Sidestream vs Microstream Capnography: Which ETCO2 Cannula? | Endure
Sidestream vs. Microstream Capnography: Which ETCO2 Cannula Do You Need?
Before you order ETCO2 nasal sampling cannulas, you need to know one thing: what type of capnography technology does your monitor use? The answer determines whether you can use any standard ETCO2 cannula or whether you're locked into buying proprietary consumables from a single manufacturer.
Critical: There are two main technologies — sidestream and Microstream. Using the wrong cannula type with your monitor means it simply won't work.
The Two Technologies Compared
Sidestream Open
Continuously draws a small sample of exhaled gas through a sampling line to a sensor inside the monitor.
- Uses standard nasal cannula with luer connector
- Compatible with cannulas from any manufacturer
- Sampling rate: 50–200 mL/min
- Works with adult, pediatric, and neonatal patients
- Monitor sensor is internal and reusable
Microstream Proprietary
Uses Molecular Correlation Spectroscopy — a proprietary technology now owned by Medtronic.
- Requires proprietary Medtronic FilterLines
- FilterLines contain built-in moisture filter
- Very low flow rate: ~50 mL/min
- Tends to be more accurate at very low flow rates
- Higher consumable costs due to lock-in
How to Tell Which Technology Your Monitor Uses
Quick Identification Steps
- Look at your current cannulas. If they have a small white cylindrical filter built into the sampling line and are labeled "FilterLine" or "Microstream," you have Microstream technology.
- Check the monitor's specifications. Look for "Microstream" or "Oridion" branding on the monitor itself or in the user manual.
- Check the sampling port. Microstream monitors use a specific port design that accepts FilterLine connectors. Sidestream monitors use standard luer ports.
What This Means for Purchasing
Sidestream Monitors
Full freedom to choose your ETCO2 cannula supplier. Switch from Salter Labs to Endure and save 50%+ per unit.
Microstream Monitors
Locked into Medtronic FilterLines. Cannot use standard ETCO2 cannulas from any manufacturer.
If your practice uses sidestream monitors, you have full freedom to choose your ETCO2 cannula supplier. This is where Endure's pricing advantage matters most — you can switch from Salter Labs or Teleflex to Endure and save 50%+ per unit with zero compatibility risk.
If your practice uses Microstream monitors, you are locked into Medtronic FilterLines and cannot use standard ETCO2 cannulas from any manufacturer. Your only way to reduce costs is to negotiate pricing directly with Medtronic or your distributor.
If you're purchasing new capnography monitors, choosing a sidestream model gives you permanent flexibility in consumable sourcing and avoids proprietary lock-in.
Sidestream Cannulas from Endure
Endure Industries manufactures ETCO2 nasal sampling cannulas compatible with all standard sidestream capnography monitors. Available in:
- Prong styles: Split (bifurcated) and cloud (dual)
- Tubing lengths: 7ft and 14ft
- Connectors: Male, female, or universal luer
- Patient sizes: Adult and pediatric
Cases of 40 start at $55 ($1.38/unit). Free samples available to verify compatibility with your specific monitor.
Verify Compatibility — Free Samples
Test Endure cannulas with your sidestream monitor. No commitment required.
Request Free Samples
