By NORA YANG| Updated: 2026-06-15
Oxygen is the most essential element for human survival. Without it, humanity would cease to exist; therefore, oxygen is fundamental to human life on Earth.
In clinical medicine, oxygen masks are primarily used in conjunction with breathing equipment to deliver oxygen to patients.
In areas with thin air and high pressure, oxygen levels are extremely low, often causing symptoms of hypoxia such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and dizziness. In these situations, oxygen equipment-specifically, oxygen masks-is often needed to aid breathing.
Passengers experiencing symptoms of hypoxia such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath during air travel can use the aircraft's emergency oxygen masks.
