COPD The Benefits of Oxygen Therapy By Deborah Leader, RN Deborah Leader, RN Deborah Leader RN, PHN, is a registered nurse and medical writer who focuses on COPD. Learn about our editorial process Updated on May 10, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Sanja Jelic, MD Medically reviewed by Sanja Jelic, MD Sanja Jelic, MD, is board-certified in sleep medicine, critical care medicine, pulmonary disease, and internal medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Oxygen is a basic human need, without it, we would not survive. The air we breathe contains approximately 21 percent oxygen. For most people with healthy lungs, 21 percent oxygen is sufficient, but if you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or a condition where your lung function is impaired, the amount of oxygen obtained through normal breathing is not enough. In this case, you'll need supplemental amounts of oxygen to maintain normal body function. Wavebreakmedia / Istockphoto.com If you need supplemental oxygen, chances are you won't notice your defiency yourself. Your healthcare provider will likely be the one who notices you aren't getting enough oxygen, after testing. Getting Prescribed Supplemental Oxygen Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that requires a prescription from a healthcare provider to use it. Your healthcare provider may prescribe a range of oxygen flow rates for different activities, such as during rest, sleep or exercise. Some people only require oxygen therapy while sleeping, while others may require it 24 hours a day. The amount and duration of oxygen therapy will depend on the recommendation of your healthcare provider. It is very important that you follow the settings exactly as prescribed, as using too much or too little can have serious consequences. Your healthcare provider can measure the oxygen levels in your blood by obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) or by using a noninvasive device called a pulse oximeter. According to the American Thoracic Society, the general goal of treatment is to keep your oxygen levels usually at, or above, 88 percent. The Benefits of Oxygen Therapy In addition to helping prevent heart failure in people with severe lung diseases, such as COPD, supplemental oxygen has many benefits. Some studies have shown an increase in survival rates in patients who use oxygen more than 15 hours a day. According to the American Lung Association, supplemental oxygen improves sleep, mood, mental alertness, stamina, and allows individuals to carry out normal, everyday functions. Using Oxygen Safely Although oxygen is a safe, nonflammable gas, it supports combustion, meaning materials burn more readily in its presence. It is very important to follow general oxygen safety guidelines if you are planning to use, or be around supplemental oxygen. Some helpful tips to follow include: Post "No Smoking" signs around your home to remind visitors not to smoke near you or your oxygen.Use caution around open flames like matches and candles as well as gas heaters and stoves. If you are using supplemental oxygen, you should be at least five feet away from all heat sources. Turn off the oxygen supply valves when not in use.Always follow any instructions provided to you regarding safe usage.In case of an emergency, make sure you have backup equipment, oxygen, and a generator. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 3 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Hatipoğlu U, Stoller JK. Supplemental oxygen in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: evidence from Nocturnal Oxygen Treatment Trial to Long-term Oxygen Treatment Trial. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2018;24(2):179-186. doi:10.1097/MCP.0000000000000461 Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, Weinberger SE, et al. Diagnosis and management of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a clinical practice guideline update from the American College of Physicians, American College of Chest Physicians, American Thoracic Society, and European Respiratory Society. Ann Intern Med. 2011;155(3):179-91. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-155-3-201108020-00008 Ahmadi Z, Sundh J, Bornefalk-hermansson A, Ekström M. Long-Term Oxygen Therapy 24 vs 15 h/day and Mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(9):e0163293. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0163293 Additional Reading American Lung Association Oxygen Therapy Fact Sheet. 2013.