Been by my side for 4 years, and still holds up even after damage.
I bought my rescue mask in 2016 after taking my annual CPR re-up course (I'm a nanny, and CPR certification is required). I keep it in my car with my mobile first aid kit and it is very securely attached with velcro. It attaches to the strap, and the velcro is VERY strong - like, you gotta really wanna take it off. It stays very secure, even being bashed and tossed around the car and going in and out and all over the place. The mask itself holds up EXCEPTIONALLY well. Like I said, I keep it in my car (which, in hindsight, isn't ideal, but I keep it there anyway so that I always have it with me when I go out). That means that it's subjected to very extreme heat. I took it out recently (GUESS WHY! It's that time of year again!) and found that it had, unfortunately, warped and flattened in the heat. I was bummed, and made a mental note to get myself a new one to replace it, but I didn't have time before my CPR/AED course started. I wanted to practice with it anyway, even though it was clearly not suitable, because I knew I'd be getting a new one and wanted the practice with the mask. Guys, it still worked. It's flattened, it's taken on the red of the pouch it's in, the cushion is hardly "cushiony" anymore, and it held enough of a seal to inflate Steve's (yeah, I name the manikins, DON'T JUDGE ME) chest. I had to press harder than I otherwise would, and I had to wriggle it around to get the right seal (so - not ideal in an emergency!!), but I took it as a challenge. The harder plastic part that is designed to hold its shape over the nose and mouth has not warped, has not discolored, has not shown any signs of wear or tear or heat damage whatsoever. This thing survived three New Jersey summers and one TEXAS summer in the back of my car, and the only damage is to the soft cushion. The stiffer plastic of the mask and the valve itself literally look exactly like they did when they were new. Incredible worksmanship for LESS THAN TEN BUCKS?! Unreal. The pouch is well-made, no fraying anywhere despite my abuse, and it has a little pouch inside of it for gloves, alcohol wipes (or alcohol bottles, if that's more your style;) rescuers need a drink, too!), other breathing barriers, or gauze. It's got an elastic strap that is so securely attached to the adult mask that the connection point is, like the stiffer plastic, untouched by the dreadful heat of my car. The infant mask DOES NOT have a strap on it. This is a good thing. You have to keep your hand on the infant's head during chest compressions to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome, and for me, holding the manikin's forehead and this infant mask together with one hand was no trouble at all. Can't believe my little mask has made it through 4 years with me. Will ABSOLUTELY continue to purchase this through the years as the plastic wears down and the heat affects it. Incredible how well it's held up considering the abuse I put it through. This little guy's a champ! Read more
