Difference Between Nasal Oxygen Supply Terminal And BIBS Mask in Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber

1. Definition & Structure

Nasal Oxygen Supply Terminal (Nasal Inhalation Type)

Commonly known as nasal cannula/nasal prong. Two thin tubes are placed into or aimed at the nostrils to deliver oxygen directly to the nasal cavity without a sealed mask.

BIBS Mask (Built-In Breathing System)

A fully sealed full-face mask covering the mouth and nose, equipped with one-way valves and independent oxygen supply & exhaust pipelines. Exhaled gas is discharged directly out of the chamber or into a dedicated circuit to avoid polluting the chamber air.

2. Working Principle & Oxygen Concentration

Nasal Oxygen Supply Terminal

Oxygen flows continuously toward the nasal cavity and is inhaled spontaneously by the user. The overall oxygen concentration inside the chamber rises in a diffused manner. The inhaled oxygen concentration is about 40%–70%, easily affected by mouth breathing and talking.

BIBS Mask

Closed breathing circuit for breathing pure oxygen (95%–100%) steadily. Exhaled gas (containing CO₂) is exhausted out of the chamber through a dedicated pipeline, keeping the chamber oxygen concentration at a safe level (≈21%) with no cross-contamination.

3. Comfort & Application Scenarios

Nasal Oxygen Supply Terminal

✅ Lightweight with no facial compression; allow talking, drinking and eating. Suitable for mild hypoxia, daily health care and long-term relaxing oxygen therapy.

❌ Unstable oxygen concentration; high flow may cause nasal dryness and irritation; oxygen concentration drops sharply when breathing through the mouth.

BIBS Mask

✅ Stable high-concentration pure oxygen inhalation without CO₂ retention. Ideal for severe hypoxia, first aid, neurological & orthopedic rehabilitation, and formal hyperbaric oxygen therapy (≥1.5ATA).

❌ Slight facial compression; inconvenient for talking and eating; requires facial fitting and slightly complicated wearing operation.

4. Safety & Efficiency

Nasal Oxygen Supply Terminal

Elevates chamber oxygen concentration with slightly higher fire risk; low oxygen utilization rate with partial oxygen leakage into the chamber.

BIBS Mask

Maintains normal chamber oxygen concentration with higher safety performance; high oxygen utilization rate with controllable and stable therapeutic effect.

5. Selection Suggestion

Choose Nasal Oxygen Supply Terminal: Daily health care, mild fatigue/insomnia, long-term (60–90 mins) relaxing oxygen therapy, and scenarios requiring free talking and activities.

Choose BIBS Mask: Medical hyperbaric oxygen treatment (cerebral infarction, carbon monoxide poisoning, wound healing, etc.), scenarios requiring precise high-concentration oxygen, high efficiency and safety priority, and acceptable temporary wearing restriction.

Summary Comparison Table