Can anyone tell me when using an Oxysaver type canula if you are supposed to breath out of your nose or out of your mouth, or does it not matter.
The Oxysaver is designed to "cutoff" while exhaling so I believe you would be better off exhaling through the nose.
The little moustache or pendent captures and re-uses O2 that was in your nose or throat (so it didn't get used).
Hard to say as there are many variables. While not required legally, you may find that you benefit from it (feel better) considering the actual density altitude, your age and general health, duration of flight, night/day etc.
Bevan
does it make sense to get an O2 system if I plan taking trips at 8,000 MSL ? Up to 6 hours duration.
At the very least, it's a good idea to have a pulse oximeter ...
How do you use a pulse oximeter when flying? What reading tells you that everything is OK and what reading says use O2 or go lower? Are the same numbers good for everyone or are they different if you are a smoker, are older, younger, fat, thin, have heart or lung disease or anemia?
If I may ask and as long as O2 is the topic does it make sense to get an O2 system if I plan taking trips at 8,000 MSL ? Up to 6 hours duration. Thanks, Mark C.
I have asked this question before and have yet to get an answer.
How do you use a pulse oximeter when flying.
What reading tells you that everything is OK and what reading says use O2 or go lower?
Are the same numbers good for everyone or are they different if you are a smoker, are older, younger, fat, thin, have heart or lung disease or anemia?
If the numbers are not the same for everyone then what are the numbers for the above categories?
Is there a table or document somewhere that tells you how to use a Pulse Ox when flying?
I seriously doubt there's any one number/table that will work 100% of the time. My own numbers change over time and with how I'm feeling, etc. And what is "good?"I have asked this question before and have yet to get an answer.
How do you use a pulse oximeter when flying.
What reading tells you that everything is OK and what reading says use O2 or go lower?
Are the same numbers good for everyone or are they different if you are a smoker, are older, younger, fat, thin, have heart or lung disease or anemia?
If the numbers are not the same for everyone then what are the numbers for the above categories?
Is there a table or document somewhere that tells you how to use a Pulse Ox when flying?
.................On a cross country, I'll use a minimum to keep me clear headed and what I feel is out of headache zone. I want to be functional but not waste all my O2. When it comes time for dealing with crowded airspace, approaches, etc. I'll turn it up. How much? Enough to make my brain work better. And I can almost always feel the difference as I increase flow. Point being, it's not black and white and each situation differs somewhat. The O2 sat meter just gets you in the ballpark.
My concern about this approach is how are you measuring your "brain power". You can NOT depend on your own perceptions of how well you are doing.
Low Oxygen Saturation in the blood produces a feeling of "euphoria", and it is nearly impossible for someone who is hypoxic to properly assess themselves. That's why a pulse oximeter is so important. If you stay above 90%, you will be safe.
If you really want to save O2, and be sure that you are getting exactly the proper O2 delivery all the time, you should check out the Mountain High electronic O2 delivery system.
Most all of us in gliders are using this system nowadays.
The FAA has a O2 chamber that goes around the USA, will be in Reno, NV next week.