Oxygen delivery comparison of two constant-flow masks during flight to 6863 m.
OBJECTIVE: Differences in mask design may alter the oxygen flow required to gain similar oxygenation at a particular altitude. The selection of the most efficient mask would be advantageous for general aviation and other applications where oxygen supply is limited. METHODS: We compared a basic mask ( BAS) without valves or oxygen reservoir bag to a test mask ( TST) with three valves and a reservoir designed to deliver up to 80% oxygen for critically ill patients. Randomly assigned parachutists (n = 31) used the masks during a flight with a gradual climb to 6863 m (22,500 ft). The oxygen flow was individually controlled to produce oxygen saturation (SpO2) of 95-97% as determined by pulse oximetry. Oxygen flow and SpO2 were obtained every 305 m (1000 ft). RESULTS: Baseline age, lung function indices, and SpO2 were comparable for the two groups. Mean in-flight Spo2 values were 95.3 +/- 0.5% for the BAS and 96.2 +/- 1.1 % for the TST, respectively. Above 3965 m (13,000 ft) the TST required significantly less oxygen flow than the BAS to maintain the target SpO2. At 6863 m (22,500 ft), mean oxygen flow was 5.5 +/- 3.5 L x min(-1) for the BAS vs. 3.4 +/- 2.3 L x min(-1) for the TST (p = 0.029). No adverse reactions were reported from either group. CONCLUSION: The TST required significantly less oxygen flow compared with the BAS at high altitudes and may, therefore, reduce total oxygen use, resulting in reduced costs and longer oxygen availability during a flight.[1]References
- Oxygen delivery comparison of two constant-flow masks during flight to 6863 m. Hinkelbein, J., Glaser, E., Doerrstein, J., Genzwuerker, H.V. Aviation, space, and environmental medicine. (2006) [Pubmed]
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