The Different Types of Oxygen Devices for Hypoxic Respiratory Failure

For most patients, treatment for hypoxic respiratory failure generally begins with oxygen to maintain an oxygen saturation greater than 92%. There are several devices that can be used to deliver oxygen. When selecting an oxygen device, factors to consider include the current oxygen requirements of the patient and their level of consciousness. Non-invasive ventilation such as CPAP and BIPAP are useful in select settings like congestive heart failure, COPD or in very specific cases to delay intubation.