Oxygen mask

From ArticleWorld

An oxygen mask is a medical device that form-fits over a patient’s nose and mouth for the purposes of providing oxygen supplementation to the patient. There are varieties used for anesthesia, emergency medicine, for hyperbaric oxygen supplementation and in aviation.

Types

A simple oxygen mask is made of plastic silicon, although rubber masks still exist in some places. It is fixed to the patient’s face and is made to fit over both the nose and the mouth. An exit port at the base connects to an oxygen tube that is, in turn, connected to an oxygen tank or wall-source of oxygen. There are vents in the mask that allow for the escape of air and for the intake of regular air along with the oxygen derived from the tube.

Even though simple oxygen masks are connected to a flow of 100% oxygen, they do not provide that content of oxygen to the patient as the patient rebreathes some of his own air and air can enter the vents. Even so, the patient receives more oxygen than simple air breathing alone. A regulator on the oxygen source can deliver different rates of oxygen flow to the mask.

Some simple oxygen masks also have a means for connecting the mask to a nebulizer. Medications for asthma or other forms of bronchospasm are introduced into a chamber and the tubing is attached to a nebulizer with or without oxygen. As the patient breathes through the mask, the medicine is aerosolized along with the gases and reaches the lungs and bronchial tree to aid in respiration.

Special masks with rubberized cushion are used without an elasticized band to hold the devices to the face are used in surgery and anesthesia. The anesthetist holds the mask to the patient’s face and delivers 100% oxygen, usually on a temporary basis, prior to intubating the patient’s airway for surgery.

A non-rebreather mask has both an oxygen supply and a plastic bag attached to its base. The non-rebreather mask delivers higher concentrations of oxygen by allowing a reservoir for exhaled air to collect, leaving more oxygen for the patient. The bag must be at least moderately inflated for it to work.

A Venturi mask is often used in patients who require a specific oxygen content. The mask has a corrugated or ribbed tube that comes out of its base that is attached to an oxygen tube regulated by a small device that provides an exactly specified dose of oxygen.

Other uses

In high aviation, pilots use oxygen masks to provide an oxygen source not available in high altitudes. Mountain climbers also use oxygen masks to enhance performance above certain elevations. People who require hyperbaric (high pressure) oxygen use oxygen masks for a variety of medical and nonmedical purposes.