Basic knowledge about oxygen masks

Basic knowledge about oxygen mask

A clear plastic mask is placed on the patient's face with an elastic strap to secure it. The body of the mask stores oxygen between the patient's breaths. Side port openings located on either side of the mask allow room air to mix with delivered oxygen and allow exhaled air to escape.

What is oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy helps people with lung diseases or breathing problems get the oxygen their bodies need to function. This oxygen is supplemental (additional) to what you breathe in from the air. You may also hear the term supplemental oxygen.

What is normal oxygen flow rate?
Standard oxygen sources can deliver from ½ liter per minute of O2 to 5 liters/minute (L/min). Every liter/minute of oxygen increases the percentage of O2 the patient breathes by 3 – 4 %. Room air is 21% O2. So if a patient is on 4 L/min O2 flow, then he or she is breathing air that is about 33 – 37% O2.

What are healthy oxygen levels?
A healthy oxygen level (also called oxygen saturation) is 95% or higher. Healthcare providers prescribe oxygen therapy when oxygen levels drop below 88%.

Why do patients wear oxygen mask?
Supplemental oxygen therapy helps people with COPD, COVID-19, emphysema, sleep apnea and other breathing problems get enough oxygen to function and stay well. Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) can damage organs and be life-threatening.

What are the different types of oxygen masks?

Non-Rebreather Masks

Simple Oxygen Masks

Partial Rebreather Mask

Nasal Cannula

Capnography Mask

Procedural Oxygen Mask