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Should Oxygen Be Humidified?

David Miller • • 7 min read
Should Oxygen Be Humidified?

Oxygen should always be humidified if it bypasses the upper airway and is introduced through a tracheostomy tube but it is not routine practice to humidify supplemental oxygen for low flow oxygen via nasal cannula

nasal cannula
Flow rates of 1-4 litres per minute are used with nasal cannulas, equating to a concentration of approximately 24-40% oxygen. Flow rates of up to 6 litres can be given but this will often cause nasal dryness and can be uncomfortable for patients (British Thoracic Society, 2008).
(1-4 L/min).

What is the purpose of humidified oxygen?

Oxygen can be humidified with the aim of reducing sensations of dryness in the upper airways. This may be important in high-flow oxygen therapy but the benefit of humidifying low-flow oxygen delivered through nasal cannulae has been uncertain.

At what rate should oxygen be humidified?

The American Association For Respiratory Care7, based on some studies, recommends that nasal cannula oxygen delivered at flow rates ≤ 4 L/min need not be humidified, but these studies have subjectively evaluated patients' dryness8,9.

David Miller
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David Miller

David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.