Oxygen Delivery Methods

A review of the various types of oxygen delivery methods is provided below.

Pulse
Pulse systems deliver a measured pulse of oxygen as soon as inspiration begins. Once this bolus is delivered, the conserver stops the flow of oxygen until it senses the next breath. All electronic conservers fall into this category.

Demand
In demand systems, oxygen flow begins upon the onset of inspiration and continues at a constant rate until exhalation is detected. Dual-lumen conservers fall into this category.

Hybrid
Hybrid units provide a pulse at the beginning of inspiration followed by a declining continuous flow through the rest of the inspiratory cycle. Many pneumatic devices fall into this category.

Minute Volume
Conservers using a minute-volume delivery mechanism restrict the amount of oxygen delivered per minute, delivering pulses from a holding chamber that contains the set minute volume. This type of unit delivers the same volume of oxygen every minute. However, the volume of oxygen delivered in each pulse will vary with a patient's breath rate.

Uniform Pulse
Conservers featuring a uniform pulse method deliver the same volume of oxygen with every pulse, regardless of a patient's breath rate. As a result, the volume of oxygen delivered within a minute of time can be variable.