Healthy volunteers help uncover how oxygen reaches the throat

This study involved 14 healthy volunteers to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the throat (hypopharynx) during high-flow oxygen therapy through a nasal cannula or face mask, and standard oxygen therapy through a non-rebreather mask. The goal was to understand how different oxygen delivery methods affect gas composition in the throat, especially in patients who breathe through their mouth. The findings may help improve oxygen therapy for critically ill patients, such as those with COVID-19.