Health Sciences · Hospital for Sick Children
A metal mask designed to cover the mouth and nose. It consists of two parts: A metal mesh cage supported by a solid outer rim with a concave cross section, and a loop of metal spring that nests into the concave frame in order to clamp a fabric covering into place over the metal cage. A piece of wire has been twisted around a loop at the base of the spring clamp.
This example includes a gauze covering.
Accession Number: 2025.sk.39
Vapor Mask, Ether Mask, Anaesthesia Mask
Primary Materials:
Markings:
Dimensions (cm): Height = 5, Width = 8, Length = 15.
The Yankauer mask was introduced in 1904 as a means to administer inhalation anesthetic. The mask was placed over a patient’s mouth and nose, and a small amount of volatile anesthetic, either ether or chloroform, was dropped or poured onto the mask’s fabric covering.
The mask is intact and in good condition. There is light wear on the contact surfaces of the mask.
Associated Instruments:
Manufacturer:
Date of Manufacture: Early to Mid-20th C.
Provenance:
Wood Library-Museum of Anesthesiology (WLM) in Schaumburg, IL, USA, has catalogued several examples of the Yankauer mask. The entry contains useful historical context. (Webpage archived 15 August 2025)
The Yankauer mask was introduced in 1904 by New York physician Sidney Yankauer (1872-1932).