Passenger Oxygen Mask Design Study

In response to Section 536 of Public Law 115-254, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018, the FAA conducted a review of the design, use, and effectiveness of commercial aircraft passenger oxygen masks. The intent was to determine whether the current design of passenger oxygen masks is adequate and whether changes to the design could increase correct passenger use of the masks. The yellow “Dixie-Cup” mask has changed little since the late 1950s, but its deceptively simple appearance belies a well-thought-out design. The round shape allows for quick and easy donning regardless of mask orientation. The mask also conforms to a wide range of face sizes and shapes, and one mask shape performs well for infants, children, and adults. Oxygen masks located throughout the passenger cabin typically meet minimum design, construction, and performance requirements using the FAA Technical Standard Order approval process and associated industry consensus standards. Following the completion of their review, the authors determined that the current passenger oxygen mask design is adequate and significant changes to the size and shape of the mask facepiece are not necessary. Although the authors determined that the general design and effectiveness of the mask facepiece is adequate, they made recommendations that may increase the correct use of the passenger mask. The authors made recommendations related to mask measurement, as well as increased comprehension of preflight briefing materials by passengers. They also made a recommendation to explore a cost- effective means to add text or symbology that would specify that the mask should be worn over the nose and mouth.

• Record URL:
  https://www.faa.gov/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/2020s/media/202111.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/57230
• Corporate Authors:

  FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute

  6500 S MacArthur Boulevard
  Oklahoma City, OK  United States  73125

  Federal Aviation Administration

  Office of Aerospace Medicine, 800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Authors:
  • Jay, Susan M
  • Hettman, Robert K
  • Deaderick, D K
  • Mandella, Joseph G
  • Lennon, Shannon
• Publication Date: 2021-3

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 52p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft cabins; Aviation safety; Design; Oxygen equipment; Passengers
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01778620
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/FAA/AM-21/11
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 3 2021 3:31PM