What is the common flow rate for a non-rebreather mask with an oxygen reservoir?

The common flow rate for a non-rebreather mask with an oxygen reservoir is typically set at 10+ liters per minute (LPM). This flow rate is essential to ensure that the mask adequately delivers a high concentration of oxygen to the patient. Non-rebreather masks are designed to provide almost 100% oxygen at high flow rates, which is crucial in emergency situations where a patient may be experiencing severe respiratory distress or hypoxia.

At this flow rate, the reservoir bag is kept inflated to prevent the patient from inhaling room air. The high flow helps ensure that the mask delivers sufficient oxygen when the patient inhales. If the flow rate is lower than 10 LPM, there is a risk that the reservoir bag may not remain inflated, leading to the potential for mixing room air with the supplemental oxygen. This can compromise the effectiveness of the non-rebreather mask in delivering the required high concentration of oxygen to the patient.