What oxygen level should I try to maintain on my concentrator
Trying to figure out what saturated oxygen level I should try and maintain (90%,95%, etc)? And accordingly, setting my concentrator lpm volume? I have a SpO2 finger meter.
mine is on 02 
- There are some things to know in order to figure this out. First, what is your level with no oxygen? Second, are you on oxygen 24/7. just when you sleep, or what? I set my concentrator on 3 lpm. I am on 02 24/7. I maintain my Sats at about 95 or higher, at rest. Below the low 90's at rest, you start to have daily organ damage occurring - not good. It drops when I am moving. If it drops below the high 80's I have to stop and catch up, and turning the machine up does not help, as I am one of those folks who has high C02. Luckily, it's not too high, but I also use an NIV ventilator machine, which I'm still learning to use. One extra good thing about the NIV is that it makes me exercise my lungs. From what I've read, generally 95 or higher is a good number to maintain if possible. But it depends on the individual. But you can also kind of gauge by the way you feel. I have a friend who is comfortable at a constant 88, but I can't go there at all - I need 94 up to be comfortable. YMMV. what happens if you become over oxygenated? I've cut my concentrator up all the way i.e. 5 lpm when I've been sob and forgotten to cut it back. 
Hi again, Greg - and thanks for posing this question. You may be aware we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concern certainly warrants a reply.
Generally speaking, one cannot become 'over oxygenated' with COPD while using supplemental oxygen therapy. (There is one exception to this, and that would be for folks diagnosed with COPD who have chronically high carbon dioxide levels with typically lower levels of oxygen - but that is another situation altogether).
I know that back in December, we had a conversation about acceptable levels of oxygen saturation for you and, for others in general. The answer to that question (and even this question about 'too much' oxygen), you will find if you scroll down a little bit.
For your convenience, I am posting the response here, too, in quotes:
This is from December 22, 2021:
"Hi Greg, and thanks for your post. You've posed an excellent question.
As you may be aware, acceptable oxygen saturation levels can vary from patient to patient. What is acceptable for one patient, mat not be optimal for another patient. As well, the liter flow set on one's oxygen concentrator should be prescribed by one's physician and will be specific for each patent's particular level of disease.
At times, the physician will suggest a patient adjust their liter flow to maintain the oxygen saturation level within a certain range (which is exactly what your question is)!
That is why your concern is best addressed by your physician, for you specific level of disease.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)"
I do hope this provides you with helpful information for your concern earlier today. As always, this type of concern should be addressed with your prescribing physician. The doctor will know your specific condition best, and will be able to guide you as to suitable flow rates of oxygen as well as targeted oxygen saturation levels for your specific level of disease.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
I feel most comfortable at 95 too. If it gets lower, after moving around, I stop what I'm doing, do some deep breathing, (purse lip breathing) and it gets it up acouple numbers. Always higher sitting down than moving around.
