What type of oxygen delivery system is a standard face mask?

A standard face mask is classified as a low flow oxygen delivery system. This type of mask allows oxygen to be delivered at flow rates generally between 5 to 10 liters per minute. At these rates, it can provide a concentration of oxygen that typically ranges from 40% to 60% depending on the patient’s breathing pattern and the fit of the mask.

Low flow systems like the standard face mask rely on the patient’s own breathing to achieve the desired oxygen concentration, as they do not have a reservoir that can fully control the amount of oxygen being delivered. The mask will allow some ambient air to mix with the oxygen provided, which is characteristic of low flow systems.

In contrast, high flow systems are designed to deliver a specific concentration of oxygen regardless of the patient's respiratory rate or tidal volume. This is not applicable to the standard face mask. Medium flow would imply a more controlled delivery that does not align with how a standard face mask functions. Variable flow is typically associated with devices that can adapt to the patient’s changing needs, which isn’t the case for a standard face mask either.

Thus, the classification of the standard face mask as a low flow device is accurate, as it aligns with the operational characteristics and common practices surrounding oxygen delivery in