pocket mask pocket mask a pocket mask, or pocket face mask or cpr mask, is a device used to safely deliver rescue breaths during a cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest. the specific term "pocket mask" is the trademarked name for the product manufactured by laerdal medical as. it is not to be confused with a bag valve mask (bvm). pocket maska pocket mask with carrying case and detached one-way valvespecialtyemergency medicineinterventioncardiopulmonary resuscitation purpose a pocket mask is a small portable device used in the pre-hospital setting to provide adequate ventilation to a patient whom is either in respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. the pocket mask is designed to be placed over the face of the patient, thus creating a seal enclosing both the mouth and nose. air is then administered to the patient by an emergency responder. the emergency responder exhales through a one-way filter valve, providing adequate ventilation to the patient. the emergency responder is capable of delivering up to 16% oxygen with his/her breath. modern pocket masks have either a built in one-way valve or an attachable, disposable filter to protect the emergency responder from the patient's potentially infectious bodily substances, such as vomit or blood. many masks also have a built-in oxygen intake tube, allowing for administration of 50-60% oxygen. without being hooked up to an external line, exhaled air from the provider can still provide sufficient oxygen to live, up to 16%. earth's atmosphere consists of approximately 21% oxygen. usage while a pocket mask is not as efficient as a bag valve mask, it does have its advantages when only one rescuer is available. as suggested by its name, the pocket mask benefits from a somewhat easier portability when compared to the bag valve mask. also, in contrast to the bag valve mask, which requires two hands to operate (one to form a seal and the other to squeeze the bag), the pocket mask allows for both of the rescuer's hands to be on the patients head. this hand placement provides a superior seal on the patient's face, and allows the responder to perform a jaw thrust on patients who may have a spinal injury.