Non-rebreathing mask requires that the patient can breathe unassisted.
Allows for the delivery of higher concentrations of oxygen.
Covers both the nose and mouth of the patient.
Has an attached reservoir bag, typically 1.5 liters, that connects to an external oxygen tank.
Before placement, the reservoir bag is inflated to greater than two-thirds full of oxygen, at a rate of 15 liters per minute.
Approximately ¹⁄₃ of the air from the reservoir is depleted as the patient inhales, and it is then replaced by the flow from the O2 supply.
If the bag becomes completely deflated, the patient will no longer have air to breathe.
Exhaled air is directed through a one-way valve in the mask, which prevents the inhalation of room air and the re-inhalation of exhaled air.
The valve allows for the administration of high concentrations of oxygen, up to 60–90% O2.
Not all of the exhaled air is completely removed by the one-way valve and the seal created by the mask is usually imperfect so intake of some exhaled and outside air is unavoidable.
Utilized for patients who require hig flow oxygen such as with physical trauma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, smoke inhalation, and carbon monoxide poisoning.