Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements with the aim of providing experimental data for the SimInhale benchmark case are presented within this work. We, therefore, present a refractive index matched, transparent model of the benchmark geometry, in which the velocity and turbulent kinetic energy fields are examined at flow rates comparable to 15, 30 and 60 L/min (Re ≈ 1000–4500) in air. Furthermore, these results are compared with Large Eddy Simulations (LES). The results reveal a Reynolds number independence of the qualitative velocity field in the range covered within this work. Good agreement is found between the PIV and LES data, with a slight over-prediction of turbulent kinetic energies by the simulations. The obtained experimental data will be part of a common, publicly accessible ERCOFTAC database along with additional results published recently.