Comparison of the Non-rebreather Mask With the Double-trunk Mask

Comparison of the Effects of Two Oxygen Delivery Systems on Arterial Blood Gases: Non-rebreather Mask Versus Double-trunk Mask

This study will compare the impact of the Double-Trunk Mask (DTM) with the Non-Rebreather Mask (NRM) on the blood gases of patients with severe hypoxemia.

The Double-Trunk Mask (DTM) is a device designed to increase the fraction of inspired oxygen in patients who receive oxygen therapy. The mask is composed of a regular aerosol mask with corrugated tubing (15 cm length) inserted into two lateral holes.

Each included patient will wear the standard Non-Rebreather Mask (NRM) which is the standard delivery oxygen system for patients with acute severe hypoxemia. Then the patients will wear the DTM for 30 minutes. Finally the DTM will be replaced by the NRM for the next 30 minutes. The impact of both oxygen delivery system will be assessed by measuring the change of blood gases with each system.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Acute hypoxemia not corrected with nasal cannula

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other chronic respiratory disease with hypercapnia
• Confusion
• Contra-indications to arterial blood gas sampling (peripheral arteriopathy, bleeding disorder)