How much supplemental oxygen is needed with sleep apnea?

Supplemental oxygen may be prescribed for people with sleep apnea who have low blood oxygen levels during sleep. The amount of supplemental oxygen needed varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the severity of sleep apnea, the individual's baseline oxygen saturation levels, and any underlying medical conditions.

In general, the goal is to maintain an oxygen saturation of at least 90% during sleep. The most common method of providing supplemental oxygen is through nasal cannula, which are small tubes that fit into the nostrils. The oxygen flow rate is adjusted based on the individual's needs and may range from 1 to 6 liters per minute.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, which is the main treatment for sleep apnea, can also be used to deliver supplemental oxygen. With CPAP therapy, the oxygen is blended with the pressurized air delivered through the CPAP machine. This allows for more precise control of oxygen delivery and can be more comfortable for some people.

The appropriate amount of supplemental oxygen should be determined by a healthcare professional, such as a pulmonologist or sleep medicine specialist, based on an assessment of the individual's condition and oxygen needs.