An oxygen mask is a technical device to assist in providing the necessary oxygen to the body via ventilation through the mouth and nose. The use of an oxygen mask can be for a variety of reasons. Oxygen can be supplied as a supplement to natural breathing or even as a substitute in the event of temporary failure or prevention of breathing.
What an oxygen mask?
In the full-face mask or half-face mask version, a hose connection to an oxygen cylinder or chemical gas generator provides ventilation. The human body depends on a permanent oxygen intake via the respiratory tract. This is the only way to ensure the continuous performance of organ and muscle functions via the lungs and subsequently the bloodstream. An inadequate supply of oxygen can lead to varying degrees of impairment of these functions. To prevent this from happening, it is possible to use an oxygen mask as a preventive measure or as needed for existing disorders. A mask made of flexible and resistant plastic is placed on the mouth and nose and fixed in place. The supply tube is attached to either an oxygen cylinder or a ventilator. The mask of a ventilator, which is used to supply oxygen as needed via the room air, can also be operated exclusively via the covered nose. In this case, a specific overpressure is generated during inhalation, which supports the patient’s breathing performance. During the exhalation phase, a negative pressure facilitates the exhalation of air. During supplementary or alternative ventilation by mask in conjunction with an oxygen cylinder, a suitable oxygen level is determined. Oxygen masks find practical use in everyday patient care at home, in emergencies, continuous care cases, and as a protective device in certain occupations and some sports.
Shapes, types and styles
An oxygen mask is made of plastic, rubber or silicone. The shape of the mask varies depending on its intended use. It is used either to enclose the entire face, including the eye area, or only to cover the mouth and nose. In addition, oxygen masks are also designed to seal only the nasal area to supply a mixture of oxygen. This nasal mask is widely used for long-term therapy of sleep apnea. In the full mask or half mask version, ventilation is provided via a hose connection to an oxygen cylinder or chemical gas generator. A pressure valve and a pressure reducer are used to regulate the mixture supplied. Special oxygen masks for children and adults with variable oxygen concentration for medium and high concentrations are also available. Some versions are connected to a measuring device for carbon dioxide. In addition, oxygen masks are available in combination with a breath indicator. Full-face masks can be used as respirators to prevent hazards from polluted air. When oxygen concentration is high, non-rebreathing masks with reservoir bags are also used for certain individuals.
Structure and mode of operation
Oxygen masks can be used both self-contained and self-contained as respiratory protection or to assist breathing. In a nasal mask used to treat sleep apnea, room air is supplied to a sleeping person through an electronic ventilator via a hose and mask. The mask is secured to the back of the head by two elastic bands to ensure a snug fit. The risk of airway blockage by the tongue is prevented by increasing the air pressure in the throat. Valve flaps allow exhaled breathing air to escape. The ventilation control unit is equipped with two replaceable filters, an anthracite-colored filter and a special white filter. The gray foam filter is designed to trap normal house dust. The more intensive effect of the white filter is also intended to filter out fine particles from the air. Depending on the equipment and quality of the device, a precise, demand-based automatic control system is used to individually increase or reduce the patient’s breathing air supply. This is particularly important during the sleep phase.Due to wear and tear, masks must be replaced at certain intervals, as the accuracy of fit is important for functionality. When using a nasal mask at home, it is also essential to have the device checked regularly by a specialist company and to follow the operating instructions carefully. Half- or full-face masks with regulators operated by oxygen cylinders also require proper handling and inspection. Otherwise, incorrect adjustment of pressure and mixture can have fatal health consequences. This applies both to the medically necessary measures of oxygen supply by means of a mask as well as to occupational use or use in sports. Above all, controlled handling must prevent carbon dioxide poisoning during exhalation. Depending on the intended use, compressed air cylinders, chemically bonded oxygen or liquid oxygen may be used. The intended time of use also plays a role.
Medical and health benefits
According to a specialist study, so-called microsleep is one of the most common causes associated with fatal traffic accidents. In numerous cases, the trigger for this is fatal daytime sleepiness due to untreated sleep apnea. Permanent therapy using an oxygen mask in conjunction with a ventilator would counteract this problem. This would prevent the consequences for the affected persons and a high economic damage. A noticeable improvement through the use of the oxygen mask would also occur in the everyday performance and well-being of those affected. A self-contained oxygen mask is essential for pilots without an air cabin when flying at certain altitudes. Oxygen reduction at higher altitudes also plays an important role for extreme mountaineers. With the help of an oxygen mask, they can enhance their performance at higher altitudes and protect their health. The same applies to divers in deeper waters. The use of an oxygen mask is also absolutely necessary for many workers in the industrial processing sector for health protection. This is especially true in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, paint shops, and woodworking stores. It also applies in part to occupations in mining and medical research laboratories. Due to the development of smoke and the release of harmful substances during fires, firefighters are also often dependent on wearing oxygen masks for health protection and to ensure their ability to operate. The use of oxygen masks also means an irreplaceable contribution to life and health in the medical/emergency treatment of patients in need of ventilation for a wide variety of causes.
