title: Continuous positive airway pressure: Physiology and comparison of devices.
abstract: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is increasingly used for respiratory support in preterm babies at birth and after extubation from mechanical ventilation. Various CPAP devices are available for use that can be broadly grouped into continuous flow and variable flow. There are potential physiologic differences between these CPAP systems and the choice of a CPAP device is too often guided by individual expertise and experience rather than by evidence. When interpreting the evidence clinicians should take into account the pressure generation sources, nasal interface, and the factors affecting the delivery of pressure, such as mouth position and respiratory drive. With increasing use of these devices, better monitoring techniques are required to assess the efficacy and early recognition of babies who are failing and in need of escalated support.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of North Tees and University of Durham, Stockton-on-Tees, UK. Electronic address: Samir.gupta@durham.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Samir
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Steven M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Donn
mesh_terms: D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: Bubble CPAP; Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP); Device; Infant Flow(®) driver; Preterm; Ventilation