Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025

Effects of Surgical Masks on Cardiopulmonary Function in Healthy Subjects
Published on: February 12, 2021
A Comparison of Using Cuffed and Uncuffed Face Masks for Providing Manual Bag Ventilation in Elderly Patients with
Paweł Ratajczyk1, Krzysztof Wasiak1, Przemysław Kluj1
1Department Anesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland.
Background:
With the improvement of healthcare, the number of elderly individuals, including those with obesity, is increasing. The accumulation of various ventilation problems associated with the use of face masks in both these patient groups can pose a challenge even for an experienced anesthesiologist. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the ventilation of elderly patients with obesity using face masks, uncuffed or cuffed, and compare it with values obtained among patients with obesity who are not elderly. The secondary aim of the study was to demonstrate which of the two masks tested is better for elderly patients with android and gynoid obesity.
Methods:
This study was conducted at University Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Lodz among 108 patients with obesity, 50 elderly and 58 non-elderly. Patients' BMIs ranged from 35.0 to 59.0. For the study, the uncuffed Intersurgical Eco Mask II and cuffed Ambu Ultra Seal face masks were used. Expiratory tidal volume and leakage obtained during the use of both types of masks were examined. The obtained data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and supplemented with Wilcoxon test values.
Results:
In elderly patients with obesity, especially those with gynoid obesity, the use of the Intersurgical Eco Mask II is associated with better ventilation parameters than the Ambu Ultra Seal mask. Only in the case of elderly patients with android obesity did the use of the Ambu Ultra Seal mask yield similar results to the Intersurgical Eco Mask II.
Conclusions:
Uncuffed face masks provide better ventilation parameters during manual bag ventilation in elderly patients with obesity.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
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:...
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,...
Administering Oxygen by Mask
Administering oxygen by mask is a common nursing intervention that provides supplemental oxygen to patients with respiratory distress or chronic lung conditions. This procedure involves delivering oxygen at a specified rate through a face mask connected to an oxygen source.
Equipment
The equipment necessary for this procedure includes:
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...

