Many people receive in-home oxygen through an oxygen delivery rig known as anasal cannula.

This thin, plastic tube has two small prongs at one end that rest in the nostrils.

Do Mouth Breathers Get the Same Benefits?

Woman’s Mouth

Sydney Shaffer / Getty Images

Or, doesmouth breathingresult in low levels of oxygen in the blood, cells, and tissues?

Oxygen saturation was measured bypulse oximetry.

Researchers concluded that, while mouth breathing doesn’t always result in hypoxia, it can contribute to it.

What Can You Do About Mouth Breathing?

The solution to mouth breathing is often dependent upon the underlying cause.

A stuffy nose may be caused byallergies, illness, prior trauma, or even weather changes.

Over-the-counterantihistaminesare available to keep allergy symptoms at bay and open up clogged nasal passages.

Saline nasal spray is a natural alternative to medication and helps lubricate the nasal passages, often relieving congestion.

Talk to your healthcare provider for more information aboutalternatives to the nasal cannula.

Compare prices on pulse oximetry monitors and never be in the dark about your oxygen saturation levels again.

Take the time to ask your physician the question you are seeking the answer to here.

Don’t underestimate the respiratory technicians and therapists you work with either.

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Wettstein RB, Shelledy DC, Peters JI.Delivered oxygen concentrations using low-flow and high-flow nasal cannulas.Respir Care.

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2015;120(6):1405-12. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000000574

Christopher KL, Schwartz MD.Transtracheal oxygen therapy.

60(12):1804-9.