Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
Influence of total face masks design and circuit on synchrony and performance during pressure support ventilation: A
Giuliano Ferrone1, Giorgia Spinazzola1, Roberta Costa2
1Department of Emergency, Intensive Care Medicine and Anesthesia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Istituto di Anestesiologia e Rianimazione, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.
Background:
Few studies investigated the influence of the circuit applied during non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with a total face mask. The aim of this bench study was to evaluate the effects of separated inflow and outflow ports in a total face mask on patient ventilator interaction and performance during NIV through a total face mask.
Methods:
A mannequin was connected to an active lung simulator. NIV was applied both via a standard total face mask (STFM) with a Y-piece connector for inflow/outflow gases and a modified total face mask (MTFM) with 2 different connectors for inflow and outflow gases.
Results:
The MTFM showed both a significantly better patient-ventilator interaction and a significantly higher performance. The MTFM showed a significantly lower Δtrigger compared to STFM (p<0.01) and shorter value of PTPtrigger during all ventilator setting tested (p < 0.01). Significant differences in PTP 200, PTP 300, and PTP 500 were observed between the MTFM and STFM (p < 0.01) in all conditions tested. Concerning PTP 500 ideal index, in all the conditions tested, the MTFM presented higher values compared to STFM, although those differences were not statistically significant. At both RRsim and ventilator settings tested, the MTFM showed a significantly shorter Delaytrinsp and Delaytrexp compared to STFM (p < 0.01). At both RRsim tested and both ventilator settings, the MTFM showed a significantly longer Timesync compared to STFM (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
The MTFM showed a significantly better patient ventilator interaction and a better ventilator performance, suggesting that this kind of total face mask design should be preferred in clinical practice.
Related Concept Videos
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Oxygen Delivering System I: Nasal Cannula and Face Mask
Nasal Cannula
A nasal cannula is a lightweight tube split at one end into two prongs and placed in the nostrils. It is typically used to deliver low to medium levels of oxygen.
Suggested flow rate: The suggested flow rate for a nasal cannula typically ranges between 1 and 6 L/min.
Oxygen percentage setting:...
Mechanical Ventilation I: Indication and Settings

