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Instructions for Rebreather Oxygen Masks

Oxygen therapy is available to today’s patients in a variety of delivery devices. From low-flow cannulas to high-volume aerosol generators, oxygen solutions exist for a great number of patient needs and conditions. The rebreather mask delivers a medium to high concentration of oxygen to a patient in moderate to severe distress. Its maximum capabilities vary from patient to patient, dependent upon a number of variables. The rebreather is fortunately quite easy to set up and use.

  1. Selection

    • The partial rebreather mask can allow the patient to conserve a small amount of their source oxygen while still providing a medium to high amount of therapy. With bulk oxygen systems being in widespread use, the value of the rebreather in today’s health care industry is limited. For those patients requiring from 40 to 50 percent oxygen, especially where source O2 may be limited, their use may be indicated. This mask may deliver a higher fraction of inspired oxygen with a higher delivery flow, but then its conservation value has been eliminated. Under these circumstances, a non-rebreather type mask may be of more benefit to the patient.

    Components

    • The rebreather system typically consists of an oxygen mask with an attached bag. Both tend to be made of vinyl to avoid latex allergy problems. The bag serves to collect both the oxygen supplied by the source and a portion of the patient’s exhaled breath

    Set-Up

    • When setting up the mask, ensure that the flexible one-way valve located between the mask and reservoir has been removed. Turn on the oxygen flow to the mask to a minimum of five liters per minute. Flows less than this may result in a build-up of CO2 within the mask. Apply the mask over the patient’s mouth and nose and secure with the provided elastic strap. Watch the reservoir bag to ensure that it does not completely deflate. If it does, then slowly turn up the oxygen flow until the bag begins to inflate.

      Check the fit of the mask and watch the patient to ensure that they continue to breath in an unobstructed manner.

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