Peak expiratory flow rates produced with the Laerdal and Mapleson-C bagging circuits

This study compared the peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) at different inspiratory pause pressures (IPP) produced by the Mapleson-C circuit and the Laerdal self-inflating resuscitator. The difference in PEFR produced by the two circuits was significantly different at the lowest and the highest IPP studied (I3 and 38cm H20). The greatest differences in the mean expiratory flow rates produced was, however, only 0.07 litre sec(-7). The authors suggest that the choice of bagging circuit should depend on the experience and familiarity of the therapist with the circuit.