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was hospitalized back in Sept with Exasperation and was told to use oxygen 24/7.. well, that was then and this is now and i breath much better although any real exertion and it does affect my breathing.. I think for some your lungs do improve a bit but of course never to where they were.
I quit smoking after million yrs since the hospital so i know that was a Major help in improvement... never give up.......

February 15
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A MyCOPDTeam Member

The best person to ask this question is your Pulmonologist, He has all of your lung functions tests and can give you the right information for your body.

February 18
A MyCOPDTeam Member

It is not what percentage you wake up with that matters.
You do know your lungs rest while you're sleeping and you take longer slower breaths making your O2% to drop. I am on nocturnal oxygen because when the doctor did and over night oximetry recording. It showed my O2 numbers drop int the low 80's 20 times and I quit breathing completely for a total of 4 minuets a night.

It is your option to follow doctors orders or not. But I would think long and hard about it, and have a discussion with my doctor of the what if I don't scenario. JMO

February 16
MyCOPDTeam

Should you continue using oxygen at night even with good morning oxygen levels?

First off, congratulations on quitting smoking - that's a huge achievement and definitely contributing to your improvement!

While waking up with mid-90s oxygen levels sounds great, it doesn't tell the whole story about what happens during Show Full Answer

Should you continue using oxygen at night even with good morning oxygen levels?

First off, congratulations on quitting smoking - that's a huge achievement and definitely contributing to your improvement!

While waking up with mid-90s oxygen levels sounds great, it doesn't tell the whole story about what happens during sleep. Your oxygen levels can drop during the night without you realizing it, even if they're normal when you wake up.

Here's why nighttime oxygen matters:

* Your breathing naturally slows during sleep, which can lower oxygen levels
* Low oxygen during sleep can strain your heart and other organs over time
* You might be waking up briefly throughout the night without remembering it
* A sleep study can show what's actually happening with your oxygen levels while you're asleep

Your improvement since September is wonderful, and quitting smoking was definitely a major factor. However, COPD can still cause nighttime oxygen drops even when you're feeling better during the day. It's worth having another conversation with your doctor about retesting your oxygen levels, especially during sleep and activity. They might recommend a sleep study or oximetry testing to see if you still need nighttime oxygen or if your prescription can be adjusted.

Some MyCOPDTeam members have had their oxygen needs change over time with proper management. The key is getting current measurements rather than relying on how you feel or morning readings alone.

Keep up the great work with staying smoke-free - that's giving your lungs the best chance to maintain the improvements you've made!

February 15

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