COMMON OXYGEN ADMINISTRATION DEVICES

Room air only contains 21% oxygen, and increasing the fraction of oxygen in the
breathing gas increases the amount of oxygen in the blood.

The nasal cannula (NC) is a device used to deliver supplemental oxygen or airflow to a
patient or person in need of respiratory help. This device consists of a plastic tube which
fits behind the ears, and a set of two prongs which are placed in the nostrils. Oxygen
flows from these prongs. The nasal cannula is connected to an oxygen tank, a portable
oxygen generator, or a wall connection in a hospital via a flow meter.

The simple face mask (SFM) is a basic disposable mask, made of clear plastic, to
provide oxygen therapy for patients who are experiencing conditions such as chest pain
(possible heart attacks), dizziness, and minor hemorrhages. This mask is only meant for
patients who are able to breathe on their own, but who may require a higher oxygen
concentration than the 21% concentration found in ambient air.

The venturi mask, also known as an air-entrainment mask, is a medical device to

deliver a known oxygen concentration to patients on controlled oxygen therapy. Venturi
masks are considered high-flow oxygen therapy devices. This is because venturi masks
are able to provide total inspiration flow at a specified FIO2 to patient’s therapy. The kits
usually include multiple jets in order to set the desired FIO2 which are usually color
coded. The color of the device reflects the delivered oxygen concentration, for example:
blue = 24%; yellow = 28%; white = 31%; green = 35%; pink = 40%; orange = 50%.

A bag valve mask (also known as a BVM or Ambu bag) is a hand-held device used to
provide positive pressure ventilation to a patient who is not breathing or who is
breathing inadequately. The device is a normal part of a resuscitation kit for trained
professionals, such as ambulance crew.

Non-Rebreaqthing Mask - High concentrations of oxygen can be administered

accurately - Oxygen flows into bag and mask during inhalation - Valves prevents
expired air from flowing back into bag - Cannot be used with a high degree of humidity.

A partial rebreather oxygen mask is similar to a simple face mask. However, the side
ports are covered with one-way discs to prevent room air from entering the mask. This
mask is called a rebreather because it has a soft plastic reservoir bag connected to the
mask that conserves the first third of the patient's exhaled air while the rest escapes
through the side ports. This is designed to make use of the carbon dioxide as a
respiratory stimulant.

Tracheostomy collar, delivers oxygen and humidification via tracheostomy, must be

connected to a nebulizer.
Oxygen Hood

1. Clear plastic shell encompasses the baby's head

2. Well tolerated by infants
3. Size of hood limits use to younger than age 1 year
4. Allows easy access to chest, trunk, and extremities
5. Allows control of oxygen delivery.
1. Oxygen concentration
2. Inspired oxygen temperature and humidity
6. Delivers 80-90% oxygen at 10-15 liter per minute.

Aerosol Mask
Delivers 21-100% FiO2 depending on nebulizer setting
Flow rates of 8 to 15 L/min
On 100% the device will probably not meet flow demands.
(>60%) (No air entrained so flow = flow meter setting)

 Face Tent
21% to 40% depending on nebulizer setting
Flow rates of 8 to 15 L/min
Used mainly for patients who cannot tolerate a mask.

 T-Piece (T-tube, Briggs adapter)
21-100% depending on nebulizer setting
Flow rates of 8 to 15 L/min
Used on intubated or trached patients