Table 3 Advantages and disadvantages of having an oxygen saturation monitor in the home
AdvantagesDisadvantages

  • Reducing anxiety

  • Increasing anxiety

  • Detects oxygen disconnection or nasal cannulae displacement

  • Undue reliance on monitor with difficulty for parents weaning off it

  • May provide early indication of worsening respiratory status (eg, with an intercurrent infection)

  • Unnecessary minor adjustments of oxygen flows

  • False reassurance of respiratory status

  • May provide warning of sudden severe hypoxaemia

  • False alarms (less of an issue with newer motion-resistant technology)

  • Can assess response to URTI in the home after oxygen therapy has been stopped

  • Cost

  • URTI, upper respiratory tract infection.