People

Arthur Bulbulian, a pioneer in the field of facial prosthetics

Arthur Bulbulian is considered a pioneer in the field of facial prosthetics and the designer of the “A-14” oxygen mask.

In 1941 he designed an “A-14” oxygen mask for the United States Air Force. Soon he developed the preproduction prototype model of the mask, but after subsequent perfection works “A-14” mask was sent to standardized mass production only in 1943.

“A-14” mask was meant for fighter pilots, it was frostproof, included a microphone for radio communications, and allowed the pilot to talk and eat while wearing it.

Bulbulian was also a member of the team which invented the “BLB” nasal oxygen mask. The “BLB” mask used for clinical settings was named after its inventors – Bulbulian, Lovelace, and Boothby. Both masks were widely used in World War I.

Bulbulian was also the first director of the Mayo Medical Museum, the first medical museum in the United States.

Remember this when you watch Tom Cruise in the movie Top Gun.

by Mano Chil

Read more: Arthur H. Bulbulian

Read also: Arthur H. Bulbulian – Creator Of The Universal Oxygen Mask

Related links:

Arthur Bulbulian – A-14 Oxygen Masks

Vigen Avetisyan

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