Why do we need the oxygen mask during surgery?

Question

I have a difficult time breathing every time they put it on me...and when I wake up it smells nasty and I suffocate.

Answer 1

It is the easiest way to keep your bodies blood gasses balanced since you are not physically active and the surgery can affect respiration.

Answer 2

Before starting surgery you get at least three types of drugs.

One drug to fall into sleep.

Pain relief is often given by opioids, and might suppress your own breathing.

But most important, you will get a muscle relaxant which will paralyze all your muscles, and most important your breathing muscle (diaphragma). After this drug has started working, you will stop to breath by yourself, and a "ventilator" will instead breath for you.

Answer 3

it assists your breathing while your sedated or have anasthaesia or whatever, because you get so drowsy, they just knocked me out though