Maschere da snorkelling full-face: quando respirare non è così facile

The use of full-face snorkelling masks (FFSM), frequently marketed as ‘easy-breath’ devices, is witnessing an exponential growth. This surge is driven by the promise of a 180° underwater field of view combined with ‘natural’ nasal-oral breathing, thereby eliminating the need for a traditional snorkel mouthpiece. Currently, the use of these devices is indicated by manufacturers for children as young as 6 years of age. However, despite their apparent ease of use, these masks conceal a significant physiopathological hazard: the dead space of the device may exceed the tidal volume of younger children, creating the conditions for a dangerous rebreathing mechanism. The paper explores this risk through three emblematic clinical cases presenting to the Emergency Unit of the IRCCS Burlo Garofolo following hypoxic-hypercapnic episodes associated with the use of full-face masks.