There are a few different types of mask, but they all have the same basic shape and are put on the same way. Home oxygen masks are very similar to the ones used in hospitals and other medical settings.
The strap typically stays attached to the mask and isn’t adjustable at all, so you don’t have to do anything extra to it. Make sure that the oxygen tube on the chin of the mask isn’t kinked or coiled. If it is, you may have to take the mask back off to straighten it out.
The mask might make you feel a little warm or trapped. However, it has to make an airtight seal over both your mouth and nose to work. If it’s still uncomfortable after using it for a few days, talk to your doctor about it.
When the mask is working, you will also be able to hear it hissing. If it isn’t hissing, then check the oxygen tank to make sure it’s turned on. While you’re using a mask, stay away from cigarettes and open flames that could spark a fire.
A nasal cannula is a partial face mask, so it doesn’t deliver as much oxygen as a full one does. It’s more like a nose plug than a mask.
The prongs are pretty short and sit comfortably at the front of your nose. Usually, the cord is more uncomfortable to wear, since it can rub against your skin if you have to wear it all day. Make sure the prongs are all the way in your nose. If they aren’t, then you won’t be getting all of the oxygen.
Another option is to move the cord behind your head, lower it down, and slide the prongs into your nose. You can then wrap the tube over your ears. It’s not as comfortable since it puts tension on the tube each time you turn your head. Before continuing, move your head from side to side a few times to check that the cannula is comfortable to wear and secure against your nose. Make adjustments as needed.
If you’re wearing the cannula with the tubing behind you, the slide will also be behind you. Pull it until it’s up against the back of your head.
Some masks use a coiled tube. If you see a coiled tube, you don’t have to straighten it out. As long as you’re able to stretch it toward you, air will flow through it. These masks only appear in emergencies, so put yours on as soon as it appears. Stay calm and do your best to get it on without damaging it.
The strap isn’t adjustable, so you won’t have to do anything to it. It’s usually elastic. Make sure that the strap is comfortable but snug against your ears. It’s meant to be like wearing glasses. The strap should stay in the space between your head and ears. Airline masks are very similar to the ones used at home and in medical settings. If you have ever seen or used an oxygen mask before, you won’t have much trouble figuring out how to deal with one on a plane.
This is where people tend to mess up. It’s easy to forget that the mask is supposed to go over your nose as well as your mouth. For safety, make sure it covers both. The mask may feel uncomfortable at first, but don’t try to adjust it. Airline masks aren’t meant to be worn for long, so the most important thing is making sure yours works correctly.
Once you start breathing into the mask, you may be able to spot it rising and falling a little bit. If you’re feeling a little uncertain, watch for that to confirm that you put the mask on right.
It’s tempting to reach out to someone else when you see the masks appear, but you can do a better job of helping once you’re able to breathe comfortably. Keep in mind that you have a limited range of movement while wearing a mask. You will only be able to reach the people next to you while you have a mask on.
