Pressure effects on the nose by an in-flight oxygen mask during simulated flight conditions.

Background: Dutch F-16 fighter pilots experience oxygen mask inflicted nasal trauma, including discomfort, pain, skin abrasions, bruises and bone remodelling. Pressure and shear forces on the nose might contribute to causing these adverse effects. In this study, it was evaluated how flight conditions affected the exerted pressure, and whether shear forces were present.

Exerted pressure by an in-flight oxygen mask.

Background: F-16 pilots wear an in-flight oxygen mask to prevent hypoxemia. In the contact area with the mask, the pilots experience nasal discomfort and pain, and may even develop nasal deformities. A likely cause is the pressure exerted by the mask.

Oxygen mask fit analysis in F-16 fighter pilots using 3D imaging.

Background: The majority of Dutch F-16 pilots experience in-flight oxygen mask related nasal discomfort and injury. We aimed to analyze the fit of the oxygen mask.

Methods: We successfully scanned 35 pilots with a 3D scanner to measure the distance between the contact area on the nose and the oxygen mask in seven points, and the difference (delta) in angle between the nose and the mask relative to the facial midline.

Oxygen mask related nasal integument and osteocartilagenous disorders in F-16 fighter pilots.

Background: A preliminary survey showed half of the participating Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F-16 fighter pilots to have nasal integument and osteocartilagenous disorders related to wearing in-flight oxygen masks.

Aim: To make an inventory of these disorders and possible associated factors.

Methods: All RNLAF F-16 pilots were requested to fill out a semi-structured questionnaire for a cross-sectional survey.

Acquired nasal deformities in fighter pilots.

Fighter pilots may develop slowly progressive deformities of their noses during their flying careers. The spectrum of deformities that may be acquired ranges from soft tissue to osseous changes. The main cause is the varying pressure exerted by the oxygen mask on the skin and bony pyramid of the nose during flying.