i-gel vs LMA Classic

i-gel	LMA classic
2nd generation Supraglottic device	1st generation Supraglottic device
Cuffless device made of medical grade thermoplastic elastomer	Cuffed device made of made of medical grade silicone
An anatomic seal with pharyngeal, laryngeal and perilaryngeal anatomy is created by conforming with these structures at body temperature	Seal is achieved by inflating the cuff
Single use device. So increases the cost of therapy	Multiple use device. Can be used upto 40 times
It has an added drain tube for passing gastric tube thus reducing risk of aspiration	No gastric drainage facility
Chance of gastric insufflations less	more
Easy insertion technique—steep learning curve	Requires comparatively more training and practice
Absence of cuff—so insertion and removal rapid	Takes comparatively more time
Complete seal may take some time to develop as the device warms up to body temperature	Seal is immediate after inflation of the cuff
Less suitable for head and neck procedures because of bulky rigid stem	Comparatively more suitable for such procedures because of smaller diameter circular stem
Large transverse diameter—prevents rotation in the mouth	Susceptible to rotation