Is there a difference between cpr pocket masks?

Question

there was one at the college bookstore for 8.95 and another at the off campus bookstore for 22.95 the guy said that if i was going to take emt104 i need the better mask which is of course the more expensive one... but i was wondering if theres an acutal difference. they look the same to me.

Answer 1

True pocket masks- the triangular devices with the soft collar, a one-way valve, etc. are pretty interchangeable.

The ones we sell at the Red Cross locally run $10 and are fine for class use, and perfectly OK for work use as well.

Now- given a chance, my favorite mask is the Laerdal Pocket Mask with O2 Inlet and head strap, like this one: http://www.laerdal.com/document.asp?subn...

I find that the cheaper masks are often 'floppier' than the Laerdal mask, and you don't get as good of a seal reliably- but they DO do the job.

You will rarely need the head strap or O2 valve... but what the heck?

Answer 2

Pocket masks can have a few variations.  If you're planning on keeping it for possible human usage AFTER the class, you need to make sure you get one with a one-way valve & filter. This keeps you from getting puke in your mouth, and from breathing their (unfiltered) exhaled air. The only other real variation is possibly having an oxygen inlet. This is a waste of money if you ask me, because if you have oxygen with you, you'll more than likely have an actual ambu-bag! Especially if you wind up on an ambulance!