Oxygen delivery using self-inflating resuscitation bags.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Oxygen-filled self-inflating resuscitators are used by some as a source of oxygen for spontaneously breathing patients. In this application, the bag is not compressed and oxygen is assumed to flow freely from the patient outlet through a mask positioned loosely over the patient's face. We tested 11 resuscitators to determine the delivery of oxygen from the patient outlet using different inlet flows. DESIGN: Bench test. SETTING: A pediatric intensive care unit. INTERVENTIONS: Patient outlet flow was measured at inlet flows of 5, 10, and 15 L/min at two different orientations of the reservoir valve assembly (upright and inverted). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patient outlet flow v..