Abstract: The present invention provides a surgical drape support useful in head, neck or ophthalmic surgery, which supports the drape above and off the patient's face while actively removing exhaled air thus reducing carbon dioxide, heat and moisture levels from the space surrounding the patient's head and face. This device provides greater comfort to the patient during surgery by actively reducing the likelihood of claustrophobia from face-drape contact, reducing heat and moisture, and decreasing the risk of hypercarbia by removing exhaled air. The drape support additionally may reduce the risk of intra-operative fire under the surgical drapes resulting from a build up of supplemental oxygen under the drapes.