What is the function of the supplemental passenger oxygen masks on the CRJ?

The supplemental passenger oxygen masks on the CRJ serve the primary function of providing supplemental oxygen when cabin elevation is critical. In situations where the cabin pressure drops rapidly, such as in a decompression event, the atmospheric pressure outside the aircraft becomes insufficient to supply breathable air.

In such scenarios, these oxygen masks automatically deploy and allow passengers to receive oxygen, maintaining an adequate level of oxygen saturation in the blood, which is vital for survival and comfort during an emergency. This function is crucial for ensuring that passengers do not suffer from hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) as the aircraft climbs to altitude or descends rapidly.

The other options do not align with the primary purpose of these masks; they are not intended for personal entertainment or comfort during regular flight operations, nor do they assist directly with cabin pressure loss in terms of sealing or maintaining pressure. Instead, they are a response mechanism to critical situations that compromise the safety and operating conditions within the cabin.