, you have to walk accompanied by a health professional, like a nurse, an RT, or a doc, they have to measure your O2 saturation levels and if you desaturate below 88, they put the O2 on you and see how much it takes to get your saturation levels back in the 90s. Some people are short of breath and complain about that to their docs and that may trigger the test. If you have COPD, most docs will test your saturation levels in the office. If you've been sitting and resting, that's not a good test, because you've been sitting and resting. You need to be up and moving to get a good idea of whether or not you might need supplementary O2.

melissa, did not mean to sound short. Really, I was put on o2 about the second month I saw a dr. you will know when you need oxygen to breathe, not being smartm you will know

38 years later, use it 12 hours per day

You aren't going to find a baseline. O2 saturation levels vary from minute to minute. It's not an average. Show your doc how many times a day you dip below 88 and talk about raising your flow level according to what your oximeter says.

I was diagnosed with COPD when I went to the emergency room at the hospital I didn't even know I had it I was so in shock but I was put on oxygen while I was in the hospital and they had me go home with it I was put on 24/7 you will know when you need oxygen it is when you are short of breath and can't hardly do anything without it