Oxygen Mask
An oxygen mask serves as a conduit for transferring breathing oxygen gas
from a storage tank to the lungs. These masks come in various forms,
covering either the nose and mouth (oral nasal mask) or the entire face
(full-face mask), and can be constructed from plastic, silicone, or rubber
materials.
Medical-grade plastic oxygen masks are primarily used by healthcare
providers for oxygen therapy due to their disposability, which reduces
cleaning costs and the risk of infections. The design of the mask plays a
crucial role in delivering accurate levels of oxygen, as different medical
conditions require varying oxygen concentrations. While oxygen naturally
occurs in room air at 21%, higher percentages are often necessary for
medical treatment. However, excessive oxygen can be harmful, leading to
oxygen dependence and, in extreme cases, patient blindness. Hence, oxygen
therapy requires close monitoring. Masks are lightweight and secured using
elasticated headbands or ear loops, with transparent designs allowing
healthcare providers to assess the patient's condition while minimizing
feelings of claustrophobia.
Silicone and rubber oxygen masks, although heavier than plastic ones, are
designed to provide a tight seal for extended use by aviators, medical
research subjects, and patients in hyperbaric chambers or those requiring
pure oxygen, such as carbon monoxide poisoning or decompression sickness
victims. These masks incorporate valves to control gas flow, reducing the
risk of rebreathing exhaled gas.
Oxygen masks are connected to the oxygen supply via hoses or tubing, with
hoses typically offering greater oxygen flow due to their larger diameter.
Ribbed or corrugated designs prevent twisting and ensure uninterrupted
oxygen flow when using hoses. The amount of oxygen delivered is regulated by
a valve known as a regulator. Some oxygen masks feature a breathing bag made
of plastic or rubber attached to the mask or hose, storing oxygen to
facilitate deep breathing without wastage when used with fixed flow
regulators.
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