Single use laryngeal masks were developed for several reasons

• Economic competition
• Concerns that reusable cLMAs were not being used for a full 40 times (loss and theft). This problem should be reduced by improved tracking systems
• Concerns over the risk of vCJD transmission. This is a risk that is often overstated and recent NICE reports suggest the risk is tiny

At present there are almost 20 single use laryngeal masks. The vast majority of these have not been formally clinically evaluated.

Evidence and data for single use laryngeal masks

For the vast majority of single use laryngeal masks there is no published data on which to judge them

It is likely that the many minor changes in design lead to performance differences, e.g. insertion success, seal pressure, ability to ventilate or to intubate through. Therefore, without clear evidence, only generalizations are possible:

• Silicone devices are probably 'gentler' on the airway than PVC devices
• There is evidence for some laryngeal masks that their performance is not as good as that of the cLMA

A synthesis of the available data is contained in the Further Reading section of the Resources page.