A minimally obtrusive,secure mask for prevention of access to the mouth

Abstract

Several childhood neurological conditions can lead to problems with unintended access to the mouth. Earlier workers have demonstrated benefits in the use of a helmet restricting mouth access, within a behavioural modification programme. Conventionally, such headgear is very obtrusive. This paper presents a simple technique using conventional plaster-based moulding, which has been successfully used in making secure, minimally obtrusive masks. Masks produced for two children have been readily accepted and have been successful. Any such headgear should be used only within a managed behavioural modification programme.