Derek B Covington1,2, Matthew Spears3, Richa Wardhan3, Meghan Brennan3, Yasmin Islam4, Andrew D Pitkin3. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Hyperbaric and Environmental Physiology, Duke University, Durham (NC), USA. 2. Corresponding author: Dr Derek Covington, Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Hyperbaric and Environmental Physiology, Duke University, DUMC 3094, Durham, NC 27710, USA, derek.covington@duke.edu. 3. Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville (FL), USA. 4. Department of Ophthalmology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville (FL), USA.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Drysuits use flexible neck and wrist seals to maintain water-tight seals. However, if the seals exert too much pressure adverse physiological effects are possible, including dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, and paresthesias in the hands. We aimed to quantify the seal pressures of neck and wrist seals in non-immersed divers. METHODS: We recruited 33 diving volunteers at two dive facilities in High Springs, Florida. After a history and physical exam, we measured vital signs as well as wrist and neck seal pressures using a manometer system. RESULTS: The mean (SD) seal pressure of the right wrist seals was found to be 38.8 (14.9) mmHg, while that of the left wrist seals was 37.6 (14.9) mmHg. The average neck seal pressure was 23.7 (9.4) mmHg. Subgroup analysis of seal material demonstrated higher mean sealing pressure with latex seals compared to silicone; however, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Drysuit seal pressures are high enough to have vascular implications and even potentially cause peripheral nerve injury at the wrist. Divers should trim their seals appropriately and be vigilant regarding symptoms of excessive seal pressures. Further research may elucidate if seal material influences magnitude of seal pressure. Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.
INTRODUCTION: Drysuits use flexible neck and wrist seals to maintain water-tight seals. However, if the seals exert too much pressure adverse physiological effects are possible, including dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, and paresthesias in the hands. We aimed to quantify the seal pressures of neck and wrist seals in non-immersed divers. METHODS: We recruited 33 diving volunteers at two dive facilities in High Springs, Florida. After a history and physical exam, we measured vital signs as well as wrist and neck seal pressures using a manometer system. RESULTS: The mean (SD) seal pressure of the right wrist seals was found to be 38.8 (14.9) mmHg, while that of the left wrist seals was 37.6 (14.9) mmHg. The average neck seal pressure was 23.7 (9.4) mmHg. Subgroup analysis of seal material demonstrated higher mean sealing pressure with latex seals compared to silicone; however, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Drysuit seal pressures are high enough to have vascular implications and even potentially cause peripheral nerve injury at the wrist. Divers should trim their seals appropriately and be vigilant regarding symptoms of excessive seal pressures. Further research may elucidate if seal material influences magnitude of seal pressure. Copyright: This article is the copyright of the authors who grant Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine a non-exclusive licence to publish the article in electronic and other forms.