The relatively large mask section 'bowl' of the cLMA, and its stable position once inserted, tend to ensure that the cLMA sits over the glottis.

In most well performed studies the cLMA sits over the airway (if a fibrescope is inserted into the cLMA the glottis is visible from the cLMA bowl) in between 90-95% of cases.

This has two advantages:

• The resistance to breathing via a cLMA is relatively low and airway obstruction is infrequent
• If it is desirable to access the larynx through the cLMA, i.e. using the cLMA as a 'conduit', this is usually relatively easy