When is a non-rebreathable mask typically used?

A non-rebreathable mask, often referred to as a non-rebreather mask, is typically used for patients who are able to breathe on their own but require supplemental oxygen due to conditions such as respiratory distress or hypoxia. This type of mask allows for a high flow of oxygen to be delivered, and it minimizes the amount of exhaled air that can be inhaled again by the patient, ensuring they receive as much oxygen as possible.

In situations where a patient is unconscious or in cardiac arrest, other forms of airway management, such as advanced airways or bag-valve-mask ventilation, would be more appropriate because a non-rebreather mask may not create a proper seal or may not be effective if the patient's ventilation is compromised. Patients requiring resuscitation also need immediate interventions that ensure airways are open, often necessitating more immediate forms of oxygenation than that provided by a non-rebreather mask. Therefore, the non-rebreather mask is best suited for conscious patients with the ability to breathe independently while needing high-flow oxygen support.