Many people receive in-home oxygen through an oxygen delivery device known as anasal cannula. This thin, plastic tube has two small prongs at one end that rest in the nostrils. The nasal cannula can comfortably deliver oxygen to a person at one to six liters per minute (LPM), in concentrations ranging from 24 to 40 percent, depending upon how many LPM are being delivered. In comparison, room air contains about 21 percent oxygen, which is generally not enough for people with lung disease.
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Do Mouth Breathers Get the Same Benefits?
There are manybenefits of long-term oxygen therapy, the greatest of which is that, when used at least 15 hours a day, it increases survival. But are people who use oxygen and breathe through their mouths able to derive the full benefit of oxygen therapy? Or, doesmouth breathingresult in low levels of oxygen in the blood, cells, and tissues?
Results of the study found that 34.6 percent of the people had normal oxygen saturation levels (95 percent or greater), 22.6 percent had an oxygen saturation level of 95 percent, and 42.8 percent were consideredhypoxic, with oxygen saturation levels below the set study limit of 95 percent. Researchers concluded that, while mouth breathing doesn’t always result in hypoxia, it can contribute to it.
Another study involving 10 healthy subjects compared aspirated gas samples of both open and closed-mouth breathers from the tip of a nasal cannula resting in the nasopharynx. The study concluded that not only did the delivered fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) increase with increasing oxygen flow rates but, compared to closed-mouth breathers, open-mouth breathers realized a significantly greater FIO2.
However, in an editorial disputing the validity of the aforementioned study, Dr. Thomas Poulton, Chief Resident of the Bowman Gray School of Medicine’s Department of Anesthesia, explains that gas samples taken from this area are not likely to be accurate because they contain only oxygen-enriched gas—not gas mixed with room air. Gas Samples taken from thetrachea, which is further down the throat, would yield a more accurate gas concentration.
What Can You Do About Mouth Breathing?
The solution to mouth breathing is often dependent upon the underlying cause. Once accurately diagnosed, you can address treatment options which may include the following:
Clear Your Nasal Passages
Over-the-counterantihistaminesare available to keep allergy symptoms at bay and open up clogged nasal passages. Saline nasal spray is a natural alternative to medication and helps lubricate the nasal passages, often relieving congestion.
If over-the-counter antihistamines and/or saline nasal sprays don’t work for you, talk to your healthcare provider about usingother therapies.
Make an Appointment With Your Dentist
Dentists are sometimes more knowledgeable than doctors when it comes to understanding mouth breathing. If your dentist determines that a facial or dental abnormality is the root of your mouth breathing, they may fit you with a functional device to help correct the problem.
Switch to a Simple Face Mask
One alternative is to consider using the nasal cannula during the day and switching to a simple face mask at night, so at least you’ll be getting the full benefit of oxygen therapy during the hours in which you are asleep. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about alternatives to the nasal cannula.
Nasal Surgery
If your nasal passages are blocked because of adeviated septum, consider talking to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist about the surgery that may help correct the problem and allow you to breathe better. Remember, people with COPD should be especially cautious when undergoing surgery, because of the potential post-operativecomplications associated with anesthesia.
Transtracheal Oxygen Therapy
Transtracheal oxygen therapy(TTOT) is a method of administering supplemental oxygen directly into the trachea (windpipe). As an alternative to the nasal cannula, it delivers up to six liters of oxygen per minute through a small, plastic tube called a catheter. TTOT is generally reserved for people who have low blood oxygen levels that don’t respond well to traditional methods of oxygen delivery.
Pulse Oximetry for Those on Supplemental Oxygen
Whether you breathe through your mouth or nose, a pulse oximetry monitor is a must-have for anyone who receives in-home oxygen therapy. Pulse oximeters detect rapid changes in oxygen saturation levels providing you with a warning that you’re low on oxygen. Compare prices on pulse oximetry monitors and never be in the dark about your oxygen saturation levels again.
Bottom Line
There are some concerns about mouth breathing and supplemental oxygen therapy as outlined above, but the important point is that you are taking the time to research this topic and ask important questions—questions that the majority of people with lung disease are not asking.
We are learning that one of the most important factors in the quality of life and survival, not only with lung disease but with a multitude of health conditions, is being an advocate in your health care. While there is no single physician who can stay abreast of all of the new research and findings, even within a specific field such as pulmonology, there are few people who are as motivated to find the answers to these questions than those who are coping with the diseases that prompt the questions.
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Wettstein RB, Shelledy DC, Peters JI.Delivered oxygen concentrations using low-flow and high-flow nasal cannulas.Respir Care. 2005;50(5):604-9.
Hausman MS, Jewell ES, Engoren M.Regional versus general anesthesia in surgical patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: does avoiding general anesthesia reduce the risk of postoperative complications?.Anesth Analg. 2015;120(6):1405-12. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000000574
Christopher KL, Schwartz MD.Transtracheal oxygen therapy. Chest. 2011;139(2):435-440. doi:10.1378/chest.10-1373
Yamamoto, N., Miyashita, T., Takaki, S., and T. Goto.Effects of breathing pattern on oxygen delivery via a nasal or pharyngeal cannula.Respiratory Care. 2015. 60(12):1804-9.Pisani, L., Fasano, L., Corcione, N. et al.Change in Pulmonary Mechanics and the Effect on Breathing Pattern of High Flow Oxygen Therapy in Stable Hypercapnic COPD.Thorax. 2017. 72(4):373-375.
Yamamoto, N., Miyashita, T., Takaki, S., and T. Goto.Effects of breathing pattern on oxygen delivery via a nasal or pharyngeal cannula.Respiratory Care. 2015. 60(12):1804-9.
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