We show for the first time that photoluminescence of InGaN single quantum wells (SQW) devices is related to the gas pressure in which the sample is immersed, also we give a model of the phenomena to suggest a possible cause. Our model shows a direct relation between experimental behavior and molecular coverage dynamics. This strongly suggests that the driving force of photoluminescence decrease is oxygen covering the surface of the device with a time dynamics that depends on the gas pressure. This aims to contribute to the understanding of the physical mechanism of the so-called optical memory effect and blinking phenomenon observed in these devices. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.