Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the delivery of
inspired gas, e.g., supplemental O2, to a person combined with gas sampling, including for the purpose of monitoring of the ventilation of the person. In the invention, the delivery of
inspired gas and gas sampling are accomplished without the use of a sealed face
mask. The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention comprises an
oxygen delivery device,
nasal airway pressure sampling devices, optionally an oral
airway pressure sampling device and at least one pressure analyzer connected to the sampling devices which determine the phase of the person's
respiration cycle and the person's primary
airway. The
oxygen delivery device is connected to a controller such that it delivers a higher flow of
oxygen to the person during the
inhalation phase of the person's
respiratory cycle. The invention thus increases
end tidal oxygen concentrations. The invention further comprises
carbon dioxide sampling tubes that continuously sample gas from two nasal sites and the mouth. The nasal sampling tubes are connected to a switching valve that is in turn connected to a capnometer which determines
carbon dioxide concentration during
exhalation. The oral gas sampling site is connected to a second capnometer.