The laryngeal mask airway and similar supraglottic devices use an inflatable cuff to wedge into the upper oesophagus and provide a perilaryngeal seal. Inflatable masks provide an airway seal but can have negative impact on how these devices are inserted, how they are positioned and how they can perform. Inflation using the recommended volumes increases mask rigidity and decreases conformity with perilaryngeal structures. Mechanically, inflation can cause movement of the device. Inflatable masks also have the potential to cause tissue distortion, venous compression and nerve injury. Depending upon their material they can absorb anaesthetic gases leading to increased mucosal pressures. Size 1 LMA which is used in children upto 5 kg is vulnerable to displacement with slight movement of head of the child or anaesthesia circuit or with cuff inflation.

Currently the classical supralaryngeal airway devices (SAD) have been modified and i-gel^TM airway is one of the alternative SADs which has been recently introduced.