Question about mask, cannulas
It is a question to remember to ask my pulmonary doctor again. We think she told us that a face mask with less than 6 liters of O2 made you breathe in more carbon dioxide? Has anyone else been told that or any expert in here that knows answer.
The mask that I sleep with, I came home from the hospital with, It has 5 large holes in it. I was told by the Respiratory Therapist at the hospital that the hole where to let your exhale out, and when using this mask I might have to up my liters on my concentrator. The picture of the mask is the one I use at night.
Hi again, Patty, and thanks for your post - you've posed an excellent question!
There are many different types of oxygen masks for which physicians can write prescriptions for their patients.
The liter flow used to supply oxygen for a mask will absolutely depend on the type of oxygen mask in use.
For example, a 'simple' oxygen mask, is designed to deliver 35%-55% oxygen at liter flows between 6 - 10 lpm. Lower liter flows may cause an excess buildup of carbon dioxide, which could then be inhaled by the patient. That would not be desirable.
There are also precise oxygen concentration masks (typically called 'venturi' or 'venti' masks). These come in ranges from 24% up to 50% and are designed to operate accurately at a precise oxygen flow rate.
Finally, there are partial rebreathing masks (delivering 35%-60% oxygen, at 6 -10 lpm), and non-rebreathing masks (delivering 90%-100%), at higher flow rates.
All of these percentages and flow rate ranges, will also be dependent on the particular patient's rate and depth of breathing, which can vary considerably among patients!
We haven't even touched on aerosol masks yet - that is another story altogether!
All this information is not meant to confuse or overwhelm you (or anyone!). I have provided it to show just how many different types of oxygen delivery mask systems are out there and available for use on the prescription of a physician.
It's more accurate to provide an answer for your concern once we know the type of mask to which your doctor is referring.
I do hope this brief answer was helpful for you.
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi.
Thank you for posting. If I am seeing that picture right, that would be what described above as a "'simple' oxygen mask." What is the liter flow that you use with it? Just curious. John. copd.net community moderator. Hi John, Depending on how I'm feeling when I go to bed it could be 4.5 or 5 L
Hi Jbyrd and thanks for your post(s) and the picture. I agree with my colleague,, the picture you posted looks to be a 'simple oxygen mask', which I described in the explanation about basic masks (below). Now that you've answered John's question about liter flow - it is most common to use these type masks at liter flows between 6 lpm and 10 lpm. Of course, this is also dependent on the patient's rate and depth of breathing. The liter flow you shared with us here (4.5 lpm or 5 lpm), could certainly be appropriate for your specific use. This is something that you should check with your prescribing physician and/or the folks who provide you with the oxygen source and the mask itself.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
