Impact of the Double-Trunk Mask on Oxygenation Titration in COVID-19

This study will investigate the impact of the Double-Trunk Mask (DTM) on the reduction of oxygen titration in patients with severe hypoxemia.

The Double-Trunk Mask (DTM) is a device designed to increase the fraction of inspired oxygen in patients who receive oxygen therapy. The mask is composed of a regular aerosol mask with corrugated tubing (15 cm length) inserted into two lateral holes. Each included patient will wear standard nasal cannula in addition to the Double-Trunk Mask for 30 minutes, then only their standard oxygen interface for the next 30 minutes. While maintaining the oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO2) at a target value of 94%, the impact of the DTM will be assessed by measuring the change of oxygen flow given to the patient.

The standard interface for administering oxygen (nasal cannula or oxygen mask) is worn by the patient, without the DTM

The standard interface for administering oxygen (nasal cannula or oxygen mask) is worn by the patient. Oxygen output is adapted to reach a SpO2 target of 94%.

The standard nasal cannula interface accompanied with the DTM is worn by the patient. Oxygen output is adapted to reach a SpO2 target of 94%.

The O2 output will be adjusted to maintain a SpO2 of 94% using both systems for administering O2. The O2 flow will be read from the position of the ball in flow meters.

A Likert scale from 0 to 5 will be used to measure the subjective comfort of the patient while wearing the standard interface for administering O2 and/or the DTM

Carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) in mmHg will be analyzed from a sample taken from the arterial system.

Inclusion Criteria: COVID-19 SpO2 between 92 and 96% with low-flow oxygen therapy (< 15 L/min). Exclusion Criteria: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other chronic respiratory disease Confusion Hypoxemia corrected (SpO2 ≥ 96%) with O2 flow ≤ 3 L/min Contra-indications to arterial blood gas sampling (peripheral arteriopathy, bleeding disorder)