Oxygen masks

Abstract

A series of tests was carried out to assess the efficiency of two disposable-type oxygen masks, comparing them with a BLB-type mask and with oxygen spectacles. The levels of arterial oxygen saturation produced by the BLB-type mask were higher than those produced by either of the two disposable-type masks or by the oxygen spectacles but the differences were small and, although statistically significant, were not thought to be practically important. All the methods tested produced satisfactory levels of arterial oxygen saturation when properly used, so that a choice of the best method to use on any particular occasion should be based on other considerations. © 1963 John Sherratt and Son.