What Is a Partial Rebreather Mask?

With a partial rebreather mask, when the patient inhales, they inhale some of the exhaled air, which contains carbon dioxide. When carbon dioxide enters the lungs, it stimulates breathing. In contrast, non-rebreather masks have vents on the side of the mask that allow all exhaled air to escape. Patients using this kind of mask breathe in fresh oxygen gas at concentrations of 80 to 90 percent.