How does the Oxy₂Mask™ open design work?

Oxy₂Mask™’s patented pin + diffuser system has evolved to an enclosed ‘snap-fit’ design that attaches directly to the walls of the diffuser and maximizes the potential of the oxygen velocity vortices.

The mushroom-shaped disc redirects the oxygen flow, forming an organized pattern of vortices and a cloud of concentrated oxygen molecules. The patented design features a triangular directional diffuser which refines the shape of the oxygen velocity vortices, allowing the oxygen to pour out of four aerodynamically positioned ports at an accelerated rate more intentionally than ever toward the patients’ nose and mouth.

During the patient’s inhalation, oxygen flow is mixed with room air drawn in through the mask openings. Respiratory mechanics and breathing patterns determine how room air combines with the delivered oxygen. The concentration of oxygen received during the breath is a function of the oxygen flow compared to the patient’s inspiratory flow and tidal volume. This results in the prescribed concentration of oxygen being delivered to the patient.

During exhalation, the mask openings allow expired carbon dioxide to escape, reducing the risk of the patient rebreathing their own CO₂. As a result, Oxy₂Mask™ is a highly efficient ‘open’ mask system that delivers high concentrations of oxygen when needed, and reduces the risk of CO₂ rebreathing, all while eliminating the need for a closed design, valves and reservoirs.

How do you know Oxy₂Mask™ spans 24-90%?

Oxy₂Mask™’s revolutionary mask design is capable of delivering the entire range of oxygen therapy; (24 – 90% oxygen concentrations), in a safe and efficient manner. The oxygen concentration of Oxy₂Mask™ has been tested and documented in clinical studies. The study, Mathews and Gregg (2008)1, evaluate how the open design of the OxyArm™ and OxyMask™ affects oxygen delivery. Their study finds that the OxyMask™ does deliver 24-90% concentrations of oxygen. They even go as far to say that “OxyMask™ might indeed be the delivery device that solves that age-old problem of having to stock numerous kinds of oxygen masks.” You can read this study and more by visiting the ‘Clinical Evidence’ section of our website.

1. “The OxyArm™ and OxyMask™ From Southmedic, Inc.” by Paul Mathews PhD, RRT and Bethen L. Gregg PhD, RRT. Focus Journal for Respiratory Care & Sleep Medicine Jan/Feb 2008.
2. Chart Source, AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines. Reprinted from Respiratory Care (Respir Care 2002:47(6):717-720)

Do I need a high flow meter to use Oxy₂Mask™?

No, you do not need a high flow meter to use Oxy₂Mask™. The Oxy₂Mask™ will reach its maximum performance at approximately 15 liters. If additional flows are required, a normal flow meter on flush will deliver up to 60 lpm. You may choose to use a high flow meter to document the exact liter flow delivered but that is often not required if you are using a pulse oximeter.

Can Oxy₂Mask™ be used with a humidifier?

Yes, the Oxy₂Mask™ can be used with a bubble humidifier, the same as one would use with a nasal cannula with flows from 1 to 6 litres per minute. But unlike a nasal cannula, the Oxy₂Mask™ does not cannulate an orifice and therefore, a bubble humidifier is usually not necessary. Additionally, during the patient’s inhalation, room air containing humidity is drawn in through the openings in the mask and is mixed with the prescribed oxygen flow.

What are the benefits to the clinician?

1. Time Savings
   • Because of Oxy₂Mask’s broad range of FiO2 and ease of use, clinician’s time can be utilized for better focused care as oxygen flow can now be quickly titrated to meet the patient’s needs without changing delivery devices.
   • Improved patient compliance may mean the patient removes their oxygen less frequently, providing the potential for fewer desaturation alarms which take up clinician time to attend to.
2. Improving Patient Outcomes
   • Oxy₂Mask’s open design is cooler and lighter for the patient to wear, and reduces the sensation of claustrophobia that other masks induce.
   • Improving patient compliance provides the potential for improved patient outcomes, thereby possibly weaning the patient’s oxygen needs more efficiently.
3. Medical Waste and Environmental Impact Reduction
   • Oxy2Mask’s broad range of FiO2 delivery means fewer oxygen devices are required per patient hospital stay, which means less plastic waste.
   • Reduces the amount of PVC and DEHP that leaches into the environment.
   • Will reduce emissions if disposed of by a medical waste incinerator.
   • With sku reduction, comes less waste.
4. Cost Savings
   • Product standardization and sku reduction.
   • Uses less oxygen than traditional oxygen interfaces.

What are the benefits to the patient?

1. Safety
   • Highly efficient ‘open’ system that eliminates the need for a closed mask design, valves or reservoirs
   • Reduces risk of CO₂ rebreathing and aspiration of emesis
   • Does not contain any natural rubber latex or phthalates such as DEHP
2. Comfort
   • Reduces feelings of claustrophobia
   • Allows unrestricted communication with family, friends and caregivers
   • Provides access for oral care, oral medications, drinking, and eating
   • Lightweight design allows mask to sit lightly on the face
3. Compliance
   • Aids compliance of prescribed oxygen therapy by reducing interruptions

When using at home, how often do you need to replace the Oxy₂Mask or OxyArm?

When using Oxy₂Mask or OxyArm at home, be sure to replace the device every 10 days if being used continuously, or every 30 days if using occasionally.

What do I do if the Oxy₂Mask or OxyArm becomes dirty?

Discontinue use at first sign of wear or damage. If mask shell is dirty, it can be cleaned with a clean, damp cloth. Do not use any cleaning agents. Do not block or clog the snap fit diffuser as this will stop the flow of oxygen.

Are Oxy₂Masks free of natural rubber latex and phthalates?

Yes, all Oxy₂Masks are free of natural rubber latex and phthalates such as DEHP.

Are Non PVC Oxy₂Masks available?

Yes, Oxy₂Mask™ offers four codes that are non-PVC:

• OM-7025-8 Oxy₂Mask Standard 7’ Tube
• OP-7025-8 Oxy₂Mask Plus 7’ Tube
• OK-7025-8 Oxy₂Mask Kid 7’ Tube
• OT-7025-8 Oxy₂Mask Tyke 7’ Tube

Will the Oxy₂Mask™ ETCO₂ deliver 24-90% oxygen?

No, the ETCO₂ Oxy₂Mask™ will deliver between 24%-83% oxygen. This is because the Oxy₂Mask™ uses a different inverted sampling cup inside the diffuser to allow for better CO₂ sampling.

Does extension tubing alter FiO₂ output from the mask?

Yes, FiO₂ can be affected. To avoid changes in output, use back pressure compensated flow meters to make sure the delivered flow stays the same. In this case, extension tubing will not affect FiO₂ because the oxygen delivery will be the same. And, as with all Oxy₂Masks, simply adjust flow up or down to meet the patient’s required saturation.

In the United States, is there a Healthcare Common procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code assigned to Oxy₂Mask™?

Yes, code A4620 (Variable Concentration Mask) can be used when billing the Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors (DME MACs). The assignment of this HCPCS code is not an approval or endorsement of Oxy₂Mask, nor does it imply or guarantee claim reimbursement or coverage. For billing and coverage information for your jurisdiction, there are three options:

1. Refer to your DME MAC Supplier Manual for coverage
2. Refer to your claim submission instructions
3. Contact your local DME MAC