Venturi Oxygen Mask
Now we are going to look at the Venturi oxygen
mask. Now this mask is slightly different. It has different purposes. Normally, an oxygen
mask would deliver 100% oxygen. You can adjust the flow rate within the cylinder and put
it up to, say, 15 litres a minute. But what the Venturi mask does, it lets you reduce
the percentage of oxygen, so you can still increase the flow of oxygen to up to 15 litres
a minute, but you can reduce the concentration. For example, with this mask here, it's set
at the minute to a 60% concentration of oxygen. Now, reducing the concentration of oxygen
could be very good in the treatment of a COPD patient. Because with them, you want to make
sure that you don't give too much oxygen because this can cause problems with a build-up of
carbon dioxide. Now, the masks themselves, they will either
come as a single unit set a single rate. It might mean the mask looks like this. It's
got the green adapter on there and it's got a 60% oxygen flow rate on it. But this particular
mask here comes in a pack, and in the pack are different sizes of the valve. Each of
the individual valves has a different percentage rating. For example, here is the red valve,
and it has a 40%. And if you look down here, you can actually see the concentration amounts
of oxygen, it's quite easy to detect what adapter goes with what percentage. Now, someone
with COPD will often carry a card, or you will know from their treatment record, what
percentage they would need to be given, so it's quite easy with a multi-pack like this
to give exactly the right concentration. Now, inside the pack, the mask comes complete with
a strap that goes around the back of the head, and the oxygen hose. And it's actually the
same as any other oxygen mask. It's all push-fit, so it pushes straight onto a normal cylinder,
and then you can turn the cylinder on and deliver the oxygen. One other difference with this, you will see
these holes on the side of the mask. These don't allow the air to escape because we don't
want a build-up of oxygen within this area. We want to make sure we just get the right
concentration. It's because as the oxygen 100% goes into this valve, there's a hole
on the side of it, and that will mix with air. And then you give exactly the right percentage.
You see this example here, the green one at 60%, there's quite a small hole. And then
if you look at this one, it's got a very large hole, so it's increasing the amount of air
that's being mixed with the oxygen, therefore reducing the percentage of oxygen the patient
is breathing.
Venturi Oxygen Masks for Precise Oxygen Control
1. Introduction to Venturi Oxygen Masks
Customized Oxygen Delivery:
- Venturi Oxygen Masks offer precise control over oxygen percentage.
- Especially beneficial for COPD patients to manage oxygen levels and prevent CO2 buildup.
2. Features of Venturi Oxygen Masks
Variety of Options:
- Venturi masks come in different versions to suit various needs.
- Options include single-use masks, tubing, transparent masks for skin color observation, and elastic straps.
- Masks feature side holes for efficient air escape.
- Various coloured Venturi valves are available for oxygen control.
3. Oxygen Concentrations and Flow Rates
Flexible Oxygen Levels:
- Venturi Oxygen Masks are adaptable to different flow rates, with capacities of up to 15 litres per minute.
- They can deliver oxygen concentrations at: