Oxygen masks are essential for delivering supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory issues. Different types of oxygen masks are designed for specific conditions and oxygen flow rates, ensuring patients receive the appropriate amount of oxygen based on their needs. Below is a guide to the various types of oxygen masks and their corresponding flow rates.

Simple Oxygen Mask

• Description: A basic mask that covers the nose and mouth, allowing oxygen to flow through small holes on the sides to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
• Flow Rate:
  • 5 to 10 L/min
  • FiO₂ (Fraction of Inspired Oxygen): Approximately 40% to 60%
  • Flow rates below 5 L/min are discouraged to avoid CO₂ rebreathing.
• Uses:
  • Short-term oxygen therapy in post-operative recovery or mild respiratory distress.

Nasal Cannula

• Description: A lightweight device with two prongs inserted into the nostrils, offering low-concentration oxygen.
• Flow Rate:
  • 1 to 6 L/min
  • FiO₂: 24% to 44%
    • 1 L/min: 24% FiO₂
    • 6 L/min: 44% FiO₂
• Uses:
  • Patients requiring low-to-moderate oxygen support, such as those with COPD or chronic respiratory conditions.
  • Common in both hospital and home care settings.

Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB)

• Description: Equipped with a one-way valve and a reservoir bag, this mask prevents exhaled air from mixing with the oxygen, delivering a high concentration of oxygen.
• Flow Rate:
  • 10 to 15 L/min
  • FiO₂: Up to 95% to 100%
• Uses:
  • Emergency situations like trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning, or severe respiratory distress requiring high oxygen concentrations.

Venturi Mask (Air-Entrainment Mask)

• Description: A mask with a valve system that mixes oxygen with room air to deliver a precise concentration of oxygen.
• Flow Rate:
  • 2 to 15 L/min depending on the adapter setting.
  • FiO₂: 24% to 60%
    • 2 L/min: 24% FiO₂
    • 10-12 L/min: 50-60% FiO₂
• Uses:
  • Ideal for patients with COPD who require controlled and specific oxygen levels.
  • Frequently used when precision is critical to prevent CO₂ retention.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)

• Description: Delivers warmed, humidified oxygen at higher flow rates than a standard nasal cannula.
• Flow Rate:
  • 15 to 60 L/min
  • FiO₂: Up to 100%
• Uses:
  • Acute respiratory failure, severe pneumonia, or post-extubation support.
  • Used as an alternative to mechanical ventilation in some cases.

Partial Rebreather Mask

• Description: Similar to a non-rebreather mask but without a one-way valve, allowing some exhaled air to mix with the oxygen.
• Flow Rate:
  • 8 to 12 L/min
  • FiO₂: 60% to 80%
• Uses:
  • Moderate oxygen needs in patients requiring higher oxygen than a simple mask but less than a non-rebreather mask.

Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) / Ambu Bag

• Description: A manual resuscitator mask used in emergency scenarios to provide positive pressure ventilation.
• Flow Rate:
  • 10 to 15 L/min
  • FiO₂: Up to 100% when connected to an oxygen source.
  • Delivers room air (~21% FiO₂) when used without an oxygen source.
• Uses:
  • Emergency resuscitation or during CPR.
  • Pre-hospital and critical care settings to ventilate patients who are not breathing adequately.

Face Tent

• Description: A loose-fitting mask that sits under the chin, delivering humidified oxygen without enclosing the face.
• Flow Rate:
  • 8 to 15 L/min
  • FiO₂: 30% to 55%
• Uses:
  • Patients with facial trauma or those who feel claustrophobic with other masks.
  • Used post-surgery for patients who need humidified oxygen.

Oxygen Hood (Oxyhood)

• Description: A clear plastic hood placed over an infant's head to provide a controlled oxygen environment.
• Flow Rate:
  • 10 to 15 L/min
  • FiO₂: 80% to 90%
• Uses:
  • Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for newborns with respiratory distress.

Tracheostomy Mask

• Description: Designed for patients with a tracheostomy, it fits over the tracheostomy tube to deliver oxygen.
• Flow Rate:
  • 10 to 15 L/min
  • FiO₂: 40% to 60%
• Uses:
  • Post-tracheostomy care for oxygen delivery or humidification.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate oxygen mask depends on the patient’s condition, oxygen requirements, and clinical environment. Hospitals and healthcare providers need a variety of oxygen delivery systems to manage different levels of respiratory support. By offering a wide range of oxygen masks with varying flow rates, wholesalers and suppliers can ensure that medical institutions are equipped to meet the diverse needs of their patients, from mild oxygen supplementation to emergency high-flow oxygen therapy.