Nasal cannula: Overview, Uses and Top Manufacturer Company

Posted on February 26, 2026 | by drthomas

Introduction

Nasal cannula is a common oxygen-delivery interface used to provide supplemental oxygen to a spontaneously breathing patient through two small prongs placed in the nostrils. It is simple hospital equipment, but it sits at the center of everyday respiratory care: from emergency departments and operating recovery areas to inpatient wards, ambulances, and home-care pathways.

Because oxygen is treated as a medication in many facilities, the device and the system around it (oxygen source, flowmeter or regulator, monitoring, documentation, and infection prevention) matter as much as the prongs themselves. Small operational failures—stockouts, misconnected tubing, empty cylinders, poor skin protection, or inconsistent cleaning practices—can create outsized safety and quality risks.

This article provides teaching-first, non-brand-specific information on how Nasal cannula works, when it is generally used (and when alternative devices may be preferred), basic operation, patient safety practices, troubleshooting, infection control, and a practical global market overview for clinicians, biomedical engineers, and procurement and healthcare operations teams.

What is Nasal cannula and why do we use it?

Clear definition and purpose

Nasal cannula is a low-flow oxygen interface designed to deliver supplemental oxygen from a source (such as a wall outlet, oxygen cylinder, or oxygen concentrator) to a patient through the nose. The core purpose is to increase the oxygen available for inhalation when room air alone is not sufficient for the patient’s needs, as determined by clinical assessment and local protocols.

A key point for trainees: Nasal cannula is an interface, not a ventilator. It does not breathe for the patient and does not provide reliable positive pressure ventilation. It supports oxygenation by enriching inhaled gas with additional oxygen.

Common clinical settings

Nasal cannula is used across many care environments, including:

Emergency and urgent care for initial oxygen support in stable patients
Post-anesthesia care units (PACU) and postoperative wards for short-term oxygen supplementation
General medical and surgical wards for ongoing oxygen needs with patient mobility
Step-down or high-dependency areas as part of weaning plans from more intensive oxygen interfaces
Prehospital and transport settings (ambulance, inter-facility transfer) when a mask is poorly tolerated
Long-term oxygen therapy pathways, including home care programs (country- and payer-dependent)

In some hospitals, Nasal cannula is also part of comfort-focused care pathways where patient communication and oral intake are priorities.

Key benefits in patient care and workflow

From a patient perspective, Nasal cannula is often better tolerated than face masks because it:

Allows speaking, eating, and drinking more easily than most masks
Feels less claustrophobic for many patients
Enables easier oral care and communication with staff
Supports early mobilization when paired with safe tubing management

From an operations and workflow perspective, Nasal cannula is:

Fast to apply and easy to teach, making it a high-utility clinical device for busy units
Simple to stock and distribute compared with more complex respiratory systems
Compatible with multiple oxygen sources when standard connectors are used (confirm compatibility locally)

These workflow advantages are real, but they should not be confused with precision: the actual delivered oxygen concentration can vary significantly with patient breathing patterns and fit.

Plain-language mechanism of action (how it functions)

Nasal cannula delivers a continuous flow of oxygen into the nose. During inspiration, the patient draws in a mixture of room air and the supplied oxygen. Because the patient’s inspiratory flow is usually higher than the oxygen flow provided by Nasal cannula, the final “fraction of inspired oxygen” (FiO2, the percentage of oxygen in the inhaled gas mixture) is variable.

What makes it variable:

The patient’s breathing rate and depth (tidal volume)
Whether the patient breathes through the mouth or nose
Cannula fit and prong position
Any obstruction in the tubing (kinks, water, compression)
The oxygen source performance and flowmeter/regulator accuracy

For this reason, Nasal cannula is commonly described as a “variable performance” interface, especially compared with devices designed to deliver a more fixed FiO2 (for example, some air-entrainment masks).

Core parts and common variants (non-brand-specific)

A typical Nasal cannula set includes:

Two nasal prongs (different sizes for neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients)
Soft tubing that runs over the ears
A sliding adjuster under the chin (or behind the head, depending on design)
A connector that attaches to oxygen supply tubing or directly to a flowmeter outlet

Common variations you may encounter in hospital equipment stores:

Softer or “comfort” cannulas designed to reduce pressure injury risk
Different tubing lengths for bedside use versus transport
Pediatric-specific designs to reduce dead space and improve fit
Specialty “reservoir” designs intended to conserve oxygen (availability varies by country)
High-flow Nasal cannula interfaces that are designed to work with heated humidification systems (this is typically part of a broader high-flow system, not just a simple flowmeter)

Materials and labeling (for example, latex-free, certain plasticizer-free claims) vary by manufacturer and should be verified on packaging and in the instructions for use (IFU).

How medical students typically encounter this device in training

Medical students and residents usually first meet Nasal cannula in the context of:

Bedside oxygen therapy “escalation/de-escalation” frameworks
Early warning scores, rapid response triggers, and respiratory assessments
Basic device selection: Nasal cannula versus simple mask versus non-rebreather versus high-flow systems
Documentation and monitoring expectations (including pulse oximetry)
Communication during handoffs: device type, oxygen flow setting, and patient response

Simulation and objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) often test practical skills like assembling oxygen equipment, placing the cannula correctly, and responding to desaturation by assessing both the patient and the oxygen setup.

When should I use Nasal cannula (and when should I not)?

Appropriate use cases (general guidance)

Nasal cannula is commonly used when a patient is spontaneously breathing and needs supplemental oxygen, particularly when:

The oxygen requirement is low to moderate and the patient is clinically stable
The patient needs to talk, eat, or participate in physiotherapy/mobilization
A face mask is poorly tolerated due to anxiety, nausea, facial sensitivity, or communication needs
The care plan includes weaning from a higher-support interface, with close monitoring
The setting is outpatient or home care, where simplicity and patient independence are important (program-dependent)

In many facilities, Nasal cannula is the first interface used after room air when oxygen is ordered, but the specific approach should follow local protocols and clinician oversight.

Situations where Nasal cannula may not be suitable

Nasal cannula may be less appropriate when the clinical situation requires:

Higher and more consistent delivered oxygen concentrations than low-flow cannulas typically provide
A tightly controlled or predictable FiO2 for clinical reasons (device choice varies by protocol)
Support for ventilation (removing carbon dioxide) or airway protection, which Nasal cannula does not provide
Patient interfaces that can deliver higher flows with humidification and, in some cases, positive airway pressure (these needs often require different systems)

Practical issues that may limit effectiveness:

Significant nasal obstruction, severe nasal trauma, or recent nasal surgery (local clinical judgment required)
Recurrent severe nosebleeds or marked nasal mucosal irritation
Patients who repeatedly remove the device and cannot be safely supported with this interface
Some patients who breathe predominantly through the mouth may not receive the intended benefit, depending on circumstances

Safety cautions and contraindications (general, non-prescriptive)

There are few absolute contraindications that apply universally, but there are important safety cautions:

Oxygen increases fire risk: keep oxygen away from ignition sources (smoking, open flames, sparks) and follow facility fire safety policy.
Dryness and mucosal injury: higher flows without appropriate humidification (as defined by local policy) can contribute to nasal dryness, discomfort, and nosebleeds.
Skin pressure injury: tubing over ears and pressure at the nares can cause breakdown, especially in frail patients or during prolonged use.
Carbon dioxide retention risk: certain patient populations require careful oxygen titration and monitoring under clinician supervision; local protocols may specify different target ranges.
Hidden deterioration: a patient can look “better” because oxygen raises oxygen saturation, while underlying ventilation or work of breathing worsens—monitor the whole patient, not just the saturation number.

Emphasize clinical judgment, supervision, and local protocols

Choosing Nasal cannula is not just a device decision; it is a clinical decision. The appropriate interface depends on the patient’s condition, monitoring capacity, staffing, and escalation pathways. For trainees, the safest approach is to use Nasal cannula under supervision, document clearly, and follow local oxygen prescribing and monitoring policies.

What do I need before starting?

Required setup, environment, and accessories

Before applying Nasal cannula, confirm you have the full, functioning setup:

Oxygen source: wall outlet with flowmeter, cylinder with regulator, or oxygen concentrator
Tubing and connectors compatible with the oxygen source outlet in your facility
Nasal cannula in the correct patient size (neonatal/pediatric/adult)
Optional humidification accessories if required by local policy or patient needs (varies by setting)
Patient monitoring: at minimum, pulse oximetry (SpO2, peripheral oxygen saturation) as appropriate to acuity
Skin protection supplies (foam, barrier film, or ear protectors) if used in your facility
Basic airway and escalation readiness appropriate to the clinical area (for example, suction availability in acute care)

For transport: ensure safe cylinder mounting, adequate oxygen supply planning, and a spare cannula and tubing when feasible.

Training and competency expectations

Competency expectations vary by role and country, but typical requirements include:

Understanding how to identify oxygen outlets and avoid misconnections
Safe operation of flowmeters and cylinder regulators
Recognition of deterioration and escalation triggers (e.g., increasing work of breathing, altered mental status)
Skin integrity assessment and basic pressure injury prevention
Infection prevention practices for single-patient-use respiratory consumables
Documentation and handoff communication standards

In many hospitals, respiratory therapists (where present), nurse educators, or clinical engineering teams provide structured training for oxygen equipment.

Pre-use checks and documentation

Common pre-use checks include:

Confirm patient identity and confirm an order or protocol-based indication for oxygen
Assess baseline vital signs and patient comfort, as appropriate to your setting
Inspect packaging integrity and labeling (size, intended use, any material warnings)
Check the cannula and tubing for kinks, cracks, or occlusion
Verify the oxygen source is functioning and the correct gas is selected
If humidification is used, verify correct water type and fill level per policy (and that it is assembled correctly)

Documentation usually includes device type (Nasal cannula), oxygen flow setting, start time, monitoring plan, and patient response.

Operational prerequisites (commissioning, maintenance, consumables, and policies)

For hospital leaders and biomedical engineering teams, safe use depends on system readiness:

Commissioning and maintenance of wall oxygen outlets, piping systems, and zone valves
Preventive maintenance or performance verification for flowmeters, regulators, and pressure gauges
Policies for storage and safe handling of oxygen cylinders (including segregation of full/empty and secure mounting)
Standardized consumable specifications (sizes, connector types, compatibility across units)
Supply continuity planning for high-use items like Nasal cannula, tubing, and humidifier accessories
Clear policies on single use, replacement frequency, and disposal routes (varies by manufacturer and facility)

Roles and responsibilities (clinician vs. biomedical engineering vs. procurement)

Clinicians (and supervised trainees) typically select the interface, set the oxygen flow per order/protocol, apply the device, and monitor the patient response.
Nursing and respiratory therapy teams often lead routine monitoring, comfort measures, escalation, and patient education.
Biomedical engineering/clinical engineering teams are responsible for oxygen infrastructure safety, equipment inspections, device incident investigation support, and maintenance of reusable oxygen delivery components.
Procurement and supply chain teams manage vendor qualification, contract terms, standardization, lot traceability expectations, and coordination with infection prevention and biomedical engineering.

How do I use it correctly (basic operation)?

Basic step-by-step workflow (commonly applicable)

Workflows vary by facility and model, but these steps are widely applicable:

Confirm the indication for oxygen and the intended monitoring plan per local protocol.
Perform hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
Prepare the oxygen source (wall flowmeter, cylinder regulator, or concentrator) and verify it is oxygen, not medical air.
If a humidifier is used in your setting, assemble it correctly and verify the water type and fill level per policy.
Connect the oxygen tubing to the source (or humidifier outlet) and attach the Nasal cannula connector securely.
Turn on the oxygen flow and set the prescribed or protocol-based flow rate; confirm flow is present (for example, by feeling near the prongs).
Insert the prongs into the nostrils with the curve oriented to follow the nasal anatomy (design-dependent).
Loop the tubing over the ears and adjust the slider to secure the cannula without excessive tightness.
Check comfort and skin pressure points (ears, cheeks, nares) and apply protective measures if used locally.
Route the tubing safely to reduce trip hazards and avoid kinks or compression under bed rails.
Reassess the patient: SpO2 trend, respiratory rate, work of breathing, mental status, and comfort.
Document device, flow setting, time applied, and patient response; communicate at handoff.

Typical settings and what they generally mean

With standard ward-style setups, the main “setting” is the oxygen flow rate displayed on the flowmeter, usually in liters per minute (L/min). Many facilities use standard Nasal cannula at low flow rates (often in the 1–6 L/min range), but this varies by patient, cannula design, humidification approach, and local policy.

Key interpretation point: the flow rate is not the same as delivered FiO2. The delivered oxygen concentration depends on patient breathing pattern and fit. For clinical decisions, the patient response and monitoring data matter more than any single “expected FiO2” estimate.

Calibration (when relevant)

Nasal cannula itself typically does not require calibration. However, the oxygen delivery system components can require maintenance and verification:

Flowmeters and regulators may require periodic inspection and performance checks by biomedical engineering.
Cylinder gauges and regulators can drift or be damaged in handling.
Oxygen concentrators may have maintenance schedules (filters, alarms, performance checks) that vary by manufacturer.

If the reading on the flowmeter does not match expected performance, treat it as a potential equipment issue and escalate per facility process.

Common universal steps to emphasize for trainees

Verify the gas source and the patient every time.
Confirm oxygen is actually flowing before walking away.
Secure and protect skin early to prevent avoidable injury.
Monitor the patient’s clinical status, not just the SpO2 number.
If oxygen requirements increase, reassess and escalate rather than repeatedly “turning up the flow” without a plan.

How do I keep the patient safe?

Safety practices and monitoring

Patient safety with Nasal cannula is mostly about vigilance and fundamentals:

Monitor oxygenation using pulse oximetry where appropriate, and trend changes rather than relying on single readings.
Observe respiratory rate, work of breathing (accessory muscle use, speaking difficulty), and mental status.
Reassess frequently after starting or changing oxygen flow, especially in acute care settings.
Confirm the cannula remains positioned correctly; dislodgement is common during sleep, transfers, and mobilization.
Plan for escalation: know your unit’s pathway for rapid response, respiratory therapy support, or higher-level care.

Remember: Nasal cannula has no built-in alarms. The “alarm system” is the clinical team plus external monitoring devices.

Alarm handling and human factors

Most alarms relevant to Nasal cannula come from pulse oximeters or oxygen concentrators. Human factors to account for:

Alarm fatigue can lead to missed deterioration; set alarms per local policy and patient acuity.
Low SpO2 alarms require a patient-first response: assess the patient, then check the device and oxygen source.
Frequent nuisance alarms can indicate probe placement issues, motion artifact, or poor perfusion rather than true hypoxemia—confirm clinically.

Labeling and standardization reduce errors:

Use consistent device naming in documentation (Nasal cannula vs mask vs high-flow system).
Confirm flowmeter scale reading technique (float/ball position varies by flowmeter design).
Use bedhead signs or electronic chart flags per facility policy when oxygen is in use.

Oxygen-specific hazards (fire and handling)

Oxygen supports combustion. Safety controls include:

Follow facility rules on no-smoking and ignition source control in oxygen-use areas.
Avoid oil-based products near oxygen delivery equipment; follow local skin-care product policies.
Secure cylinders upright and transport them with approved trolleys or mounts.
Store cylinders per policy (segregation, ventilation, signage), and ensure staff know how to shut off oxygen in an emergency.

Skin, nasal mucosa, and comfort risk controls

Common preventable harms include pressure injuries and nasal irritation:

Check behind ears and around nares regularly, especially for patients with fragile skin.
Use ear protectors or padding if included in your facility’s pressure injury prevention bundle.
Avoid overtightening; a stable but gentle fit is usually adequate.
Consider humidification approaches per local protocol for patients with dryness, thick secretions, or discomfort (availability varies).

Follow protocols and manufacturer guidance

Always prioritize:

The manufacturer IFU for intended use, compatible accessories, and single-use/reuse instructions.
Facility oxygen policies, including prescribed targets and monitoring frequency.
Local escalation criteria and documentation standards.

Incident reporting culture (general)

Encourage a culture where staff report:

Burns or near-miss fire events
Pressure injuries related to oxygen interfaces
Device defects (kinking, brittle tubing, poor connector fit)
Misconnections or wrong-gas events
Repeated equipment failures (flowmeter drift, regulator leaks)

Even when patient harm does not occur, near-miss reporting supports quality improvement and safer procurement specifications.

How do I interpret the output?

Types of outputs/readings you may encounter

Nasal cannula itself does not generate a diagnostic “output.” The relevant outputs are from the oxygen delivery system and patient monitoring:

Flowmeter reading (L/min) showing the set oxygen flow
Humidifier bubbling (if a bubble humidifier is used), which suggests flow is passing through the bottle
Cylinder regulator pressure gauge (indicates remaining pressure; interpretation depends on cylinder type and regulator)
Oxygen concentrator status indicators and alarms (features vary by manufacturer)
Patient monitoring outputs such as SpO2, respiratory rate, and clinical signs

How clinicians typically interpret them

Clinicians generally interpret oxygen therapy by combining:

The oxygen flow setting and interface (Nasal cannula)
The patient’s SpO2 trend and clinical assessment
Additional tests when needed (for example, arterial blood gas [ABG] in specific scenarios)

A practical principle for trainees: treat the flow setting as “what you are attempting,” and the patient response as “what you are achieving.”

Common pitfalls and limitations

Flow setting is not the same as delivered FiO2; Nasal cannula is variable performance.
SpO2 can be misleading with poor perfusion, motion artifact, nail products, ambient light interference, or certain dyshemoglobinemias; correlate with the patient’s condition.
Normal SpO2 does not guarantee adequate ventilation; patients can retain carbon dioxide without a drop in saturation in some situations.
Condensation or water in tubing can restrict flow and reduce effective delivery.
A disconnected or kinked cannula can look “fine” at first glance—verify flow at the patient interface.

Need for clinical correlation

Interpretation should always be tied to the patient’s overall status and local clinical protocols. If readings and clinical appearance do not match, reassess the patient, confirm equipment function, and escalate as appropriate.

What if something goes wrong?

Troubleshooting checklist (patient-first, then equipment)

If the patient deteriorates or SpO2 falls:

Assess airway, breathing, circulation, and level of consciousness per local emergency response training.
Check that the Nasal cannula prongs are positioned correctly and not displaced.
Confirm oxygen flow is turned on and set as intended at the flowmeter/regulator.
Trace the tubing from patient to source to find disconnections, kinks, compression, or water pooling.
Verify the oxygen source: wall outlet functional, cylinder not empty, concentrator powered and not alarming.
Check monitoring equipment for artifact (probe placement, motion, poor perfusion).
Reassess for increased work of breathing or new clinical signs that require escalation.

If the issue is discomfort or mucosal irritation:

Recheck fit and tension; add padding where appropriate.
Consider humidification approaches per policy and availability.
Inspect the nares and skin for early injury signs and act early.

When to stop use (general)

Stop or change the approach and escalate when:

The patient shows significant respiratory distress or clinical instability beyond what can be supported with simple oxygen interfaces.
There is suspected equipment-related fire or burning smell—activate emergency response and follow facility oxygen shutoff procedures.
There is significant bleeding, severe facial trauma, or an airway concern where a different approach is needed per clinician judgment.
The cannula or tubing is visibly contaminated or damaged and a replacement is not immediately available.

When to escalate to biomedical engineering or the manufacturer

Escalate to biomedical/clinical engineering when:

Flowmeters, regulators, gauges, or wall outlets appear faulty or inconsistent.
Cylinder valves/regulators leak or cannot be adjusted reliably.
Repeated failures occur across multiple devices in the same clinical area (suggesting system-level issues).

Escalate to the manufacturer (often via procurement or biomedical engineering) when:

Packaging defects, unusual odors, brittle tubing, or connector failures occur in a pattern.
There is a suspected quality issue tied to a specific lot or batch number.
The IFU is unclear about compatible accessories or intended use (request clarification).

Documentation and safety reporting expectations (general)

Document the event, patient status, actions taken, and the outcome per policy.
Submit incident/occurrence reports for device-related events and near misses as required.
Preserve the device and packaging (including lot numbers) for investigation when feasible and permitted by policy.
Communicate at handoff so downstream teams understand what happened and what was changed.

Infection control and cleaning of Nasal cannula

Cleaning principles (and why this is different for consumables)

In many healthcare systems, Nasal cannula is treated as a single-patient-use consumable because it contacts the nose and may contact mucous membranes and respiratory secretions. Reuse between patients creates cross-contamination risk and is generally avoided unless a specific product is explicitly designed, validated, and approved for reprocessing (varies by manufacturer and jurisdiction).

Your facility’s infection prevention policy and the manufacturer IFU should define:

Single-use versus reusable status
Replacement frequency (time-based or condition-based)
Storage and handling practices at bedside
Disposal requirements (general waste versus regulated medical waste, depending on local rules)

Disinfection vs. sterilization (general concepts)

Cleaning removes visible soil and reduces bioburden; it is usually the first step in any reprocessing.
Disinfection reduces microorganisms to a level considered safe for many uses; “high-level disinfection” is used for some devices that contact mucous membranes.
Sterilization aims to eliminate all forms of microbial life and is typically reserved for critical devices entering sterile tissue.

Most Nasal cannula products are not intended for sterilization or high-level disinfection in routine hospital workflows because they are designed as disposable medical equipment. If a product is reusable, the IFU should specify validated methods and cycles.

High-touch points and contamination risks

Even when the cannula is disposable, infection prevention includes attention to:

The prongs and tubing near the face (highest contamination risk)
The connector point to oxygen tubing (can be handled frequently)
Flowmeter knobs and oxygen outlet areas (high-touch surfaces)
Humidifier bottle caps and ports (if used), which can be contamination points if handled improperly
Transport equipment surfaces (wheelchairs, stretchers) that can snag and drag tubing

Example cleaning and replacement workflow (non-brand-specific)

A commonly used approach (adapt to policy):

Perform hand hygiene and don gloves if contact with secretions is likely.
Turn off oxygen flow before removing the cannula.
Remove and discard the cannula according to facility waste policy (if disposable).
Wipe external surfaces of reusable components (flowmeter knobs, concentrator surfaces, cylinder regulator handles) with an approved hospital disinfectant, following required wet-contact time.
If humidification is used, follow policy on water changes and bottle replacement; avoid “topping off” without appropriate cleaning if your policy prohibits it.
Perform hand hygiene after glove removal.
Document device change if required by local practice (especially in high-risk units).

Emphasize IFU and infection prevention policy

Because Nasal cannula designs, materials, and intended use vary by manufacturer, there is no single “universal” reprocessing method that is safe to assume. The IFU and the facility infection prevention policy are the source of truth for cleaning, disinfection, replacement, and disposal.

Medical Device Companies & OEMs

Manufacturer vs. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

A manufacturer is the company that markets the product under its name and typically holds responsibility for regulatory compliance, labeling, and post-market surveillance in the markets where it sells. An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) may produce a component or the full product that is then sold under another company’s brand (sometimes called private labeling or contract manufacturing).

In the Nasal cannula ecosystem, OEM relationships are common because cannulas are high-volume consumables where consistency, materials control, and packaging quality are critical—and where supply continuity can depend on manufacturing capacity across regions.

How OEM relationships impact quality, support, and service

OEM structures can affect hospitals in practical ways:

Traceability: can you track lot numbers and receive timely quality notifications?
Support: who answers technical questions—the brand owner, the OEM, or both?
Consistency: are materials, connector fit, and softness consistent across shipments?
Documentation: are IFUs, test summaries, and conformity documentation available when requested (requirements vary by country)?
Change control: does the vendor notify the hospital if materials or manufacturing sites change?

For procurement and biomedical engineering teams, the operational goal is not to avoid OEMs, but to ensure clear accountability for quality, complaint handling, and field actions.

Top 5 World Best Medical Device Companies / Manufacturers

Example industry leaders (not a ranking), included to illustrate the types of organizations active in respiratory care and consumable hospital equipment:

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare is widely associated with respiratory humidification and high-flow therapy systems, where Nasal cannula interfaces are part of an integrated setup. Its portfolio tends to be strongest in acute respiratory support consumables and systems. Global availability and support models vary by country and distributor structure.
Teleflex is a diversified medical device company with a presence in airway management and respiratory care consumables alongside other hospital equipment categories. In many regions, its products are purchased through hospital procurement frameworks and distributors. Specific Nasal cannula offerings and branding can vary by market.
Intersurgical is known for a broad range of respiratory consumables and anesthesia-related breathing system components. Many facilities source single-patient-use oxygen therapy accessories through such respiratory-focused manufacturers. Product availability, labeling, and packaging formats can differ by region.
ICU Medical (which has incorporated the Smiths Medical portfolio in some markets) is associated with infusion and vascular access and also has legacy airway/respiratory product lines. For hospitals, large portfolios can simplify contracting but may complicate catalog standardization unless carefully managed. Regional support and SKU availability vary.
Dräger is well known for critical care and anesthesia equipment, including ventilators and monitoring systems used alongside oxygen delivery interfaces. While many Nasal cannula products are commodity consumables, system-level integration (oxygen delivery, monitoring, and alarms) often involves companies with strong critical care footprints. Accessories and consumables strategies vary by facility and region.

Vendors, Suppliers, and Distributors

Role differences: vendor vs. supplier vs. distributor

In healthcare operations, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can mean different things:

A vendor is the entity you buy from (often the contracted seller on the purchase order).
A supplier is the organization providing the goods; it may be the manufacturer, OEM, or a reseller.
A distributor specializes in logistics: holding inventory, delivering to hospitals, managing returns, and sometimes offering kitting, recalls support, and demand forecasting.

For Nasal cannula, distributors often matter as much as manufacturers because availability, storage conditions, and lot traceability can determine whether a unit can maintain safe oxygen therapy workflows.

Top 5 World Best Vendors / Suppliers / Distributors

Example global distributors (not a ranking). Availability and market presence vary by country, and many hospitals rely heavily on strong regional distributors:

McKesson is a large healthcare distribution organization associated with medical-surgical supply logistics in certain markets. Buyers often use such distributors for breadth of catalog and standardized fulfillment processes. Specific respiratory consumable availability depends on contracted portfolios and local distribution centers.
Cardinal Health is commonly recognized for broad healthcare supply chain services, including distribution of medical products and consumables. Hospitals may engage such organizations for inventory programs and standardized sourcing. Service offerings and product categories vary by region.
Medline Industries is associated with a wide range of hospital consumables and supply chain services, including private-label product lines in some markets. For high-volume items like Nasal cannula, consistent packaging and reliable replenishment can be a key value proposition. Global reach depends on local subsidiaries and distribution partners.
Owens & Minor is known for healthcare logistics and distribution services in certain regions, including support for hospital supply chain operations. Organizations like this may offer integrated programs that combine distribution with inventory management. The exact respiratory portfolio depends on market and contracting arrangements.
DKSH is associated with market expansion and distribution services across multiple Asian markets, often supporting medical equipment and consumables supply chains. Hospitals and manufacturers may work with such partners to navigate importation, regulatory steps, and local fulfillment. Capabilities vary widely by country and service agreement.

Global Market Snapshot by Country

India

Demand for Nasal cannula in India is driven by high inpatient volumes, expanding critical care capacity, and growing home-care oxygen use in urban areas. Supply chains often blend domestic manufacturing with imports, and price sensitivity can be a major procurement driver. Urban tertiary centers typically have stronger oxygen infrastructure and distributor support than rural facilities, where cylinder logistics and concentrator maintenance capacity can be limiting factors.

China

China has substantial manufacturing capacity for medical equipment, including respiratory consumables, alongside significant domestic demand from large hospital networks. Procurement can be influenced by centralized purchasing mechanisms and local production policies that vary by province and system. Urban hospitals often have robust oxygen pipeline infrastructure, while lower-resource settings may rely more on cylinders and concentrators with variable service coverage.

United States

In the United States, Nasal cannula is a standard-of-care consumable across acute care, post-acute, and home oxygen pathways, supported by mature distribution networks and strict documentation expectations. Demand is shaped by inpatient respiratory care, perioperative services, and chronic disease management in home settings. Service ecosystems for oxygen infrastructure and biomedical support are typically strong, though product standardization across health systems can be complex.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s archipelagic geography makes oxygen logistics and consumable distribution uneven, with stronger access in major urban centers than in remote islands. Demand for Nasal cannula is closely tied to hospital expansion, emergency care needs, and oxygen concentrator deployment where pipelines are limited. Import dependence for some consumables and variable local service capacity can affect continuity of supply.

Pakistan

Pakistan’s demand for Nasal cannula reflects growing hospital utilization, seasonal respiratory illness surges, and expanding private-sector care in cities. Many facilities rely on distributor networks for imported consumables, while domestic production exists for selected items with variable specifications. Rural access can be constrained by oxygen delivery infrastructure, cylinder availability, and maintenance resources.

Nigeria

In Nigeria, Nasal cannula access is closely linked to oxygen ecosystem maturity, including cylinder supply chains, concentrator programs, and expanding oxygen plant initiatives in some regions. Imports and donor-supported channels can play a significant role in availability, depending on the facility and state. Urban tertiary hospitals generally have more consistent access than rural centers, where supply interruptions and limited biomedical support may occur.

Brazil

Brazil’s large public and private healthcare sectors create steady demand for Nasal cannula across emergency, inpatient, and long-term care settings. Domestic manufacturing and regional import channels both contribute to supply, with procurement processes varying by state and health system. Service and distribution networks tend to be stronger in metropolitan areas than in remote regions.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh has growing demand for Nasal cannula driven by high patient volumes, expanding hospital capacity, and increasing recognition of oxygen therapy as a critical service. Many facilities depend on imported consumables via local distributors, and product standardization can vary. Urban hospitals have better access to oxygen delivery systems and monitoring than rural facilities, where concentrators and cylinders may predominate.

Russia

Russia’s demand for Nasal cannula is influenced by hospital capacity, regional procurement structures, and varying reliance on imported versus locally produced consumables. Distribution and service coverage can be strong in large cities, with more variability across remote regions. Supply continuity may be sensitive to procurement cycles and cross-border logistics for certain product categories.

Mexico

Mexico’s mixed public-private system supports consistent use of Nasal cannula across emergency departments, wards, and home-care pathways. Supply is supported by domestic distribution and imports, with variability in product standardization across institutions. Access tends to be better in urban areas, while rural facilities may face constraints related to oxygen source reliability and equipment maintenance.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Nasal cannula availability is strongly tied to broader oxygen access initiatives, including concentrator deployment and oxygen plant capacity building. Imports and donor-supported procurement often contribute to consumable supply, and local distributor coverage can be uneven. Urban referral hospitals usually have better access than rural health facilities, where oxygen delivery and monitoring capacity may be limited.

Japan

Japan’s mature hospital infrastructure and aging population support steady demand for Nasal cannula in acute care and long-term respiratory support settings. Procurement tends to emphasize quality systems, consistent supply, and compatibility with standardized hospital workflows. Urban and rural access is generally strong compared with many regions, though facility-level product preferences can vary.

Philippines

The Philippines faces geographic distribution challenges that can affect consistent supply of Nasal cannula and oxygen accessories across islands. Demand is driven by hospital utilization, emergency respiratory care, and an expanding private healthcare sector in cities. Facilities in remote areas may rely more heavily on cylinders and concentrators, with variable access to trained biomedical support.

Egypt

Egypt’s demand for Nasal cannula is supported by large public hospitals, expanding private care, and ongoing investment in critical care capacity. Supply chains typically involve both imports and domestic manufacturing, with distributor networks playing a major operational role. Access is generally stronger in urban governorates than in rural areas where oxygen infrastructure constraints may be more prominent.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nasal cannula access is closely linked to oxygen availability, which can vary widely by region and facility. Imports, humanitarian supply chains, and limited local distribution capacity can influence product continuity. Urban referral centers are more likely to have stable oxygen delivery options than rural facilities, where concentrator maintenance and cylinder logistics can be challenging.

Vietnam

Vietnam’s growing hospital sector and expanding critical care capabilities drive demand for Nasal cannula and related oxygen delivery consumables. Supply may combine domestic manufacturing with imports, with procurement approaches differing across public and private systems. Urban centers generally have stronger distributor coverage and oxygen infrastructure than remote provinces.

Iran

Iran’s demand for Nasal cannula reflects broad hospital utilization and chronic respiratory care needs, supported by a mix of domestic production and imports depending on product type. Procurement and supply continuity can be affected by cross-border logistics and availability of specific materials or components. Urban tertiary centers typically have better access to a complete service ecosystem than rural facilities.

Turkey

Turkey’s large hospital network and medical tourism footprint contribute to sustained demand for Nasal cannula across perioperative and inpatient respiratory care. The market includes domestic manufacturing alongside imports, with procurement often emphasizing standardization and reliable distribution. Urban hospitals generally have strong oxygen infrastructure, while smaller facilities may rely more on cylinders and local service providers.

Germany

Germany’s well-resourced hospital system supports consistent demand for Nasal cannula, with strong expectations for documentation, device traceability, and infection prevention compliance. Supply chains are typically stable, supported by established distributors and stringent quality requirements. Differences between urban and rural access are usually less pronounced than in many countries, though local contracting still shapes product selection.

Thailand

Thailand’s demand for Nasal cannula is supported by a mix of public healthcare coverage and a substantial private hospital sector, including services in major cities. Supply chains often blend imports with local distribution and, in some categories, domestic manufacturing. Access is generally strongest in Bangkok and other urban centers, while rural facilities may face greater constraints in oxygen delivery infrastructure and equipment servicing.

Key Takeaways and Practical Checklist for Nasal cannula

Nasal cannula is an oxygen interface; it does not provide ventilation support.
Treat oxygen as a medication and follow local prescribing and monitoring rules.
Confirm the oxygen source is oxygen (not air) before applying the device.
Choose the correct cannula size for neonatal, pediatric, or adult patients.
Inspect packaging integrity and labeling before opening and use.
Check the tubing for kinks, cracks, or occlusions before connection.
Verify oxygen flow is on and present at the prongs before leaving bedside.
Route tubing to reduce trip hazards and avoid bed-rail compression.
Avoid overtightening; secure gently to reduce pressure injuries.
Protect ears and nares early for patients at high skin-risk.
Reassess SpO2 trends and clinical work of breathing after any change.
Remember: flow rate is not the same as delivered FiO2.
Use pulse oximeter alarms thoughtfully to reduce alarm fatigue.
Respond to desaturation by assessing the patient first, then the equipment.
Escalate care when oxygen needs rise rather than repeatedly increasing flow without review.
Watch for dryness, discomfort, and nosebleeds during ongoing use.
Follow facility policy on humidification and water handling practices.
Keep oxygen away from flames, sparks, and smoking areas.
Avoid oil-based products near oxygen equipment per safety policy.
Secure oxygen cylinders and transport them only with approved mounts or trolleys.
Confirm cylinders are not empty before transport and plan for delays.
Document device type, flow setting, time applied, and patient response.
Communicate oxygen device and flow at every clinical handoff.
Treat cannulas as single-patient-use unless IFU explicitly permits reprocessing.
Never share a cannula between patients, even with cleaning.
Dispose of used cannulas according to local waste and infection control rules.
Clean and disinfect high-touch oxygen equipment surfaces per policy.
Record lot numbers when investigating suspected product quality issues.
Report device defects (brittle tubing, poor fit, connector failures) through formal channels.
Escalate flowmeter, regulator, or outlet problems to biomedical engineering promptly.
Standardize cannula SKUs and connector types to reduce unit-level workarounds.
Validate consumable compatibility with existing flowmeters and humidifiers before bulk purchase.
Include infection prevention and biomedical engineering in procurement evaluations.
Stock multiple sizes to prevent unsafe “make-do” fitting in pediatrics.
Train staff on correct flowmeter reading technique used in your facility.
Audit pressure injury risks for long-duration oxygen interface patients.
Build oxygen safety (fire risk) into onboarding and annual competency refreshers.
Use incident and near-miss reporting data to improve oxygen therapy workflows.
Ensure distributors can support continuity of supply and rapid recall communications.
Align purchasing decisions with local oxygen infrastructure realities (pipeline, cylinders, concentrators).

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