Our breathing pattern changes while we sleep. Some of us tend to breathe mainly through our mouths, and most of us breathe deeper when we sleep, while others have a shallower breath pattern. For those who use oxygen therapy while sleeping, your nighttime oxygen solution may differ from what you use for supplemental oxygen during the day.
Pulse dose portable concentrators can be an effective nighttime solution for some patients; however, a continuous-flow oxygen source is often recommended to ensure adequate blood oxygen levels while sleeping. Oxygen delivery in pulse dose machines is triggered by detecting breath from the nose, whereas continuous flow delivers oxygen irrespective of your breathing pattern. Your doctor might determine your specific needs by conducting an overnight sleep study to monitor your blood oxygen levels and breathing habits. From this study and other tests, your physician can determine exactly what flow-setting you’ll need while you sleep, allowing you to choose your nighttime oxygen machine accordingly.
For situations where a large stationary concentrator is not feasible or for travel that requires a small and lightweight nocturnal oxygen solution, there are several portable options to choose from. Some portable oxygen units have certain features that make them better suited for overnight use. As long as they meet your prescribed oxygen needs, the concentrators discussed here are ideal nighttime oxygen solutions.
Respironics SimplyGo
The most versatile option that can satisfy both daytime and nighttime oxygen demand is the Respironics SimplyGo. Engineered with travel in mind, this machine comes equipped with three modes of oxygen delivery – Continuous Flow Mode, Pulse Mode, and Sleep Mode. This machine can run off a wall outlet, a cigarette lighter or a battery, making it very portable. This is the most popular oxygen solution for those that travel with sleep therapy equipment, such as a CPAP machine, used in conjunction with oxygen. Not only that, a humidifier bottle can be added while on continuous flow to prevent dry mouth.
If prescribed by your physician, you may administer oxygen in a continuous flow that will deliver non-stop oxygen up to 2 LPM (liters per minute). Whereas the pulse dose mode can go up to a setting of 6.
The SimplyGo is ideal for 24/7 usage and its advanced ‘Sleep Mode’ delivers a pulse dose of oxygen for a longer duration for a comfortable sleep. Should the patient begin to breathe shallowly or through their mouth, the SimplyGo will automatically switch to the continuous flow mode and deliver oxygen at 2 LPM to ensure adequate oxygenation.
- Pulse Settings: 1 to 6
- Continuous Liter Flow: 0.5 to 2 LPM
- Battery life: Up to 3 hours (on pulse setting of 2)
- Weight: 10 lbs (with battery)
- Dimensions: 11.5 x 10 x 6 (W x H x D in inches)
Learn more about Respironics SimplyGo.
CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5
The Eclipse 5 remains the most powerful portable oxygen machine on the market and is best suited for those who require continuous flow oxygen while on the go. Capable of producing up to 3 LPM of continuous flow oxygen and pulse flow settings from 1 to 9, this machine will accommodate the majority of oxygen users’ nocturnal dosage requirements.
CAIRE SeQual integrates autoSAT technology into the Eclipse 5. When used in pulse dose mode, this machine has the ability to adjust bolus size based upon your breathing patterns to ensure consistent and reliable oxygen delivery and patient comfort. This machine is equipped with a sensor that will sound an alarm if a patient is breathing too softly to trigger pulse flow delivery. To eliminate interruptions while sleeping, the continuous flow mode is recommended.
- Pulse Settings: 1 to 9
- Continuous Liter Flow: 0.5 to 3 LPM
- Battery life: Up to 3 hr 40 min (on 1 LPM)
- Weight: 18.4 lbs (with battery)
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 19.3 x 7.1 (W x H x D in inches)
Learn more about the CAIRE SeQual Eclipse 5.
CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort
If your physician has prescribed nighttime supplemental oxygen and approved pulse dose delivery, smaller and lighter machines are available. The CAIRE Comfort weighs just 5 lbs and provides up to 16 hours of pulse dose oxygen when paired extended battery on the pulse setting of 1.
Ideal in situations where AC power from a wall outlet is not available such as camping or travel via aircraft, CAIRE Comfort is also effective as an alternative oxygen source during a power outage. The Comfort provides extremely quiet operation, rated at 43 decibels, which is similar to a quiet conversation. That means it won’t disturb you or anyone around you, while you’re asleep.
- Pulse Settings: 1 to 5
- Battery life: Up to 8 hr (with standard battery)
- Weight: 5 lbs (with standard battery)
- Dimensions: 7.3 x 10 x 3.1 (W x H x D in inches, with standard battery)
Learn more about the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort.
Final Thoughts
The selection of your oxygen concentrator for nighttime usage will heavily depend on your prescription. Battery run times will vary based upon your prescribed setting and breathing rate, make sure to consult your user manual for details on battery life specific to your device.
When setting up a pulse dose unit for nighttime use, we have a few recommendations to ensure you rest comfortably. Make sure your batteries are fully charged prior to bedtime, especially if you plan to run the machine without an external power source. This will minimize any interruptions or battery changes while using a portable oxygen concentrator as a nighttime oxygen source.
For machines that feature more than one delivery method, double-check you’re using the prescribed delivery mode and dosage prior to falling asleep. As with all concentrators, keep intake and exhaust vents clear of any bedding and at least 12 inches away from the wall or other furnishings. This will ensure efficient operation and mitigate high-temperature alarms while you’re sleeping. You will rest peacefully knowing you’re using the correct oxygen solution calibrated for your specific requirements.
Related Information
- Sleeping with Continuous Flow Oxygen Concentrators
- The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to CPAP Machines
- Using Oxygen While You Sleep
Updated: December 8, 2022
Published: August 20, 2014
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Scott Ridl
Website
Scott joined American Medical Sales and Rentals in 2008 as a Web Manager and Content Writer. He is a writer and designer. He is extensively trained on oxygen therapy products from leading manufacturers such as Inogen, Respironics, Chart, Invacare, ResMed and more.
Scott works closely with respiratory therapists and oxygen specialists to educate the community about oxygen therapy products, COPD, asthma and lung diseases. He writes weekly columns and is passionate about educating the community on oxygen therapy and respiratory issues.
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