I have been using oxygen at night since the middle of June. I have learned quite a bit about what triggers my inability to breathe. My environment is a huge factor. My roommate smokes and doesn’t clean. Staying in my room with an air purifier is making breathing easier!
I don't know about most people. But I started with nocturnal oxygen when I was stage 2. It was because of a night time odometer's test the doctor had me do. I would quit breathing for a total of 4 minuets throughout the night. That way I would have some purer oxygen to breath when I started breathing again. I have been on 2l at night ever since then. Now it is actually comforting to know I have it. It took some getting used to and I have been tied up in the hose several times before. Lol, but now have learned not to roll over in bed anymore.
It is normal of everyones breathing to slow down while at sleep. Our lungs only chance to rest is while we are sleeping, so our oxygen percentage will drop for short bits during the night.
Most people with stage 2 COPD do not routinely need oxygen at night. Supplemental oxygen is typically prescribed when oxygen levels drop to concerning levels — either during activity, sleep, or all the time — and this is more common in later stages of COPD. That said, everyone's situation is different. A doctor can check Show Full Answer