More than 20 years ago, Southmedic set out to solve a longstanding problem in respiratory care: traditional closed‑in oxygen masks were uncomfortable, claustrophobic, and often caused patients to remove them – interrupting therapy and creating unnecessary alarm events for caregivers.
Drawing from my clinical experience in critical care nursing, the idea for a new kind of oxygen device emerged unexpectedly from a simple telephone headset. If a microphone could be precisely positioned in front of the mouth, why couldn’t oxygen be delivered just as intentionally? This concept led to focus groups with nurses and respiratory therapists, who unanimously agreed that traditional masks needed improvement.
There had to be a better way.
Transforming this idea into reality required years of design refinement and scientific validation, supported by experts at McMaster University and Western University. The result was the first OxyArm: an open, headset‑style device using a patented mushroom‑pin diffuser to create high‑velocity vortices of oxygen directed at the patient’s airway. It dramatically improved comfort and patient compliance, but placement variability revealed the need for a more consistent delivery method.
To maintain oxygen performance without returning to the drawbacks of closed masks, Southmedic began designing an open mask that allowed carbon dioxide to escape freely, preventing CO₂ rebreathing and reducing the risk of narcosis – while ensuring reliable FiO₂ delivery. This innovation took hundreds of iterations, extensive testing, and years of perseverance.
Ultimately, OxyMask was born: an open mask capable of delivering up to 90% FiO₂ at 15 L/min without the bulk of a reservoir bag. Its open design eliminated mandatory minimum flow rates, allowed for a broad range of oxygen delivery, and enabled practical advantages such as drinking through a straw, taking oral medication, and communicating clearly – all without removing the mask. And we intentionally made an OxyMask size for everyone. From OxyTyke to OxyPlus our mask fits properly on patients 6 months of age and up!
Innovation continued as clinical needs expanded. Southmedic developed:
- OxyMulti‑Mask for aerosol treatments and humidification
- OxyTrach for tracheostomy patients
- OxyMask EtCO₂ for simultaneous oxygen delivery and capnography
- Oxy2Pro for procedural sedation requiring high FiO₂ with reliable EtCO₂ monitoring
And just a couple of years ago, we released our second generation Oxy2Mask, designed for more efficient, sustainable production to meet global demand.
Today, after two decades OxyMask products help patients breathe more safely and comfortably in over 80 countries. This journey has been shaped by the dedication of designers, engineers, production teams, and global distributors who share Southmedic’s belief in finding a better way.
From a simple headset-inspired idea to a worldwide standard of care, OxyMask has redefined oxygen delivery – and the next 20 years promise even more innovation.
