Oxygen mask

Oxygen is naturally occurring in room air at 21% and higher percentages are often essential in medical treatment.

They are designed to provide a good seal for long-duration use by aviators, medical research subjects, and hyperbaric chamber and other patients who require administration of pure oxygen, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and decompression sickness victims.

Dr. Arthur H. Bulbulian pioneered the first modern viable oxygen mask, worn by World War II pilots and used by hospitals.

The liquid passed through several warming stages before use, as expansion when it evaporated, and absorbed latent heat of vaporization, would make the gasified oxygen so cold that it could cause instant frostbite of the lungs.

[3] The first successful creation for the oxygen mask was by Armenian born Dr. Arthur Bulbulian, in the field of facial prosthetics, in 1941.

[citation needed] Many designs of aviator's oxygen masks contain a microphone to transmit speech to other crew members and to the aircraft's radio.

[5] In a pressure-demand system, oxygen in the mask is above ambient pressure, permitting breathing above 40,000 feet (12,000 m).

[10] These masks are typically attached to a tank carried upon the back of the wearer and are called self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA).

[11] Open circuit SCBAs do not normally supply oxygen, as it is not necessary and constitutes an easily avoidable fire hazard.

Specialized full-face masks that supply oxygen or other breathing gases are used by astronauts to remove nitrogen from their blood before space walks (EVA).

[citation needed] Specialized snout masks which supply oxygen to revive family pets have been donated to fire departments.

Anesthesia masks are either made of anti-static silicone or rubber, as a static electricity spark may ignite some anesthetic gases.

[17] Because of the severe cold and harsh conditions oxygen masks for use at extreme altitude must be robust and effective.

Light weight plastic hoses provide oxygen to the helmet and remove exhaled gas to the outside of the chamber.

Military aviators' oxygen masks are secured to flight helmets with quick-release systems.