EFFICIENT OXYGEN MASK FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING HYPERBARIC-OXYGEN THERAPY

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 48  (2) , 132-137
Abstract
Hyperbaric O2 (HBO) is established therapy for various disorders, but its effectiveness depends on the efficiency of the O2 delivery system. A mask O2 delivery system, consisting of the standard USAF [United States Air Force] aviator''s A-14 regulator and the MBU-5/P O2 mask, is installed in all USAF hyperbaric chambers. The efficiency of the mask O2 delivery system at the USAF Hyperbaric Center, Brooks AFB [Air Force Base, Texas, USA], was evaluated breath-by-breath at sea level and 2.4 ATA [atmospheres absolute pressure] via 2 different measuring techniques. Three groups of subjects were evaluated. Four subjects in Group I and 7 subjects in Group II were randomly selected to use a single instrumented mask which was improperly fitted. The result was variable inspired O2 levels from 64%-100%. Six subjects in Group III wore properly fitted masks and achieved end-inspired O2 levels ranging from 96%-99%, for a mean of 97.8 .+-. 0.5 (SE)%. A mean end-inspired O2 level of 88.5 .+-. 3.5 (SE)% was achieved within 5 min of mask donning. Inspiratory gas analyses indicate that the USAF aviator MBU-5/P mask and the A-14 regulator as used at the USAF Hyperbaric Center constitute a highly efficient O2 delivery system for HBO therapy. This view was reflected in arterial blood gas measurements and in preliminary data from tissue O2 measurements in a gas gangrene patient. Future improvements in patient therapy masks are recommended.

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