The simple facial mask (SFM) is a basic disposable mask, made of clear plastic, to provide oxygen therapy for patients with conditions such as chest pain (possible heart attack), dizziness, and mild bleeding. This mask is only meant for self-breathing patients, but which may require higher oxygen concentrations than the 21% concentration found in ambient air. Patients who can not breathe alone are placed in a medical ventilator instead. A simple facial mask can provide a higher flow rate than the nasal cannula (6-10 liters per minute) for 40-60% oxygen FiO2. Nasal cannulas and simple face masks are described as low flow delivery systems.
Unlike rebreather and partial rebreather masks, a simple face mask does not have a container pouch. It also has a hole in the mask instead of a non-rebreather one-way valve, so that the ambient air can get into the mask. This feature eliminates the dangers of suffocation if the mask with one-way valve becomes disconnected from oxygen. Therefore, simple face masks are usually preferred by basic life support personnel such as firefighters, lifeguards, and other non-medical rescue workers trained in basic first aid.
The final oxygen concentration sent by a simple facial mask depends on the amount of room air mixed with the oxygen inhaled by the patient. Air mixing is determined by how much air is inhaled by a person at that time, combined with the suitability of the mask. Due to the variability in these factors, the final oxygen concentration is somewhat uncontrolled. The venturi device attached to the mask can be used to control to a certain extent the concentration of oxygen delivered; Usually this is used to prevent hypoxia in patients emphysema who lose the ability to inhale fully. The effectiveness of therapy can continue to be monitored using pulse oximeter, although more clinically useful data can be obtained by drawing arterial blood gases.
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Source of the article : Wikipedia
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