1. Nasal Cannula

• Flow Rate: 1-6 L/min (FiO₂: 24-44%)

• Analogy: "A gentle breeze through your nose."

• Use: Mild hypoxemia, long-term oxygen therapy, low O₂ needs.

• Patients: Stable COPD, post-op recovery, mild respiratory distress.

• Case Example: A 65-year-old with stable COPD requiring 2 L/min of oxygen at home to maintain SpO₂ >90%.

2. Simple Mask

• Flow Rate: 6-10 L/min (FiO₂: 40-60%)

• Analogy: "A steady flow to cover your nose and mouth."

• Use: Moderate hypoxemia, short-term therapy.

• Patients: Post-surgery, moderate respiratory distress.

• Case Example: A 50-year-old recovering from general anesthesia with SpO₂ of 88% on room air.

3. Venturi Mask

• Flow Rate: Precise FiO₂ (24-50%)

• Analogy: "A precision tool for oxygen delivery."

• Use: Hypercapnic respiratory failure, COPD.

• Patients: COPD patients who need controlled oxygen.

• Case Example: A 70-year-old COPD patient with chronic CO₂ retention requiring exact FiO₂ of 28%.

4. Partial Rebreather Mask

• Flow Rate: 8-15 L/min (FiO₂: 50-70%)

• Analogy: "Recycling a little, breathing more oxygen."

• Use: Moderate to severe hypoxemia.

• Patients: Acute asthma exacerbations, pneumonia.

• Case Example: A 45-year-old with pneumonia and SpO₂ of 84% on nasal cannula.

5. Non-Rebreather Mask (NRB)

• Flow Rate: 10-15 L/min (FiO₂: 60-90%)

• Analogy: "High-flow lifeline for emergencies."

• Use: Severe hypoxemia, emergencies.

• Patients: Trauma, carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Case Example: A 35-year-old in shock post-accident with SpO₂ of 70%.

6. Transtracheal Oxygen

• Flow Rate: Low flow (customized).

• Analogy: "Direct delivery to the windpipe."

• Use: Long-term oxygen therapy, cosmetic preference.

• Patients: Stable chronic hypoxemia, cosmetic concerns.

• Case Example: A 55-year-old with interstitial lung disease requiring continuous low-flow oxygen.

7. Mechanical Ventilation

• Flow Rate: Variable (adjustable).

• Analogy: "The machine that breathes for you."

• Use: Severe respiratory failure, apnea.

• Patients: ARDS, coma, surgical procedures requiring anesthesia.

• Case Example: A 40-year-old with ARDS on a ventilator with FiO₂ of 80% and PEEP of 10 cm H₂O.