The cLMA may be used for patients breathing spontaneously or for controlled ventilation.

Use of the cLMA for controlled ventilation is an advanced use. Despite widespread use in this manner, it remains contentious.

If choosing to ventilate a patient's lungs via a laryngeal mask, a ProSeal LMA, which incorporates an oesophageal venting tube, is a better choice. (Fig 1).

The cLMA also has a role in difficult airway management, both as a conduit for intubation and for rescuing an obstructed airway, and for airway management during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.