Comparison of cuff-pressure changes in LMA-Classic® and the new Soft Seal® laryngeal masks during nitrous oxide anaesthesia in spontaneous breathing patients

Abstract

During nitrous oxide anaesthesia, cuff pressure increases in the LMA-Classic mask were significantly higher than those of the Soft Seal laryngeal mask. Trauma to patients, as assessed by the incidence of sore throat in the early postoperative period was significantly higher in the LMA-Classic group. Cuff pressures should be monitored during nitrous oxide anaesthesia when LMA-Classic is used but to do so is of less importance when using the disposable Soft Seal laryngeal mask.