Happimaskuja

Happimaskuja is a Finnish-language term commonly used to refer to oxygen masks, devices worn over the nose and mouth to deliver supplemental oxygen. They are used to treat hypoxemia and to support patients during anesthesia, trauma, respiratory illness, and other conditions that reduce blood oxygen levels.

In medical practice happimaskuja include several standard configurations: simple face masks, partial-rebreather masks, non-rebreather masks, and Venturi masks. Some models incorporate a reservoir bag to increase the amount of oxygen delivered. Oxygen is supplied from a wall outlet, portable cylinder, or other source, and flows through the mask at a rate appropriate for the mask type. Typical flow ranges vary by device, with simple and non-rebreather masks commonly operated around 5–15 liters per minute to achieve the desired concentration of inspired oxygen.

Design and usage considerations include that most masks are made of clear medical-grade plastic and are held in place by an adjustable elastic strap. The fit affects the delivered concentration, so proper sizing and seal are important. Some patients may require humidified oxygen or temperature-controlled delivery, particularly at higher flows. Safety and care involve monitoring the patient’s respiratory status and oxygen saturation, avoiding skin irritation, and ensuring the mask is used only for its intended purpose. Masks are not appropriate for all patients; in some cases they are replaced by nasal cannula or more advanced devices.

Etymology and regional usage: happimaskuja reflects Finnish terms for oxygen (happi) and masks, and is used in Finnish-language medical literature to denote oxygen-delivery masks. It should not be confused with gas masks or full-face respirators used in hazardous environments.