Frequently asked questions.

1. Is the Baska Mask easy to introduce?

Yes.  Several features of the mask increases the ease of insertion.  

a. Easy compressibility of the membranous cuff

b. The curvature and flexibility of the mask and the airway tube

c. The availability of the tab to increase flexion if required to facilitate the passage around the curve at the back of the mask

2. When should the tab be used?

The tab should be used only if required to help to negotiate the palato-pharyngeal curve.  It should be released as soon as the tip of the mask passes around the curve.    

3. Can the Baska Mask be used in both spontaneous breathing and paralysed patients?

Yes

4. Can IPPV  be used safely?

IPPV can be safely used because;

a. The leak pressure around the cuff is high

b. If there is any leak around the cuff the gas escapes easily via the sump drain system without inflating the stomach

5. Why does the Baska Mask look so bulky?

It appears bulky because the front of the mask incorporates the membranous cuff, which is the equivalent of an inflated cuff on previous kinds of laryngeal masks, however this membranous cuff is very soft and compresses easily during insertion.  The back of the mask incorporates a sump drain cavity that rapidly clears any secretions and other fluids that may collect during its use.  This function has never been available in any previous supraglottic airways.

6. What is the cuff pressure in the mask?

There is no closed inflated cuff in the Baska Mask.  The seal depends on the flexible membrane and the pressure reflects the airway pressure and it cannot exceed the airway pressure. 

7. What are the chances of tissue and nerve damage with the Baska Mask?

There is no inflated cuff in the Baska Mask, which is the commonest cause for pressure damage.  The possibility for such damage is minimal.

8. How does the cuff pressure compare to other supraglottic devices?

Other devices often use closed inflated cuffs.  The pressure inside such cuffs can be very high and should be monitored.  With effects such as nitrous oxide diffusion, the pressure can actually increase during use.  This does not apply to the Baska Mask because there is no closed inflated cuff.

9. When should suction be used?

Continuous suction should be used during insertion and during the removal of the device.  During the procedure, suction can be applied intermittently as required to clear any fluids or secretions.  Maintaining suction continuously throughout a long procedure is not recommended because the drying action of the airflow may predispose to post operative sore throat.

10. What is the rate of suction clearance?

Full high flow, high pressure suction can be applied to the suction outlet of the device.    

11. Why is the vent necessary?

The vent must be open to the atmosphere at all times to prevent negative pressure to the sump drain area. 

12. What are the recommendations regarding the use of gastric tube?

The use of gastric tube is neither necessary nor recommended because any gastric fluid regurgitated will be cleared by the sump drain system.  If it is never the less still required to pass the gastric tube, it should be passed either down behind the mask or through the suction port after disconnecting the suction elbow. 

We do not recommend the use of supraglottic airways when the patient is known to have a full stomach.