An oxygen mask provides a way to transport oxygen from a tank to the lungs. Oxygen masks may be half the size of the face or the same size as the whole face. They may be made of plastic, silicone or rubber. In some cases, oxygen can be delivered through a nasal tube instead of a mask.

Here are the main points of the article:

What are oxygen masks used for?

What are the different types of oxygen masks?

How are oxygen masks used?

What are oxygen masks used for?

Oxygen masks are commonly used to treat respiratory conditions in humans such as asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or pulmonary dysfunction in neonates, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, pneumonia, sleep apnea and so on. The oxygen masks can also manage conditions such as trauma in a hospital or acute heart failure. The benefits of oxygen therapy include more energy and relaxed breathing.

What are the different types of oxygen masks?

1. Simple oxygen masks: The oxygen concentration in a normal room is about 21 percent. Oxygen masks are suitable for 30%-60% oxygen concentration, which is medically necessary. These masks are usually made of plastic. The oxygen mask itself is usually capable of holding 100-200ml of gas with an oxygen flow rate of 5-6 l/min to avoid the accumulation of carbon oxide in the mask. These oxygen masks are attached to the patient's mouth with a flexible headband. Simple masks, such as combined simple medium concentration oxygen masks, contain holes that allow carbon dioxide to escape and fresh air to mix with oxygen.

2. Reservoir oxygen masks: These oxygen masks have a cistern. Non-breathing oxygen masks and partial re-breathing oxygen masks fall into this category. The cover is used to deliver high concentration of oxygen. Some re-breathing oxygen masks, such as Hudson RCI adult high-concentration oxygen masks, provide 70% to 90% oxygen, while non-re-breathing oxygen masks provide more than 90% oxygen. The reservoir oxygen mask contains no openings to limit the flow of external air.

How are oxygen masks used?

Before prescribing, your doctor will do some tests to measure how much oxygen you already have in your blood. They may sample with needles or use sensing devices. When placed on your finger or toe, this sensor, called a pulse oximeter, uses light to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. No blood or injections are needed. In hospitals, clinics, or specialized care facilities, oxygen can be given with a nasal sleeve or oxygen mask. It can also be used at home or even on the road. Some devices are portable and can be hung over a person's shoulder. The venturi oxygen mask provides a constant pre-set oxygen level. They are usually used to control a person's carbon dioxide retention and to replenish oxygen. Nasal intubation is the most common method of oxygen delivery. This is mainly because they are less intrusive than other options, allowing people to eat and talk freely.

Oxygen therapy can improve a person's quality of life for many years. Being able to breathe more easily allows a person to be more active during the day, have a better night's sleep, and possibly live longer. Thus, the benefits of oxygen masks are great.