Disposable and reusable laryngeal mask airway

The using rate of disposable laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is growing rapidly. This increase is due to medical stuff aware that comparing with the endotracheal tube (ET tube), the laryngeal mask is more comfortable and less irritation to the patients, and with higher anesthesia satisfaction.

Reusable LMA, which made of silicone, required to be sterile in hospital after each use. A series measurements required to be taking for sterilization, include washing by flow water, steaming by high temperature, drying etc. However, these methods can’t remove all the bacteria as effectively as EO sterile method, thus it is still have risks that infect the patients.

China’s shift from reusable to disposable of laryngeal masks

In China, hospitals started to using the lma the latest 10 years, the using rate is grow up to 18% in 2023. The anesthesia department use the lma reusable up to 5 times at the first, then reduce to 2 or 3 times, but in these two years, all hospitals using the laryngeal mask as disposable type to make it safe.

This transition is part of a broader move in the medical field to enhance infection control measures, reflecting the ongoing commitment to improving patient care standards. As the demand for safer, more comfortable airway management options continues to rise, the use of disposable LMAs is expected to keep growing, despite the higher costs associated with single-use devices. This growth underscores the medical community’s emphasis on patient outcomes and safety over financial considerations.