An oxygen face mask provides a method of transferring oxygen from the breathing gas from the storage tank to the lungs. The oxygen face mask may only cover the nose and mouth (oronasal mask) or the entire face (full face mask). They can be made of plastic, silicone or rubber. In some cases, oxygen can also be delivered through a nasal cannula instead of a mask.

(1) What is a medical plastic oxygen face mask?

Medical plastic oxygen face masks are mainly used by medical service providers for oxygen therapy because they are disposable, thus reducing cleaning costs and the risk of infection. The design of the mask can determine the accuracy of oxygen delivered in many medical situations that require oxygen therapy. Indoor air naturally produces 21% oxygen, and a higher percentage is usually necessary in medical treatment. These higher percentages of oxygen are classified as drugs, where too much oxygen may be harmful to the health of the patient. Leading to dependence on oxygen for a period of time and, in extreme cases, the patient’s blindness. For these reasons, oxygen therapy is closely monitored. The mask is light in weight and can be fixed with elastic headbands or ear loops. They are transparent, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the face for patient assessment, and reduce the claustrophobic sensation that some patients experience when wearing oxygen face masks. Most surgical patients wear an oxygen face mask at some stage. They may wear a nasal cannula, but the oxygen delivered in this way is less accurate and the concentration is limited.

(2) Who needs to wear an oxygen face mask?

Oxygen therapy is prescribed for people who cannot get enough oxygen for themselves. This is usually due to lung diseases that prevent the lungs from absorbing oxygen. These include:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

pneumonia

asthma

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neonatal lung dysplasia

heart failure

Cystic fibrosis

sleep apnea

Lung disease

Respiratory system trauma

To determine whether a person would benefit from oxygen therapy, doctors tested the oxygen content in their arterial blood. Another check method is to use a pulse oximeter, which can indirectly measure oxygen level or saturation without a blood sample. The pulse oximeter can be clamped on a part of the human body like a finger. Low levels mean that a person may be a good candidate for supplemental oxygen.

The normal arterial blood oxygen level is between 75 and 100 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). An oxygen content of 60 mmHg or lower indicates the need for supplemental oxygen. Too much oxygen can also be dangerous and can damage lung cells. Your oxygen content should not exceed 110 mmHg.

Some people need to wear an oxygen face mask all the time, while others need oxygen therapy only occasionally or under certain circumstances. Some oxygen therapies are performed in a doctor’s office, while other times, people have an oxygen supply or portable oxygen system at home.

(3) Safety tips for oxygen therapy

Do not smoke or burn in open flames in rooms where people use oxygen masks. Place more fire alarms throughout the home to prevent serious complications. When cooking, keep away from stove, oven and any grease. To avoid tripping over the oxygen cylinder or tube of the oxygen mask, tape the hose to the back of the shirt. Store oxygen only in areas where air moves freely around the tank. Do not store it in a suitcase or small closet.