What is a Medical Breathing Mask?
A medical breathing mask is a portable, rigid device designed to create a sealed airway between a rescuer and a patient who is not breathing. Unlike a simple oxygen mask (which requires a tank), a breathing mask is typically used for rescue breathing or CPR.
At its simplest, it is a small, clear plastic mask shaped to fit over a person’s nose and mouth. At its best, it includes a one-way valve, oxygen port, and cushioned seal.
How to Use a Medical Breathing Mask (Step-by-Step)
*Disclaimer: This guide assumes you have recognized an unresponsive person, called 911, and confirmed they are not breathing normally. Always follow current AHA/Red Cross guidelines.*
Step 1: Position the Patient and Prepare the Mask
Lay the patient flat on their back (supine). Open the mask packaging. If your mask has an inflatable cuff (a soft rim), inflate it slightly—just enough to hold its shape. Do not overinflate; it should feel like a soft pillow.
Step 2: Open the Airway (Crucial!)
A sealed mask on a blocked airway does nothing. Use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver:
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Place one hand on the patient’s forehead and push back.
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Place the fingers of your other hand under the bony part of the chin and lift up.
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This moves the tongue off the back of the throat.
Step 3: Apply the Mask
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Place the narrow point of the mask (bridge) over the patient’s nose.
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Stretch the bottom of the mask over the mouth and onto the chin.
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Use your thumbs and index fingers to press the mask firmly against the face to create a seal.
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Use your remaining fingers to pull the jaw up (jaw thrust).
Step 4: Deliver Breaths Through the One-Way Valve
Remove your mouth from the patient’s face. Place your lips completely over the duckbill valve port on top of the mask (not the patient’s mouth).
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Give 2 initial rescue breaths. Each breath should last 1 second.
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Watch the patient’s chest. You only need to see it rise visibly.
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If the chest does not rise, re-tilt the head, re-seal the mask, and try again.
Step 5: Continue CPR or Rescue Breathing
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For a solo rescuer: Give 30 chest compressions, then 2 breaths (using the mask).
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For two rescuers: Give 15 compressions, then 2 breaths.
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If the mask has an oxygen port and you have oxygen, attach it at 15 L/min.
Step 6: Aftercare
Once EMS arrives or the patient starts breathing normally, remove the mask. Disassemble the one-way valve (if possible) and disinfect the mask with soap and water or a bleach solution (10:1 water to bleach). Replace the valve before re-using. Most pocket masks come with a hard plastic case for safe storage.
When NOT to Use a Breathing Mask
While highly versatile, there are specific scenarios where a pocket mask is not the right tool:
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Suspected Spinal Injury: If you cannot perform a head-tilt/chin-lift, you must use a jaw thrust maneuver. A pocket mask still works, but you will need a second rescuer to hold the jaw while you hold the mask.
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Vomit or Blood in the Airway: You must clear the airway first. Some masks have a suction port, but a Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) or suction unit is better.
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A Gasping Patient: If the patient is gasping irregularly (agonal breathing), do not force breaths. They have a pulse. Start chest compressions instead.
