A CPR mask, often called a pocket mask or barrier device, is a small, portable piece of equipment used to safely deliver rescue breaths during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Its function is to create a physical barrier between the rescuer and the victim, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination from bodily fluids like saliva, blood, or vomit. Using this device allows a trained individual to provide necessary ventilation while protecting both themselves and the person in need of assistance.
Understanding the CPR Mask Components
The pocket mask is a barrier device composed of several distinct parts designed for effective and sanitary ventilation. The main structure is a rigid or semi-rigid dome, typically transparent, which allows the rescuer to monitor the victim’s face for color changes or the presence of foreign material in the airway. This dome includes a soft, cushioned rim designed to conform to the contours of the victim’s face, creating an airtight seal over the nose and mouth. Achieving this complete seal during breathing delivery is essential.
The one-way valve is the most important safety component, inserted into the port where the rescuer delivers the breath. This valve permits air to flow uni-directionally from the rescuer into the victim’s lungs but immediately closes to prevent the victim’s exhaled air or contaminants from flowing back toward the rescuer. Many professional-grade pocket masks also feature an oxygen inlet, a small port allowing for the attachment of supplemental oxygen tubing to increase the concentration of oxygen delivered.
Initial Preparation Before Use
Preparation focuses on ensuring the safety of the environment and establishing a clear, open airway for the victim. Before placing the mask, the rescuer must confirm the scene is safe and that the victim is lying supine on a firm, flat surface. A quick inspection of the mask is necessary to ensure the one-way valve is securely in place and that the mask itself is free of damage.
The rescuer must open the airway, typically using the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver unless a spinal injury is suspected. This involves placing one hand on the victim’s forehead and two fingers of the other hand on the bony part of the chin, then gently tilting the head back while lifting the chin. If a neck or spinal injury is suspected, the jaw-thrust maneuver is used instead. This involves placing fingers behind the angles of the jaw and lifting it forward without tilting the head, which physically moves the tongue away from the back of the throat and prevents obstruction.
Step-by-Step Application and Rescue Breathing
The first step is correctly positioning the mask over the victim’s face, ensuring the narrower end is placed over the bridge of the nose. The wider, curved end should rest below the lower lip, covering both the mouth and nose completely. Successful ventilation requires achieving a tight seal using the specialized C-E grip technique.
To perform the C-E grip, the rescuer uses the thumb and index finger of one hand to form a “C” shape, pressing down on the top edge of the mask to maintain the seal. The remaining three fingers of the same hand form an “E” shape, lifting the victim’s jaw upward toward the mask. This dual action simultaneously seals the mask and maintains the open airway. Pressure should be directed along the bony part of the jaw to avoid compressing the soft tissue of the neck.
With the mask sealed and the airway open, the rescuer delivers a breath through the one-way valve, with each breath lasting approximately one second. It is important to deliver only enough air volume to make the victim’s chest visibly rise, which confirms air entry and prevents over-inflation. If the chest does not rise, the rescuer must quickly reposition the head and re-establish the C-E seal before attempting the second breath. If the victim has no pulse, rescue breaths are delivered in a ratio of two breaths following every 30 chest compressions. If the victim is not breathing but has a pulse, rescue breathing is performed at a rate of one breath every five to six seconds for an adult.
Cleaning and Storage After Use
After use, the mask should be considered contaminated, requiring immediate post-emergency care for hygiene. Single-use components, specifically the one-way valve and any associated filter or head strap, must be immediately removed and discarded to prevent cross-contamination. These parts are not designed to be cleaned or reused after patient contact.
If the mask body is designated as reusable, it requires thorough cleaning and disinfection.
Cleaning and Disinfection Steps
- The mask should be washed and scrubbed in warm water with a mild, non-abrasive soap or detergent.
- Rinse the mask completely in clean water to remove all soap residue.
- For disinfection, submerge the mask for a period, such as ten minutes, in a diluted bleach solution (0.5% sodium hypochlorite).
- Rinse the mask again for several minutes under running water.
- Allow the mask to air dry completely.
- Once fully dry and a new one-way valve is attached, store the mask in its protective case in a cool, dry location.