Guide to choosing LMA size. Note that these are guidelines only, and clinical judgment may be needed. In general, the size-4 LMA will be suitable for most adult females, and the size-5 for adult males up to 100 kg. The new size-6 is intended for adult patients over 100 kg. The size-3 LMA is now considered to be a pediatric size. Be careful not to exceed the maximum cuff inflation volume; if more than this volume is necessary to maintain a seal, consider the use of a larger size, as a better seal may be obtained by using a larger size with less air. Using too small a mask and overinflating the cuff may result in a poor fit within the oropharyngeal space and may possibly injure the oropharyngeal mucosa. Many clinicians measure the cuff pressure to ensure that it never exceeds 60 cmH2O (ie, 41 mmHg).
LMA: laryngeal mask airway; kg: kilogram; mL: milliliter; cmH2O: centimeter of water; mmHg: milliliter of mercury.