Oxygen Masks on Airplanes

As you know it, oxygen masks are now a standard procedure for all airlines all over the world. This is a mandatory safety requirement that has to be present on each and every plane, and it is absolutely essential for the benefit of the fliers. These oxygen masks are located above each and every seat on the plane, and they are accessible to the fliers at the touch of a button by the pilot. There are many instances where the atmospheric conditions in the plane will severely debilitate the breathing capacity of the fliers, and at a time like this it is the oxygen masks that will help them out.

Oxygen Masks on Flight

An airplane flies at an average altitude of about 30,000 - 35,000 feet in the air. At such a great height, the air pressure is so low, that it becomes impossible for the oxygen to enter the bloodstream of human beings. Even though the oxygen is present in the atmosphere, it cannot be breathed by people. This is the reason for the existence of oxygen masks, as this provides people with a supply of valuable oxygen, at the time of an emergency.

The air inside the airplane is pressurized, and this enables one to breathe freely. But if there is a crack in a window, or if a door is accidentally opened, the pressure will fall drastically. This will make it impossible for an individual to survive for more than 2 minutes without passing out. At such a moment the masks will immediately pop out, and this will be crucial for the survival of each and every person there.

Types of Aviation Oxygen Masks

For airplanes that fly at such high altitudes, there are 3 types of oxygen masks that are available for use.

• Continuous Flow Mask - These are used for altitudes below 12,000 feet and these are standard masks. They provide a sustained and continuous flow to the user, and even recycle the exhaled air that is breathed out. These are the most common types of oxygen masks, found all around the world.
• Diluter Demand Mask - The oxygen from this mask reaches the person only upon direct inhalation. For this purpose, the mask needs to be attached to the face of the person, and an airtight seal is provided for this purpose. The higher the plane climbs, the greater will be the supply of oxygen from this particular mask. These masks can be used up to an altitude of 34,000 feet.
• Pressure Demand Mask - These are for altitudes greater than 34,000 feet where the pressure is extremely low. These are primarily used by pilots in the cockpit. Like diluter demand masks, these also need to be completely attached to the user, and the oxygen enters only upon inhalation. Exhalation is quite difficult with this mask on, though.

These masks are made of rubber or plastic, and cover almost the entire face of an individual. Due to this reason, it is not difficult to receive and inhale a steady supply of oxygen through them. Without the help of these oxygen masks in carry-on luggage compartments on airplanes, people will suffer from hypoxia when the cabin pressure drops suddenly, and this will lead to certain death if oxygen is not provided to a human being.

The cabin crew people will give you detailed instructions on how to use these oxygen masks, and you must pay attention to these guidelines. There will be many other safety rules, regulations and guidelines issued for you as well, and you can ask the cabin crew for assistance any time you want. Air safety is something that is not a hundred percent guaranteed, so all the measures you take will prove useful.