More about masks

During world-wide shortages of masks that were suitable to be used with the LifeVac® Airway Clearance Device, we sourced masks from a variety of suppliers. Whilst all the masks work equally well with the LifeVac®, you may have noticed small differences. Below we describe the possible differences and their significance.

Valve on the mask cuff

Some masks have an inflation valve fitted to the cuff.
This valve is fitted to some masks to inflate them if the cuff deflates over time. When we supply this type of mask we will also supply a syringe to inflate/deflate the mask. Remember that to give the best seal, the cuff should only be inflated to half-full. The valve opens when you push the end of the syringe into it, and closes automatically when you pull the syringe away.

Coloured Ring

Some masks are supplied with a coloured ring around the inlet of the mask with 4 raised plastic pins on them. These rings are not relevant to the function of the LifeVac® device and should be removed prior to emergency use. (These rings are supplied with anaesthetics masks to denote the size and to provide an attachment for a strap that holds the mask in place during surgical procedures.)
Whilst we try to get a consistent supply of masks without rings, sometimes these rings will be supplied.