NasalOxy®: A NEXT-GENERATION LOW-FLOW NasalOxy®: A NEXT-GENERATION NOSE-AND-MOUTH MASK FOR LOW-FLOW OXYGEN THERAPY – FOR ENHANCED OXYGENATION AND GREATER PATIENT COMFORT INTERFACE FOR ENHANCED OXYGENATION AND PATIENT COMFORT

INTRODUCTION

Low-flow oxygen therapy remains a central component of the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory diseases, including COPD, pneumonia, and chronic respiratory failure, in which an effective and continuous supply of oxygen is crucial. However, conventional oxygen delivery systems—particularly nasal cannulas—are often associated with limitations in terms of oxygenation efficiency, mucosal irritation, and reduced treatment adherence [1,2].

NasalOxy® is a patented nasal-oral mask for oxygen delivery that addresses these very challenges with its prong-free design and an innovative oxygen distribution mechanism. This white paper examines the clinical basis, technological innovation, and therapeutic relevance of NasalOxy®.

Overview

Oxygen therapy is a fundamental treatment for patients with hypoxemia and respiratory failure and is explicitly recommended in international clinical guidelines [1]. Its effectiveness depends not only on the oxygen flow rate but also on the efficiency of the oxygen delivery system used and the patient’s adherence to therapy.

Conventional nasal cannulas remain widely used due to their ease of use. However, the efficiency of oxygen delivery can be compromised by varying breathing patterns [2]. Prolonged use is also associated with dryness and irritation of the nasal mucosa, an increased risk of epistaxis, and a decline in patient tolerance over time.

Focus of this white paper: Overcoming existing limitations

This document examines how NasalOxy®, a patented nasal-oral mask for oxygen delivery, addresses the limitations of conventional systems by generating a localized, oxygen-enriched airflow in the breathing zone. This promotes more efficient oxygen uptake through both the nose and the mouth while improving patient comfort.

NasalOxy Nasal-Oral Mask

Figure 1: NasalOxy®
Low-flow nasal-oral mask with a prong-free design for oxygen delivery

NasalOxy® was developed to deliver low-flow oxygen via a diffuse, non-intranasal oxygen delivery system located below the nostrils.
Unlike conventional nasal masks, no intranasal prongs are required, which minimizes direct contact with the nasal mucosa. The interface supports both nasal and oral breathing and is designed to improve comfort during long-term oxygen therapy as well as during everyday activities.

Clinical Challenges of Conventional Oxygen Delivery Systems

The clinical limitations of conventional oxygen delivery systems go beyond patient comfort and can directly affect the stability of therapy. By design, oxygen delivery via nasal prongs is limited to the nasal airway. As a result, efficacy may be reduced in patients who breathe partially or predominantly through their mouths.
Furthermore, the efficacy of oxygen delivery via conventional nasal cannulas may be compromised during everyday activities such as speaking or eating due to increased mouth breathing and variable inspiratory patterns.

From a clinical perspective, these challenges can be summarized as follows:
  • Limitation of the route of administration: In patients who breathe primarily through their mouths, oxygen delivery via conventional nasal cannulas is only partially effective.
  • Interrupted oxygen supply: Oxygen uptake can be impaired during everyday activities, which reduces the continuity of therapy.
  • Interface-related complaints: The use of conventional nasal prongs can lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation of the nasal passages and may occasionally cause nosebleeds and local pain.
NasalOxy® Technology: A Paradigm Shift in Oxygen Delivery

NasalOxy® takes a fundamentally different approach based on the distribution of oxygen within the respiratory tract rather than direct intranasal insufflation. The system is positioned externally between the nose and mouth and uses a patented oxygen distributor with a swirler-based mechanism [6]. This system generates a stable, oxygen-enriched airflow that can be inhaled simultaneously through the nose and mouth

NasalOxy nose-and-mouth mask on a moped

Figure 2: Illustration of the
oxygen delivery principle of NasalOxy®

NasalOxy® generates a gentle, diffuse flow of oxygen around the nose and mouth, thereby supporting low-flow oxygen therapy without the use of intranasal prongs.

Key design features include:
  • Prong-free interface for positioning on the upper lip
  • Swirler mechanism for controlled oxygen distribution
  • Formation of a localized “oxygen cloud”
  • Multi-axis joint for anatomical adaptation
Mechanism of action: Improved oxygenation efficiency

The system generates a localized, oxygen-rich airflow, which increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the respiratory tract and improves diffusion efficiency. Unlike conventional nasal cannulas, this principle enables a more uniform oxygen delivery. The design thus represents a shift from anatomy-dependent oxygen delivery to breathing-centered oxygen therapy and builds on earlier concepts for simultaneous mouth and nose breathing [5].

Three mechanisms form the basis of how it works:
  • Formation of an oxygen cloud: increases local oxygen availability
  • Oxygen delivery through both airways: allows for both nasal and oral breathing
  • Reduced contact with the mucous membranes: minimizes irritation and dryness
Effect of NasalOxy on arterial pO2

Figure 3: Effect of NasalOxy® on arterial pO₂ during low-flow oxygen therapy

Comparative studies showed higher mean arterial pO₂ values with NasalOxy® than with conventional nasal prongs at oxygen flow rates of 2 L/min and 5 L/min. The bars show the mean ± standard deviation after 20 minutes of oxygen administration.

Clinical Evidence

In einer Beobachtungsstudie bei Patienten mit respiratorischer Insuffizienz war die Anwendung von NasalOxy® bei üblichen Low-Flow-Einstellungen mit signifikanten Verbesserungen der arteriellen Oxygenierungsparameter verbunden. Es wurden Anstiege des PaO₂ von etwa 28 % bei 2 L/min und 71 % bei 5 L/min beobachtet. Gleichzeitig zeigten sich signifikante Verbesserungen der SpO₂-Werte (p < 0,01) [7 und Abb. 3].

Comparison of NasalOxy® and Conventional Nasal Masks

Figure 4: Comparison of NasalOxy® and conventional nasal prongs in low-flow oxygen therapy

NasalOxy® is a prong-free interface for oxygen delivery that supports oxygen delivery during both nasal and oral breathing while reducing direct contact with the nasal mucosa. Compared to conventional nasal cannulas, NasalOxy® can improve patient comfort, reduce mucosal irritation, and support a more stable oxygen delivery during low-flow oxygen therapy.

Patient Experience and Real-World Results

By supporting a more stable oxygen supply during everyday activities such as speaking and eating, NasalOxy® can help reduce fluctuations in oxygenation and improve the overall continuity of therapy.

Real-world user reports indicate that NasalOxy® offers improved ease of use and comfort compared to conventional nasal cannulas. Reported benefits include reduced irritation and dryness of the nasal mucosa, improved sleep quality, and more stable oxygen levels during everyday activities.

Illustration of a patient using the prongless NasalOxy

Figure 5: Patient-centered use of NasalOxy® during long-term low-flow oxygen therapy

Illustration of a patient using the prong-free NasalOxy® nose-and-mouth mask. Feedback from practical use indicates improved comfort and better tolerability during long-term oxygen therapy, including a reduction in dryness and irritation of the nasal mucosa, which frequently occur with conventional intranasal nasal cannulas. Users also frequently report improved comfort during sleep and while performing daily activities. The interface was designed to support both nasal and oral breathing while minimizing direct contact with the mucous membranes.

Integration into care pathways
Training and Introduction to Practical Application

NasalOxy® can be used as a convenient alternative within long-term oxygen therapy programs and as a practical solution in both clinical and home care settings. The system can be integrated without requiring changes to the oxygen source, flow settings, or established monitoring protocols. Current guidelines on oxygen therapy emphasize the importance of individualized treatment, continuous monitoring, and the appropriate selection of the oxygen delivery system [3,4].

Training and Introduction to Practical Application
  • Minimal training required thanks to an intuitive, button-free design
  • No complex setup or calibration required
  • Promotes immediate acceptance and independence on the part of the patient
Redefining Patient-Centered Oxygen Therapy

NasalOxy® was developed to support a more comfortable and adaptable low-flow oxygen therapy by combining a clinically relevant oxygen delivery with a prong-free, patient-centered interface.

By specifically addressing the practical limitations of conventional nasal cannulas, NasalOxy® aims to improve long-term ease of use, comfort, and therapy acceptance in both clinical and home care settings.

For clinical inquiries, sales opportunities, or product information, please contact CNSAC.

Key Points at a Glance
  • Conventional nasal oxygen masks are associated with oxygen dilution due to ambient air, irritation of the mucous membranes, and reduced effectiveness when breathing through the mouth.
  • NasalOxy® generates a localized, oxygen-enriched airflow in the breathing zone, thereby supporting both nasal and oral oxygen uptake.
  • The clinical examination revealed significant improvements in PaO₂ (28% at 2 L/min and 71% at 5 L/min) as well as in SpO₂.
  • The prong-free design significantly improves patient comfort and tolerability.
  • NasalOxy® offers a next-generation, patient-centered solution for low-flow oxygen therapy.
REFERENCES
  1. 1. Koczulla AR, Schneeberger T, Jarosch I, Kenn K, Gloeckl R. Long-term oxygen therapy. Dtsch Arztebl Int.
    2018;115(51-52):871-877. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2018.0871

  2. 2. Sharma S, Danckers M, Sanghavi DK, Chakraborty RK. High-flow nasal cannula. StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure
    Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026. PMID:30252327

  3. 3. O’Driscoll BR, Howard LS, Earis J, Mak V; British Thoracic Society Emergency Oxygen Guideline Group; BTS
    Emergency Oxygen Guideline Development Group. BTS guideline for oxygen use in adults in healthcare and
    emergency settings. Thorax. 2017;72(Suppl 1):ii1-ii90. doi:10.1136/thoraxjnl-2016-209729

  4. 4. Barnett A, Beasley R, Buchan C, Chien J, Farah CS, King G, et al. Position statement by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand’
    s on acute oxygen use in adults: “Swimming between the flags”. Respirology. 2022;27:262–
    276. doi:10.1111/resp.14218

  5. 5. Köhler D, Knoch M, Sommerfeld C, Müller H. A new oxygen applicator for simultaneous mouth- and nose-
    -breathing. Chest. 1993;103(4):1157-1160. doi:10.1378/chest.103.4.1157

  6. 6. Köhler D, Löwenstein R. Oxygen distributor for use in oxygen inhalation therapy. European Patent EP2578262B1.
    European Patent Office; 2017.

  7. 7. Kianian A, Ghafoori T, Abu Hassan O. A new low-flow oxygen cannula provides advanced oxygen delivery via a h
    , allowing simultaneous oral and nasal breathing. CNSAC Internal Study. Published 2024. Accessed May 14, 2026.
    https://www.cnsac-medshop.com/en/blogs/unkategorisiert/low-flow-oxygen-cannulanasaloxy

Search on our site