Table 18–2 Various Methods of Oxygen and Humidity Supplementation

Device O2 Range L/min FIO2 Uses

   
Nasal cannula Low 1–6 0.24–0.5 COPD, general oxygen needs
Simple face mask Medium 6–8 0.5–0.6 General oxygen needs
Partial rebreathing face High 8–12 0.6–0.7 High oxygen emergency
mask needs
Nonrebreathing face mask High 8–12 0.7–0.95 High oxygen emergency
needs
Venturi mask Low– — 0.24– COPD (can specify exact
medium 0.50 FIO2)
 

Note: FIO2 vary with fluctuations in the patient's minute ventilation with use of a nasal
cannula. This is not true with use of a Venturi mask because it is a "high-flow oxygen
enrichment system" that supplies three times the patient's minute ventilation, thus providing
an exact FIO2.

COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; FIO2 = fraction of inspired oxygen.