Oxygen & Pulmonary Hypertension

Some people living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) need supplemental oxygen to keep their oxygen levels healthy. Oxygen is a treatment — not a sign of failure — and it can make a meaningful difference in how you feel, how well your body works, and your overall quality of life.

This section explains when oxygen is needed, how oxygen is prescribed, and the different types of oxygen equipment you may use at home or on the go.

• Improve breathlessness
• Increase energy
• Reduce strain on the heart
• Improve sleep
• Support safe movement and exercise

Your PH team may recommend oxygen if:

• Your oxygen level falls below the recommended range while resting
• Your oxygen level drops during activity (like walking or climbing stairs)
• Your oxygen level drops during sleep
• You feel breathless, fatigued, or dizzy due to low oxygen
• You have certain types of PH where oxygen is shown to improve outcomes

You may need oxygen all the time, only during activity, or only while sleeping — everyone is different.

(Walk Test + Face-to-Face Visit)
Oxygen cannot be ordered until specific steps are completed. These steps are required by Medicare and most insurance companies.

1. Walk Oxygen Test (6-Minute Walk or Similar Test)
   Your care team checks your oxygen level while you walk.  If your oxygen level drops below a certain point during the test, you may qualify for supplemental oxygen.
   
   
2. Face-to-Face Visit With Your Provider
   You must see a PH clinician in person (or a qualifying telehealth visit, depending on rules) within 30 days of the walk test.
   
   During this visit, your provider documents:

• • Why you need oxygen
  • When you should use it (activity, sleep, or 24/7)
  • What flow rate you need (how many liters per minute)

3. The Oxygen Order Is Sent to a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Company
   The oxygen company contacts you to arrange:

• • Delivery
  • Equipment setup
  • Teaching you how to use your device safely

Your PH team can help guide this process and answer questions along the way.

Your provider will help you match the equipment to your lifestyle. For example:

• At home or sleeping → Stationary concentrator
• Running errands or walking → Portable concentrator or small oxygen cylinder
• High-flow needs → Liquid oxygen or larger cylinders
• Travel → FAA-approved portable concentrator for airplanes

• When do I need to use my oxygen — activity, rest, or sleep?
• How many liters per minute should I use?
• What type of oxygen system is best for my needs?
• Can I use a portable oxygen concentrator safely?
• How do I travel with oxygen (car, plane, altitude)?
• What should I do if my oxygen levels drop suddenly?