Non-Rebreather Mask
The highest-concentration passive oxygen delivery for the spontaneously breathing patient — ~60–80% FiO₂ at 10–15 LPM.
What is a Non-Rebreather Mask? A single-use, disposable high-flow oxygen delivery device for spontaneously breathing patients. The MED-TAC NRB (SKU LX-NRB) includes a one-way exhalation valve, a reservoir bag that accumulates oxygen between breaths, and 7 ft of supply tubing. At 10–15 LPM it delivers roughly 60–80% FiO₂ — the highest concentration achievable without intubation or a sealed circuit. Standard adult sizing; essential for prehospital trauma care and any setting where supplemental oxygen is indicated.
Key Specifications
| Manufacturer / Vendor | MED-TAC International |
| SKU | LX-NRB |
| Configuration | Single-use, disposable |
| Tubing Length | 7 ft (oxygen supply tubing) |
| Included Components | Mask body, one-way exhalation valve, reservoir bag, 7 ft O₂ tubing |
| FiO₂ (typical) | ~60–80% at 10–15 LPM |
| Minimum O₂ Flow | 10–15 LPM (keeps reservoir inflated) |
| Patient Type | Spontaneously breathing adult |
| Valve Type | One-way exhalation (prevents rebreathing) |
| Reservoir Function | Accumulates O₂ between inhalations |
| Compatible Equipment | Any standard medical O₂ cylinder with regulator (standard barb fitting) |
Key Features
Clinical Overview — How the NRB Works
The non-rebreather mask is the upper boundary of non-invasive oxygen delivery for spontaneously breathing patients. Unlike simple face masks — which mix supplemental oxygen with entrained room air — the reservoir bag and one-way valve isolate inspired gas from exhaled waste, producing dramatically higher FiO₂ without an advanced airway.
The one-way valve at the reservoir/mask junction blocks exhaled gas (carbon dioxide, reduced oxygen) from re-entering the bag. Between breaths the oxygen source continuously refills the reservoir, so a full, oxygen-rich volume is ready for the next breath. At 10–15 LPM the delivered FiO₂ approaches 60–80%, varying with mask fit, respiratory rate, and tidal volume.
This makes the NRB the appropriate device for significant hypoxia in a patient who retains spontaneous respiratory drive — the highest-acuity oxygen tool before escalating to bag-valve-mask ventilation or a definitive airway. In TCCC/TECC settings, key indications include respiratory distress, blast injury, smoke inhalation, and post-hemorrhagic hypoxia.
Operating note: open the oxygen flow and let the reservoir fully inflate before applying the mask. A collapsed reservoir at application means the first breath pulls room air, not oxygen — inflate the bag first.
Who Uses the NRB Mask
- TCCC providers — medics, PJs, and 18D Special Forces Medical Sergeants managing hypoxic casualties in austere settings where oxygen is carried.
- EMS — BLS/ALS providers delivering prehospital oxygen for respiratory distress, altered mental status, and post-trauma patients.
- TEMS / TECC — law enforcement medics and Rescue Task Force providers delivering oxygen in warm/hot zones without procedural airway intervention.
- Wilderness / remote — expedition medics and SAR teams carrying portable oxygen for altitude illness, severe trauma, and respiratory emergencies.
- Fire / hazmat — smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide exposure, where high-concentration oxygen is primary treatment.
- Industrial / occupational health — facility response teams maintaining oxygen capability for confined-space rescue and toxic exposure.
- Austere / operational medicine — ship-borne medical officers, forward surgical teams, and remote clinics.
Oxygen Delivery Device Comparison
| Device | Typical FiO₂ | O₂ Flow | Key Indication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nasal cannula | 24–44% | 1–6 LPM | Mild hypoxia, comfort, long-duration delivery |
| Simple face mask | 35–50% | 6–10 LPM | Moderate hypoxia |
| Non-Rebreather (NRB) | ~60–80% | 10–15 LPM | Severe hypoxia, CO poisoning, respiratory distress |
| Bag-valve-mask (BVM) | ~90–100% | 15 LPM | Inadequate respiratory drive; requires active ventilation |
| Intubation / CPAP | Up to 100% | Variable | Respiratory failure, airway protection, definitive care |
The NRB occupies the step between simple-face-mask oxygen and active ventilation — the highest-FiO₂ passive option. When a patient has adequate respiratory drive but severe hypoxia, the NRB is the correct device, avoiding the operator dependency of BVM and advanced airways while delivering much higher oxygen concentrations than simpler masks.
Clinical Indications
- Blast and penetrating trauma — post-injury hypoxia, pneumothorax (after decompression), hemothorax, pulmonary contusion.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning — CO binds hemoglobin ~240× the affinity of oxygen; high-concentration O₂ accelerates its displacement.
- Respiratory distress — bronchospasm, asthma exacerbation, pulmonary edema, allergic reactions with bronchospasm.
- Altitude illness / HAPE — descent plus supplemental oxygen; the NRB's high FiO₂ maximizes benefit from a limited supply.
- Smoke inhalation — combined CO and airway irritation; treats the CO component while monitoring for upper-airway edema.
- Post-arrest (spontaneously breathing) — high-concentration O₂ en route to definitive care, titrated once SpO₂ monitoring is available.
- Drowning / near-drowning — aspiration-related hypoxia in patients who retain respiratory drive.
Operating Notes
- Connect the 7 ft tubing to the oxygen source (cylinder regulator or wall outlet).
- Set flow to 10–15 LPM — the reservoir must stay inflated.
- Pre-inflate the reservoir bag before placing the mask.
- Fit the mask with the nose clip and elastic strap for a consistent seal.
- Reassess: the reservoir should deflate slightly with each breath but never fully collapse; increase flow if it does. Monitor SpO₂ when available.
Complete Oxygen Delivery System
- Oxygen source: Size D Oxygen Cylinder — the standard portable cylinder for EMS, TEMS, and tactical bags.
- Regulator: Mini O₂ Regulator — compact, CGA870, with the 10–15 LPM range the NRB needs.
- Delivery device: this Non-Rebreather Mask (LX-NRB) — connects directly to the regulator via standard O₂ barb.
See the full airway management collection for all oxygen-delivery and airway supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flow rate does an NRB need?
At least 10 LPM to keep the reservoir inflated; most protocols use 10–15 LPM. Lower flow collapses the reservoir, so the patient inspires room air. If the bag fully collapses with each breath, increase the flow.
What FiO₂ does it deliver?
Roughly 60–80% at 10–15 LPM with a good seal; exact FiO₂ depends on seal quality, respiratory rate, and tidal volume. By comparison, a nasal cannula at 6 LPM delivers ~44% and a simple mask at 10 LPM ~50%.
Can it be used on unconscious patients?
It is for spontaneously breathing patients only. An unconscious patient without adequate respiratory drive needs BVM ventilation or a definitive airway. If spontaneous breathing is preserved, monitor closely and be ready to transition to BVM if effort deteriorates.
Is it reusable?
No — single-use, disposable. Reuse risks contamination from exhaled secretions. Stock multiples in trauma and oxygen kits.
What cylinder is compatible?
Any medical oxygen cylinder with a standard regulator set to 10–15 LPM. The Size D cylinder with the Mini O₂ Regulator is the recommended prehospital/tactical pairing.
How does it differ from a partial rebreather?
Both use a reservoir bag; the difference is the one-way valve. The NRB's valve blocks exhaled air from the reservoir, keeping it filled with source oxygen. A partial rebreather lacks this valve and returns early exhalation to the bag, yielding lower FiO₂.
Where does it fit in MARCH?
It supports the “R” (Respiration) phase of MARCH — high-flow oxygen for penetrating thoracic injury with hypoxia, tension pneumothorax after needle decompression, blast injury with respiratory compromise, and any hypoxic patient where oxygen is available.
Related searches: non-rebreather mask, NRB oxygen mask, high-flow oxygen mask, 15 LPM oxygen mask, prehospital oxygen delivery.
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.