Why Use a Pulse Oximeter?Using the Oximeter to Get Out and Get ActiveYou can use your oximeter to measure your oxygen saturation level at any time, such as at home, at work or during recreation. Customers who have purchased the GO2 brand of personal fingertip oximeters give it very high satisfaction ratings and report using it to monitor their ability to tolerate activities, help manage supplemental oxygen use, manage asthma and COPD, and monitor their heart rate and oxygen saturation during sports or high-altitude activities. Home Oximetry GoalYour doctor will prescribe the specific oxygen saturation target for you, and the regular flow rate that should usually keep your oxygen saturation at that level. A self-management plan or your doctor's instructions will let you know how and when to adjust your oxygen flow. In general, maintaining oxygen saturation over 90% in all activities is the goal Titration of Oxygen Flow - Getting the Right Amount of OxygenWith your doctor's guidance you can use your oximeter to help you titrate your oxygen flow, adjusting the setting to make sure you are getting the right amount of oxygen in any situation. More oxygen is often needed during physical activity, which can include activities of daily living. More oxygen is often needed when you are traveling on an airplane. By learning the lowest flow rate on your portable oxygen device that provides your target oxygen saturation, you can increase the duration of your oxygen supply. This gives you more time away from home, more time between refills and more confidence that you have enough oxygen with you. Participating in Pulmonary Rehabilitation at HomePulmonary rehabilitation is now established as the standard of care for patients who can and want to do more than simply take conventional therapy, including drugs, and accept limited activity. Rehabilitation can improve your exercise tolerance, reduce your shortness of breath at a given task, and greatly expand your horizons. Also, pulmonary rehabilitation can help you train "through your dyspnea." This sensation of shortness of breath can be reduced or eliminated during a given task such as walking on the level or up stairs. |