Breathing Easier Starts with Knowing the Signs

Oxygen is essential for every cell in your body. When your lungs can’t provide enough oxygen naturally—due to illness, age, or chronic conditions—your organs, energy levels, and overall well-being can suffer.

This is where an oxygen concentrator comes in. Unlike oxygen cylinders that need frequent refills, concentrators take air from the room, remove nitrogen, and deliver a steady supply of oxygen to the user. They’re especially helpful for people with chronic respiratory diseases or post-COVID recovery.

But how do you know if you or a loved one needs one at home?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key signs, symptoms, and conditions that may require home oxygen therapy—and how an oxygen concentrator can help.

1. Shortness of Breath During Simple Activities

If you’re getting winded while doing everyday tasks like walking across the room, climbing stairs, or even brushing your teeth, it could be a sign of low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia).

Oxygen concentrators can help by delivering supplemental oxygen that reduces the work your lungs must do—making breathing easier and improving stamina.

 2. Diagnosed with Chronic Respiratory Conditions

Several chronic diseases affect the lungs’ ability to deliver oxygen to the bloodstream. Common conditions that often require supplemental oxygen include:

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

  • Pulmonary fibrosis

  • Severe asthma

  • Interstitial lung disease (ILD)

  • Bronchiectasis

  • Cystic fibrosis

If your doctor has diagnosed you with any of these, they may recommend an at-home oxygen concentrator as part of your long-term care plan.

 3. Low Blood Oxygen Levels (SpO₂ < 88%)

A pulse oximeter measures your oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Normal levels are typically 95–100%. Levels below 88% may indicate the need for oxygen therapy, especially if persistent or associated with symptoms.

Symptoms of low oxygen levels may include:

  • Confusion or memory problems

  • Rapid breathing or heartbeat

  • Bluish lips or fingertips

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Fatigue or headaches

Important: Always consult a healthcare professional before starting oxygen therapy.

4. Oxygen Desaturation at Night or While Sleeping

Some people experience low oxygen levels only while sleeping, a condition known as nocturnal desaturation. This is common in:

  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

  • COPD patients with coexisting sleep disorders

  • Neuromuscular diseases

  • Heart failure

Symptoms include morning headaches, poor sleep quality, loud snoring, and frequent night waking. If confirmed via a sleep study, your doctor may recommend oxygen concentrators with sleep-compatible modes.

 5. Recovery from Severe Respiratory Illness (e.g., COVID-19)

If you or a loved one are recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia, influenza, or other acute respiratory conditions, your lungs may need time to fully heal.

Temporary use of an oxygen concentrator during recovery:

  • Improves comfort

  • Prevents hospitalization

  • Speeds up lung recovery

This is especially helpful for seniors, or those discharged early from hospital care.

 6. Heart Conditions That Impact Oxygen Levels

Certain heart diseases like congestive heart failure (CHF) or congenital heart defects can lower blood oxygen levels.

Oxygen therapy in such cases:

  • Eases heart workload

  • Improves sleep and rest quality

  • Reduces breathlessness and chest discomfort

Doctors may recommend continuous or intermittent oxygen depending on severity.

 7. Reduced Ability to Exercise or Walk

If you’ve noticed reduced walking distance, inability to exercise without stopping, or increased rest times between movements—it might not just be aging.

People with lung disease often use portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) during:

  • Walking

  • Climbing stairs

  • Grocery shopping

  • Physical therapy

These devices allow more freedom without the fear of breathlessness.

 8. Frequent Hospitalizations for Breathing Issues

Have you or a loved one been hospitalized more than once in the past year for difficulty breathing, pneumonia, or COPD flare-ups?

Frequent hospital visits are a red flag. Home oxygen therapy may be a preventive step to reduce the risk of future complications, improve independence, and support long-term stability.

9. Recommendation from a Healthcare Provider

This may seem obvious, but it’s worth repeating: Never self-prescribe oxygen.

Your doctor may perform:

  • A 6-minute walk test

  • Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis

  • Overnight pulse oximetry

  • Spirometry or lung function tests

Based on these results, they will determine if an oxygen concentrator is appropriate, what flow rate you need, and how many hours per day you should use it.

 10. Mental Fog, Anxiety, or Confusion

Low oxygen can affect your brain function. If you often feel:

  • Disoriented

  • Extremely tired

  • Anxious for no reason

  • Unable to focus or remember things

…it may be linked to chronic oxygen deprivation. Supplemental oxygen can support cognitive clarity and mental wellness—especially in older adults or those with underlying conditions.

Bonus: Emergency Backup for High-Risk Individuals

Even if you don’t use oxygen daily, having a portable or stationary concentrator can be a life-saving backup for people with lung conditions during:

  • Respiratory infections

  • Wildfire smoke exposure

  • High altitudes

  • Natural disasters or power outages

Some models even run on battery packs for emergency mobility.