Anthropometric sizing program for oral-nasal oxygen masks based on 1967 U.S. Air Force survey data

A new sizing program for oral-nasal masks, based on total facial length, has been developed through an analysis of the 1967 USAF anthropometric survey head and face data. A four-size series of three-dimensional face forms has been sculpted based on this sizing program as a design aid for sizing such masks. This report includes a discussion of the theoretical and practical aspects of the sizing analyses and procedures, and establishes design limits and procurement tariffs for the four sizes of masks. The MBU-12/P oxygen mask, an aoral-nasal pressure-demand type of mask, has been fabricated in accordance with this sizing system using the face forms as sizing guides. The results obtained during fit-tests using 66 USAF personnel as subjects are described. The authors concluded that the dimensional sizing of the oral-nasal oxygen mask facepieces is valid for USAF flight crews.