The Analgesic Gas Regulator
The Entonox regulator. On one end of the pipe,
we have a Schrader valve. The Schrader valve will only fit Entonox cylinders, it will not
fit into an oxygen cylinder. It's designed that way so as we can not have any accidents.
You will also notice the pipe is coloured blue and white to denote that it's an Entonox
giving set. And the mouthpiece as well is also... Or the regulator's head is also colour
coded blue and white, so there shouldn't be any chance of mixing it up. The regulator head itself pivots and turns,
and it has a flush button. The flush button is there to de-pressurise when you take the
cylinder down, or when you take the pipe back off the cylinder. It is not to be used to
administer Entonox, it is not to be used. There is a blower valve on the top, and then
there is a port where the patient actually takes the Entonox on board. That port itself
has a mouthpiece, they come as a sterile, sealed mouthpiece. There is a flat part that
goes into the patient's mouth. The reason they are sterile is obviously 'cause the patient
doesn't want to multiple-use somebody else's, so it's a one use only and throw away. There is also then a one-way valve which stops
any vapour or spit or sputum going back into the unit itself. So it's just to keep the
unit clean. That coupled to the actual regulator by pushing on and the patient then inserts
the mouthpiece into their own mouth and sucks. It is important when it's self-administered,
it is explained as to how it works. The patient has to suck on the pipe and it will then administered
gas. If you don't suck it will not administer.
Entonox Regulator: Features and Usage
1. Unique Schrader Valve
Designed for Safety:
- On one end of the pipe, there's a Schrader valve.
- The Schrader valve is exclusive to Entonox cylinders and won't fit oxygen cylinders, ensuring accident prevention.
- The blue and white colour scheme of the pipe clearly identifies it as an Entonox giving set.
- The regulator head is also colour-coded blue and white to eliminate any chances of confusion.
2. Adjustable Regulator Head
Flexible Control:
- The regulator head is adjustable and pivotable.
- It features a flush button, primarily used for depressurization when detaching the cylinder or pipe.
- The flush button should not be used for administering Entonox.
- At the top, there's a blower valve, and the patient receives the Entonox through a dedicated port.
3. Sterile Mouthpiece
Single-Use and Hygienic:
- The port for patient inhalation includes a sterile, sealed mouthpiece.
- The mouthpiece has a flat part designed for insertion into the patient's mouth.
- It's a one-time use item, ensuring hygiene and avoiding multiple use.
4. One-Way Valve
Preventing Contamination:
- A one-way valve in the system prevents vapour, spit, or sputum from flowing back into the unit.
- This valve maintains the cleanliness of the Entonox delivery system.
5. Self-Administration
Proper Usage:
- When self-administering Entonox, patients must understand how it works.
- The patient initiates gas administration by sucking on the pipe.
- Entonox will only be administered when the patient actively engages by sucking; no suction means no gas delivery.