oxygen mask

Meaning

An oxygen mask is a safety device that automatically drops from the ceiling of an airplane cabin if there is a sudden loss of air pressure. It covers the passenger's nose and mouth to deliver breathable oxygen. It is a key term in pre-flight safety demonstrations.

Examples

• In the event of decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically drop from the panel above you.

  In the event of decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically drop from the panel above you.

• Secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others, including children.

  Secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others, including children.

• The flight attendant demonstrated how to pull the strap to adjust the oxygen mask.

  The flight attendant demonstrated how to pull the strap to adjust the oxygen mask.

• During the emergency landing, the oxygen masks deployed throughout the cabin.

  During the emergency landing, the oxygen masks deployed throughout the cabin.

• Make sure the oxygen mask covers both your nose and mouth.

  Make sure the oxygen mask covers both your nose and mouth.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ You need to pull the air mask down.

  ✓ You need to pull the oxygen mask down.

  While it provides breathable air, the precise safety term used in aviation is 'oxygen mask'.

• ✗ Put your oxygen mask on your mouth only.

  ✓ Put your oxygen mask over your nose and mouth.

  For safety and grammatical accuracy, the mask goes 'over' both the 'nose and mouth'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If cabin pressure changes, an ___ will drop from the ceiling.

  💡 The safety device that provides air during an emergency.

  Show answer

  oxygen mask

• Always put on your own ___ first before helping your children.

  💡 The emergency breathing device on airplanes.

  Show answer

  oxygen mask