Herbie Murray
When oxygen saturation falls below 89 per cent, or the arterial oxygen pressure falls below 60 mmHg, supplemental oxygen is needed. This can be determined by a healthcare provider, who can test your oxygen saturation while you are at rest, walking, or sleeping. During sleep, oxygen saturation levels can fall due to a mildly reduced level of breathing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oxygen saturation level at which supplemental oxygen is needed | Below 89% |
| Arterial oxygen pressure level at which supplemental oxygen is needed | Below 60 mmHg |
| Oxygen saturation level at which blood oxygen could be considered normal | 88% |
| Oxygen saturation level at which blood oxygen could be problematic for a person with COPD | Above 92% |
| Oxygen saturation level at which an overnight oximetry test is ordered | Questionable |
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What You'll Learn
- Oxygen saturation levels below 89% require supplemental oxygen
- Oxygen saturation levels above 90% are considered healthy
- Oxygen saturation levels above 92% could be problematic for people with COPD
- Oxygen saturation levels during sleep are usually lower than when awake
- Doctors can order an overnight oximetry test to check oxygen saturation levels during sleep
Oxygen saturation levels below 89% require supplemental oxygen
If your waking oxygen saturation is greater than about 94%, it is unlikely that your saturation during sleep will fall below 88%. However, your doctor can order an overnight oximetry test if there is a question about your oxygen saturation levels while you are sleeping. Your oxygen saturation should be measured while you are at rest, while walking, and, if indicated, while you are asleep. As long as your saturation is in the 90s, you are getting the right amount of supplemental oxygen.
Blood oxygen that falls below 88% during a sleep study is officially categorised as low. If your blood oxygen levels drop to or below 88%, you should get medical care as soon as possible. Some people regularly have lower blood oxygen levels during sleep, such as those living at high altitudes.
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Oxygen saturation levels above 90% are considered healthy
Your blood oxygen saturation level is likely to be lower when you are asleep than when you are awake. This is because your breathing rate is slightly reduced when you are asleep. If your waking oxygen saturation is greater than about 94% on room air, it is unlikely that your saturation during sleep will fall below 88%.
However, a blood oxygen saturation level above 92% could be problematic for a person with COPD.
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Oxygen saturation levels above 92% could be problematic for people with COPD
COPD patients are at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure, which occurs when there is too much carbon dioxide in the blood and not enough oxygen. This can be fatal. Therefore, oxygen is given to COPD patients in controlled amounts to maintain a saturation level between 88% and 92%.
The UK Emergency Oxygen Guideline recommends a target oxygen saturation range of 88% to 92% for most patients with exacerbated COPD. Selected patients with a history of respiratory acidosis may require a lower target range of 85% to 90%. An overnight oximetry test can be ordered to test oxygen saturation levels during sleep.
It is important to note that everyone's oxygen levels in the blood are lower during sleep due to a mildly reduced level of breathing. Additionally, some alveoli drop out of use during sleep, which can further lower oxygen saturation levels.
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Oxygen saturation levels during sleep are usually lower than when awake
If your waking oxygen saturation is greater than about 94%, it is unlikely that your saturation during sleep will fall below 88%. However, some alveoli drop out of use during sleep, which can cause a drop in oxygen saturation levels. For this reason, a blood oxygen saturation level of 88% can still be considered normal. A blood oxygen saturation level above 92% could even be problematic for a person with COPD.
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Doctors can order an overnight oximetry test to check oxygen saturation levels during sleep
Oxygen saturation levels are usually tested while a patient is at rest and while walking, but an overnight oximetry study can be ordered to test oxygen saturation levels at night. This is because some alveoli drop out of use during sleep, and oxygen levels in the blood are lower during sleep due to a mildly reduced level of breathing.
If your waking oxygen saturation is greater than about 94% on room air, it is unlikely that your saturation during sleep will fall below 88%. However, if there is a question about your oxygen saturation levels while you are sleeping, your doctor may order an overnight oximetry test.
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Frequently asked questions
Oxygen saturation levels are typically lower during sleep than when awake. An oxygen saturation level of 95% or below is considered potentially abnormal, and anything below 88% is officially categorised as low. However, levels between 89 and 92% may be expected for some people with chronic lung disease.
If your waking oxygen saturation is greater than about 94% on room air, it is unlikely that your saturation during sleep will fall below 88%. If you are concerned about your oxygen saturation levels while you are sleeping, your doctor can order an overnight oximetry test.
Your oxygen saturation must be measured while you are using your oxygen. Your oxygen supplier should test your oxygen saturation while you are at rest, while walking and, if indicated, while you are asleep. As long as your saturation is in the 90s, you are getting the right amount of supplemental oxygen.
If your blood oxygen levels drop to or below 88%, you should seek medical care as soon as possible.
