oral cannula

Types of Oral Cannula

Oral cannulas come in diverse types. Each varients caters operational ease during oxygen administration. Below are the common types:

Medical Oral Cannula-This type primarily is for hospitalised patients who need supplementary oxygen. Its prongs fit snuggly in the nostrils while the rounded part rests on the upper lip, facilitating comfort. Hospitals typically use them in treatment rooms, ICU, and emergency care units. They often have adjustable flow settings to control oxygen distribution. Consequently, these settings meet patient distinct needs.

Standard Oral Cannula-This traditional cannula has a moderate-sized flow path. Government and health institutions approve it for low and moderate oxygen flow. It caters to average usage across healthcare settings. Standard oral cannulas are relatively less expensive, making them economical for healthcare providers.

High-Flow Oral Cannula-This cutting-edge cannula is for use when patients demand substantial oxygen volumes. Its design accommodates high oxygen flow rates. Thus, it becomes vital for patients with acute respiratory challenges. It also includes intricate flow management systems. Usually, the hospitals customise them as per the patients’ critical care requirements.

Disposable Oral Cannula-This cannula prioritises hygiene and infection prevention. The design allows single use and is ideal for hospitals when they have to frequently switch between patients. Its availability promotes good health standards by eliminating cross disease. They are, however, more expensive in bulk for long-term use.

Durable Oral Cannula-Healthcare professionals select this option with longevity in mind. It is for use by patients requiring prolonged oxygen therapy. It is also a better alternative to the disposable type. The prominent feature of a durable nasal cannula is that it is robust, allows regular cleaning, and lives up to repeated uses without failing. Therefore, it becomes a cost-efficient solution for long-term care.

Materials and Design

Essentially, the materials of cannulas make are a crucial determinant of their functionality and comfort. Design optimisations based on their intended uses guarantee efficacy. Below are the key materials and designs that go into oral cannulas:

Medical-Grade PVC- This material is the most common for oral cannulas. It is due to its flexibility and resilience. The wide application use in hospitals derives from these factors. PVC contributes to the cannula's lightweight design. As such, it promotes patient comfort during long-term use.

Silicone Rubber-This material is prominent for its hypoallergenic properties. Silicone cannulas are beneficial for patients with sensitive skin or who have developed skin irritation from prolonged oxygen therapy. Silicone also remains elastic in a wide range of temperatures. Thus, it guarantees a constant snug and comfortable fit in varying ambient temperatures, unlike its PVC counterpart. Silicone cannulas often come with softer, more contoured prongs for enhanced comfort.

Stainless Steel Reinforcement- Oral nasal cannula variants that require enhanced durability feature stainless steel reinforcements. Therefore, this steel ensures that the cannula can withstand rigorous handling in high-demand medical scenarios. It comes in handy in emergencies or when the cannula is subjected to frequent movement.

This material also standardises the flow rate by maintaining the shape of the pipes, thus ensuring consistent oxygen delivery as designed. Cannulas with stainless steel reinforcements ideally suit the surgery rooms and the emergency response unit.

Design Features

The design of oxygen supply with cannulas prioritises the comfort and effectiveness in oxygen supply.

Ergonomic Prong Design- The prongs that fit into the nostrils commonly bear an ergonomic design. Therefore, they provide a comfortable fit that reduces nasal irritation. The prongs’ curvature and size variations are due to different user groups, which may include children or adults. This feature is crucial for long-term care as it mitigates discomfort.

Adjustable Tubing Length Cannulas under this category come with tubing that is adjustable in length. It provides flexibility in patient mobility. In addition, this feature ensures that the oxygen supply remains uninhibited even when the patient moves around.

Anti-Drawback Valve- This feature prevents backflow of oxygen when the supply is turned off. It avoids contamination and guarantees that oxygen remains within the tubing, thus preserving its purity. This design element also safeguards patients receiving therapy from inhaling pathogens.

Scenarios for Using Oral Cannula

Oral Nasal O2 cannulas come in handy across various situations because of their critical functionalities. Subsequently, they cater to the oxygen necessity of people with breathing difficulties. Below are common scenarios:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)-These patients often need supplemental oxygen. Therefore, an oral Nasal cannula allows them the comfort to move while receiving the oxygen they require. This mobility promotes patients' independence as they go about daily activities without fussing over their condition.

Sleep Apnea Treatment- A number of people with mild sleep apnea benefit from oral nasal cannulas as part of their nocturnal oxygen therapy. It helps keep them comfortable and reduces the chances of discovering oral nasal cannula side effects, significantly improving sleep quality for users.

Transportation of Oxygen-dependent Patients In ambulances or during medical evacuation, patients requiring oxygen rely on these cannulas. They keep the oxygen flowing throughout their journey, whether from home to the hospital or between medical facilities. The portable nature of oral cannulas makes them a critical component of emergency medical services.

Home Health Care-Individuals with long-term oxygen therapy at home widely utilise nasal cannulas. It enables them to execute their care without the need to be bedridden or limited in their mobility. It integrates seamlessly into their daily lifestyle, making it easier for them to maintain their health whilst remaining active.

Post-surgery Recovery-Patients recovering from surgeries that affect respiratory functions, like heart and lung surgeries, commonly use oral nasal cannulas. These devices offer low-impact oxygen support during recovery. Most post-operative care environments prefer its application due to its ease of use and comfort for patients.

How to Choose Oral Cannula

Choosing the ideal nasal cannula primarily depends on the patients' comfort, operational ease, and effectiveness. Below are fundamental factors to consider:

Flow Rate Different cannulas are suitable for various oxygen flow rates. For instance, patients who require only a small volume will benefit more from a standard oral cannula. Those in dire need of massive flow will easily benefit from high-flow oral cannulas. Therefore, the flow rate should correspond to the oxygen therapy requirements.

Material Cannula materials influence their comfort, durability, and risk of allergy. A contaminated durable oral cannula is made of medical-grade PVC, which is flexible and sturdy. These features are particularly crucial for long-term use, especially for patients who have delicate skin tissues.

Prong Design The design of the prongs affects comfort and stability. Ergonomically designed prongs cause less irritation and ensure a better fit. Go for cannulas whose prong sizes are adjustable. They help provide a better fit across various patients.

Ease of Cleaning For durable cannulas, it is important that they can be cleaned easily to prevent infections. Those designed from stainless steel and PVC are easy to clean with detergent and water.

Compatibility with Devices Occasionally, oxygen therapy systems employ external devices, such as pulse oximeters and oxygen concentrators. Therefore, ensure the oral nasal cannula is compatible with such devices, ideally from the same manufacturer. Regular use should not affect the performance of either the cannula or the device.

Patient Condition Always consider the condition of the patient when selecting an oral cannula. Those with skin prone to irritation benefit more from silicone cannulas. Other factors to consider include age and activity level. Very active adults will benefit more from flexible and longer tubing.

Q & A

Q1. Can a nasal cannula be used for all patients?

Hooking up a cannula for sale to all patients is not advisable. Their requirements for oxygen flow differ. Standard oral nasal O2 cannulas work well with patients requiring low to moderate flows of oxygen. Those needing specialised support will benefit from high-flow or high-performance varieties. The healthcare professionals assess the requirements of the patients before choosing the appropriate type of cannula.

Q2. Are there any risks associated with using an oral nasal cannula?

The comfort of the patient is very crucial. Thus, manufacturers do all they can to ensure that the risks associated with oral nasal cannulas are minimal. When used properly and cared for, the risks are then low. However, possible risks include skin irritation, particularly for patients undergoing long-term therapy. Secondly, there could be a risk of airway obstruction due to improper placement. Moreover, contamination of the cannula can cause infection.

Q3. Which is better between oral nasal cannula and facemask for oxygen delivery?

Oral *n*asai canula with facemask oxygen delivery systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Cannulas keep the patient active as they can move without the aids hindering their activities. They also have a lower tendency to cause carbon dioxide retention. On the other hand, face masks are bulky and can cause anxiety in patients who feel claustrophobic with them on. However, they are good at delivering high concentrations of oxygen.

Q4. How often should an oral nasal cannula be replaced?

A hygienic oral nAsal anccdla should be replaced every two to four weeks. Its replacement is a must for disposable cannulas after each single use. Prolonged use of an oral nasal cannula leads to infection due to accumulation of dirt and germs on its surface. Besides, it may become ineffective as it wears out. Therefore, regular replacements ensure oxygen therapy's efficacy and safety.