Variety of expiratory resistance between different CPAP devices for preterm infants

Introduction: Several CPAP systems for preterm infants are currently in use. Some work with conventional ventilators, others use a jet ventilation system. It is assumed that the most important advantage of jet-CPAP systems is a lower expiratory resistance. In this study we investigated the expiratory resistance of seven different CPAP systems. Methods: We studied two primary-care CPAP systems, 3 jet-CPAP generators and 2 conventional CPAP devices. All devices were adjusted at 6mbar and connected with a test lung simulating a standardized expiration volume of 6ml within 0.8sec. The expiratory resistance was defin…