OxyMask for delivering oxygen therapy

Level of innovation

One specialist thought that OxyMask was an innovative technology. Two specialists thought that it was only a minor variation to current standard mask designs.

Potential patient impact

Two specialists thought that OxyMask would be more convenient because the mask would not need to be changed if the flow of oxygen needed to change.

One specialist said using OxyMask would improve comfort, which would lead to better compliance. They said other benefits would be that patients would be able to drink liquids and there would be less condensation and feelings of claustrophobia, and a reduced risk of carbon dioxide retention. One specialist did not think that there was evidence to support any benefit to patients.

Potential system impact

One specialist said OxyMask may lead to reductions in oxygen flow rates, which would lead to cost savings, but did not think that there was enough evidence to support this. One specialist said that a patient would be monitored in the same way as they are now but there would be a reduced need for multiple venturi masks as the oxygen could be titrated through the 1 OxyMask. Two specialists thought that using OxyMask would cost more than using current standard care masks.

General comments

One specialist noted that OxyMask is not widely used in the UK. Another specialist said at their hospital they trialled OxyMask on people who needed high-flow oxygen therapy (above 4 litres) and those being actively weaned off non-invasive ventilation. The results of the pilot were positive so the hospital is now using OxyMask in people who use high-flow oxygen.

One specialist said that more evidence was needed on actual inspired oxygen concentration at different inspiratory flow rates and different oxygen flow rates so that conclusions can be made about clinical effectiveness.