Dispersal of respiratory droplets with open vs closed oxygen delivery masks: implications for the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Abstract

Nosocomial transmission of droplet-borne respiratory infections such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) may be influenced by the choice of oxygen face mask. A subject inhaled saline mist and exhaled through three oxygen masks to illustrate the pattern of dispersal of pulmonary gas. In two commonly used masks, exhaled gas formed a plume emanating from the side vents, while a third mask with a valved manifold, which was modified by adding a respiratory filter, retained the droplets. Maintaining respiratory isolation during the administration of oxygen may reduce the risk of the nosocomial transmission of respiratory infections such as SARS.

• Authors: Ron Somogyi, Alex E Vesely, Takafumi Azami, David Preiss, Joseph Fisher, Joe Correia, Robert A Fowler
• Journal: Chest (Chest) Vol. 125 Issue 3 Pg. 1155-7 (Mar 2004) ISSN: 0012-3692 [Print] United States
• PMID: 15006983 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Aerosols

Topics

• Aerosols
• Cross Infection (transmission)
• Equipment Design
• Humans
• Masks
• Oxygen Inhalation Therapy (instrumentation)
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (transmission)