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FACE MASK SEAL IS CRITICAL FOR DELIVERY OF AEROSOL MEDICATION TO INFANTS AND CHILDREN
An article featured in the February issue of Respiratory Care entitled "Force-Dependent Static Dead Space of Face Masks Used with Holding Chambers" examined the relationship between face mask seal and dead space volume. The authors tested 7 commonly used face masks, measuring dead space when different pressures were applied (1.5, 3.5, and 7 pounds). The AeroChamber* brand VHC with ComfortSeal* mask was found to be the best sealing1 and to have the lowest dead space volume percentage.2
The study concluded that some masks may be unsuitable for use with infants or small children, either because of their relatively large dead space volume or because of their inability to form an effective seal at the pressures tested. For instance, the Pocket Chamber mask was too stiff to seal at any force applied during the testing.3 Only two of the chambers studied achieved a seal at 1.5 pounds of force, one of which was the AeroChamber* brand of VHC.
"The facemask seal is critical for efficient aerosol delivery to infants and young children, and this should be stressed to parents."4 Since this is an active process that requires the child to breathe through the chamber to get any medication, even a minimal break in the seal around the face will result in poor delivery to the child.
The fit of the mask depends on the pressure put on the child's face and the cooperation of the child during the treatment. Competitive masks in this study were found to be too stiff and non-conforming.
The ComfortSeal* mask featured on the AeroChamber* brand of VHC's is made of 100% medical grade silicone which makes it both durable and comfortable. The latex free ComfortSeal* mask will not cause facial irritation when used according to manufacturer's instructions. The AeroChamber Plus* VHC is manufactured in an ISO 13485 Class 8 Cleanroom Manufacturing Environment. The anatomical design of the mask ensures a comfortable fit and keeps dead space to a minimum.
The superior mask design makes it easy to achieve a good seal on the face without excessive force or discomfort, helping promote the administration of aerosol medication to pediatric patients.
It is important that healthcare providers make careful choices when selecting a valved holding chamber with mask to deliver aerosol medication to a pediatric patient. The AeroChamber Plus* VHC with ComfortSeal* mask provides minimal dead space, a comfortable fit and a secure seal across a wide age range.
1 Amirav I. Infant Aerosol
Holding Chamber Face Masks: Not All Are Born Equal! Respiratory Care,
February 2006, Vol 51, No 2, PP 123-125
2,3 Shah SA, Berlinski AB, Rubin
BK. Force-Dependent Static Dead Space of Face Masks Used With Holding
Chambers. Respiratory Care, February 2006, Vol 51, No 2
4 Amirav I, Newhouse MT. Aerosol therapy with valved holding
chambers in young children: importance of the facemask seal. Pediatrics.
2001 Aug; 108(2):389-94.
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