Although the bag will not inflate, there is oxygen flowing to the mask.

Factual Questions
1

On an airplane the emergency oxygen masks go like this: Tube - Bag - Mask.

Now we’ve all been told that the bag does not inflate. We’re told this everytime we fly. Now I assume the reason they make such a point of always mentioning this must have to do with the assumption that people will expect that the bag should inflate and (already in a frightening emergency situation) people may become very worried when they see that their bag is not inflating.

So, if the bag is not supposed to inflate, why is there a bag at all?

2

My guess – to provide a reserve area where air can go, if necessary, yet keep the system sealed.

3

That type of O2 mask is termed a non rebreather with reservoir bag. It has a one way valve, made that way so you don’t rebreath as much CO2 if you were literally gasping for air.

4

Sender, I know all the words in this sentence but I can’t seem to grasp the meaning. Can you elaborate a bit to help a dummy?

5

Cecil

6

So, what is this incident that Cecil spoke of? Not that I disbelieve him, but I’m wondering when and where it happened that people took their masks off when they saw the bags weren’t inflating. Did anyone die?