93% less N2O levels in the breathing zones were achieved when using Medicvent’s Double Mask compared with a single mask.
Ten independent studies have compared the levels of exposure to Nitrous Oxide (N₂O) against the Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL) set by France, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. The general conclusion across all studies is that exposure levels are lower when Medicvent’s Double Mask is used. In most cases, it has effectively reduced exposure levels below the recommended occupational limits.
The figure below summarizes the results of four of the studies comparing N2O levels when using a single mask vs double mask. Overall, 93% less Nitrous Oxide levels in the breathing zones were achieved when using the Double Mask from Medicvent. (2) (3) (4) (5)
Studies have concluded that:
• When using Medicvent’s Double Mask and adequate protocols, OEL for 8h and 15-min is met.(1)
• When administering N2O to children during painful procedures, Medicvent’s Double Mask – with or without a demand valve – kept the levels below recommended OEL.(2)
• The Double Mask from Medicvent was sufficient to decrease the exposure to anesthetic waste gases during pediatric mask induction in dental procedures. The reduction of N2O level was 92% and Sevoflurane 100% when using the double mask. (3)
• 93% of samples using a single mask were higher than OEL. 93% of samples using Medicvent´s doble mask were below the OEL. (4)
• The double mask connected to a high-rate aspiration system is currently the best technical solution to minimize the toxicological risks associated with the administration of mixtures of Oxygen/Nitrous Oxide (EMONO) (4)
References:
(1) van der Kooy, J et al. “A newly developed scavenging system for administration of nitrous oxide during labour: safe occupational use.” Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica vol. 56,7 (2012): 920- 5. doi:10.1111/j.1399-6576.2012.02668.x.
(2) Messeri, Andrea et al. “Occupational exposure to nitrous oxide during procedural pain control in children: a comparison of different inhalation techniques and scavenging systems.” Paediatric anaesthesia vol. 26,9 (2016): 919-25. doi:10.1111/pan.12966.
(3) Kurrek, Matt M et al. “Technical communication: the effect of the double mask on anesthetic waste gas levels during pediatric mask inductions in dental offices.” Anesthesia and analgesia vol. 117,1 (2013): 43-6.
(4) G. Caetano, J. Passeron, A. Guilleux et al., “Nitrous oxide in 50% O2/N2O mixture for pain management: Occupational exposure levels and prevention in a French hospital, Toxicologie Analytique & Clinique,” https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxac.2021.07.006.
(5) Reiz, S et al. “The double mask–a new local scavenging system for anaesthetic gases and volatile agents.” Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica vol. 30,3 (1986): 260-5. doi:10.1111/j.1399- 6576.1986.tb02409.x.