12 Best Nasal Cannulas for Oxygen Therapy [2023]

Designed for long-term oxygen therapy patients, the Salter 16SOFT is gentle and soft against the skin. The ergonomic design contours to the patient’s face and stays in place throughout the night. Its plastic construction is very lightweight and nonirritating. This tubing avoids tangling and is stretchable to reduce pressure on the ears and tension on the nose, lips, and face. 16SOFT is a best seller from Salter Labs.

Salter 16SOFT Features

• Soft Tubing Material
• Stretchable
• Resists Tangling and Twisting
• DEHP-Free
• Designed for Long-Term Use
• Flow Capacity: 0 to 6 LPM (Low Flow) and 0 to 15 LPM (High Flow)
• Color: Transparent
• Length Options: 4 Feet, 7 Feet, 14 Feet, 25 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4615
• Manufacturer: Salter Labs

Salter Labs has two products in the top 12 nasal cannulas. The 16SOFT listed above is first, and the 1600HF is second. The 1600HF is a high-flow oxygen tubing that can accommodate up to 15 LPM. Patients with high-flow oxygen requirements often wear a cumbersome oxygen mask instead of a cannula. However, the design of the Salter 1600 allows for high flow while still offering the comfort and flexibility of a nasal cannula device. The 1600 design anatomically shapes to the face and head of the patient. Curved nasal prongs help to maintain the utmost patient comfort. The user can talk, drink, and eat while still receiving high-flow oxygen.

Salter 1600 Features

• Safety Tubing
• Extremely Comfortable
• Replaces Face Mask for Most Patients
• Soft Material
• Curved Nasal Prongs
• Not Made With Natural Rubber Latex
• Flow Capacity: 0 to 15 LPM (High Flow)
• Color: Transparent or Green
• Length Options: 4 Feet, 7 Feet, 25 Feet, 50 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4615
• Manufacturer: Salter Labs

The formerly Hudson RCI, now Teleflex SoftTech Plus, is soft and extra flexible for the best user comfort. Its design uses Star-Lumen for crushproof and kinkproof tubing that supports continuous-flow oxygen. Its transparent tubing allows visual inspection. The lariat tubing is green and also employs Star-Lumen technology. The 1870 model comes with 7-foot tubing attached directly to a concentrator, oxygen cylinder, or extension tubing.

Hudson RCI 1870 SoftTech Plus Features

• Soft Durometer Lariat Tubing
• Crushproof
• Kinkproof
• Soft Material
• DEHP-Free
• Flow Capacity: 0 to 4 LPM (Low Flow)
• Color: Transparent With Green Lariat
• Length Options: 7 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4623
• Manufacturer: Teleflex (Formerly Hudson RCI)

Teleflex 1103 is an over-the-ear design that supports user comfort. Its soft vinyl construction offers a consistent airflow for needy patients. The 1103 comes with non-flared prongs positioned on a contoured lip tab where it comfortably rests below the patient's nostrils. The tubing is transparent, allowing visual inspection. The tubing is also crush resistant and kink resistant to provide uninterrupted service.

Teleflex 1103 Over-the-Ear Features

• Soft Vinyl Tubing
• Crush-Resistant
• Kink-Resistant
• Continuous-Flow Support
• Curved Prong
• Non-Flared Prongs
• Flexible Lip Tab
• Not Made With Natural Rubber Latex
  
• DEHP-Free
• Flow Capacity: 0 to 7 LPM (Low to Medium Flow)
• Color: Transparent
• Length Options: 7 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4615
• Manufacturer: Teleflex (Formerly Hudson RCI)

AirLife 2600 construction consists of PVC that is soft and comfortable. The design helps prevent skin irritation and chafing. The tubing is crush-resistant to prevent kinking and airflow stoppage. Lariat tubing is also soft, and the nasal prong support is of a clear cushion design for a comfortable fit under the nostrils and on top of the upper lip.

AirLife 2600 Over-the-Ear Features

• Flared or Non-Flared Prongs
• Crush-Resistant
• Kink-Resistant
• Disposable
• Flexible Lip Tab
• Soft Touch
• Over-Ear
• Material: PVC
• Not Made With Natural Rubber Latex
• Flow Capacity: Low Flow
• Color: Clear
• Length Options: 7 Feet, 25 feet
• HCPCS Code: A4623
• Manufacturer: Vyaire Medical

Uni-Flo2 is lightweight oxygen tubing that delivers 0 to 6 LPM of continuous oxygen. Manufactured with medical-grade plastic, the Uni-Flo2 device is lightweight, weighing only half of the standard tubing. Its lightweight makes it less intrusive, more stable, and highly comfortable. The Vortex design accommodates more oxygen uptake, and the single-prong construction is the least invasive of the top 12. This design offers multiple relief points that allow day and night continuous flow.

Uni-Flo2 Features

• Single Prong Design
• Lightweight
• 50% Less Plastic
• Low Profile
• Ergonomic
• Material: PVC
• No Added DEHP
• Flow Capacity: 0 to 6 LPM
• Color: Clear
• Length Options: 7 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4615
• Manufacturer: UPODS, LLC

SoftTech 1820 utilizes Star Lumen tubing with either a standard or universal tubing connection. It is also available without tubing (item number 1821). Featuring soft construction, the 1820 is user-friendly with a traditional over-the-ear design. Its lightweight construction makes it less noticeable to the ears and cheeks of the user. Flexible nasal prongs add extra comfort.

SoftTech 1820 Features

• Star Lumen Lariat Tubing
• Crushproof
• Kinkproof
• Lightweight
• DEHP-Free
• Flow Capacity: 0 to 6 LPM (Low Flow)
• Color: Clear
• Length Options: 4 feet, 7 Feet, 25 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4615
• Manufacturer: Teleflex (Formerly Hudson RCI)

SofTect Plus 1871 construction includes soft Star Lumen construction designed for pediatric (1871), infants (1872), and neonatal (1873). This construction with soft materials is for the comfort of the users. A notch placed in the lip tab provides additional flexibility and a customized fit for extra comfort. The tubing is green to increase visibility and to help reduce connection errors.

SoftTech 1871 Features

• Soft Durometer Tubing
• Star Lumen Construction
• Crushproof
• Kinkproof
• Lightweight
• DEHP-Free
• Flow Capacity: Low Flow
• Color: Green
• Length Options: 7 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4615
• Manufacturer: Teleflex (Formerly Hudson RCI)

Vyaire AirLife ETCO2 Sampling Cannula provides oxygen to one nostril while sampling CO2 from the other for an accurate ETCO2 reading. Its construction includes a permanent barrier separating the nasal prongs. Soft, 7-foot tubing is comfortable for the user. This AirLife product is available in adult and pediatric sizes with Luer-Lok connections.

AirLife ETCO2 Sampling Features

• ETCO2 Sampling
• Crush-Resistant
• Kink-Resistant
• Disposable
• Soft Tubing
• Curved Prongs
• DEHP-Free
• Not Made With Natural Rubber Latex
• Flow Capacity: Low Flow
• Color: Clear Cannula, Green Tubing
• Length Options: 7 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4623
• Manufacturer: Vyaire Medical

Medline Soft-touch is available for adults, pediatrics, and infants. It comes with standard and universal connector options. Tubing lengths of 7, 14, and 25 feet offer a variety of options for users. Curved nasal prongs provide a natural fit that contours to the nasal passageway. The prong tips are soft and adequate for extended oxygen service. Top-selling Soft-Touch products include the Medline HCS4504B (4 Foot Tubing with Standard Connector) and the Medline HCS4514 (7 Foot Tubing with Standard Connector).

Medline Soft-Touch Features

• Soft Materials
• Standard and Universal Connectors
• Crush-Resistant
• Disposable
• Soft Tubing
• Curved, Non-Flared Prongs
• Material: PVC
• Flow Capacity: Low Flow
• Color: Clear Cannula
• Length Options: 4 feet, 7 Feet, 14 Feet, 25 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4623
• Manufacturer: Medline

McKesson ETCO2 is sampling nasal cannula for measuring patient CO2 exhalation. It provides for simultaneous O2 inhalation and end-tidal gas sampling. It provides for simultaneous O2 inhalation and end-tidal gas sampling. The tubing is soft to the skin and is kink-resistant. A Luer-type connection on the end of the tubing provides added security.

McKesson ETCO2 Sampling Cannula Features

• Soft Materials
• Standard and Universal Connectors
• Kink-Resistant
• Disposable
• Soft Tubing
• Curved, Non-Flared Prongs
• Material: Plastic
• Not Made With Natural Rubber Latex
• Flow Capacity: Low Flow
• Color: Clear Cannula, Green Tubing
• Length Options: 7 Feet, 10 Feet
• HCPCS Code: A4623
• Manufacturer: McKesson

CHAD Oxymizer Conserver from Drive Medical is a disposable oxygen conserver available in two distinct styles: Mustache or Pendant. The Mustache Oxymizer is a fluidic oxymizer with a capacity flow of 20 LPM, while the Pendant Oxymizer has a flow capacity of 15 LPM. These conserver cannulas offer a savings ratio of 4:1, which can significantly preserve breathing oxygen for the patient that would otherwise be wasted. Oxymizers help users reach proper O2 saturation. When placed under clothing, the Pendant Oxymizer offers inconspicuous wear. Both devices use silicone materials in their construction.

Drive CHAD Oxymizer Conserver Features

• Lightweight
• Maximizes Oxygen Use
• Disposable
• Material: Silicone
• Not Made With Natural Rubber Latex
• Flow Capacity: High Flow
• Color: Clear
• HCPCS Code: A4649
• Manufacturer: Drive Medical

Nasal Cannula Indications

• Hypoxemia
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• Croup
• Bronchitis
• Post-Extubation
• Pre-Oxygenation Before Intubation
• Acute Pulmonary Edema
• Non-Intubation Patients
• Non-Resuscitating Patients
• Respiratory Failure³

Nasal Cannula Contraindications

• Hypercapnia
• Nonconsenting Patients
• Uncooperative Patients
• High Aspiration Risk
• Complete Airway Obstruction
• Facial Trauma
• Basal Skull Fracture^{4, 5}

Types of Nasal Cannulas

Cannula types include differences in nasal tips and the inside diameter of the tubing. The larger the diameter, the increased oxygen flow.⁶

Some patients require higher oxygen flows, but usually at the expense of nasal and airway passage dryness. Mitigation of the dryness effect through humidification is often a remedy in these cases.

Nasal tips come in four common types: curved, straight, flared, and non-flared. The curved and straight designs affect patient comfort preferences while flared tips support pulse-demand oxygen delivery, particularly with large nostril patients. Most oxygen patients function well with non-flared tips. The graphics on the right depict the different types.

Cannula Nasal Tip Types
Curved
Straight
Flared
Non-Flared

Cannula Flow Types
Low – 0 to 4 LPM
Standard – 0 to 6 LPM
High – Above 6 LPM

Cannula Color Types
Clear – or invisible nasal cannula is transparent and easy to inspect for obstructions or condensation. However, transparent tubing can sometimes be challenging to see and become a tripping hazard
Green – cannula offers high visibility and is less of a tripping hazard.