Laryngeal mask airways - to inflate or to deflate after insertion?

Hyperinflation of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) cuff is known to be a risk factor for airway morbidity and increased leakage around the LMA. While the manufacturers' recommendation is to inflate the cuff with the maximum recommended volumes and/or to adjust the cuff pressure to >60 cmH2O, cuff pressures below 40 cmH2O have been shown to be associated with a minimal rate of sore throat and minimal leakage. However, it remains to be determined whether inflation or deflation is needed to achieve favorable pressures. Therefore, we assessed the need for cuff-volume adjustment following insertion of the LMA unchanged straight from the sterile packaging in a prospective audit.