Oxygen Therapy

Device

Oxygen Flow (L/min)

Oxygen Concentration Delivered (&)

Advantages

Disadvantages

Indications

Remark

Nasal prong

21 - 35%

• Does not interfere with talking / eating

• Maximum FiO2 <40%
• Can cause dryness of nasal mucosa if flow >3 L/min
• Imprecise FiO2

Mildly hypoxic, e.g. SPO2 90 - <95% under room air

Simple Facemask

Up to 60%

• Higher FiO2 than NPO2

• If flow <5 L/min, can cause CO2 retention
• Interferes with talking / eating
• Imprecise FiO2

Moderate hypoxia in non-COPD patients

Venturi Mask

Variable set according to label on venturi attachment

28 - 70%

• FiO2 adjustable e.g. 24%, 28%, 35%, 40%, 60%
• Suitable for patients who depend on hypoxic drive (e.g. COPD)

• Moderate to severe hypoxia e.g. SPO2 <90 under room air
• Controlled O2 therapy e.g. type II respiratory failure in COPD patient

High-flow mask @ Non-rebreather mask

10 - 15 L/min

Up to 90%

• If flow too low, can cause CO2 retention
• Interferes with talking / eating
• May worsen hypoxia in COPD patients who rely on hypoxic drive

• Moderate to severe hypoxia e.g. SPO2 <90 under room air

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) - CPAP / BiPAP

Mechanical

Set by user

• Make sure facemask is tight on patient's face
• May require NG tube for feeding / prevent gastric distension