Implementation of Conventional Air — Oxygen Blending in Multi-Powered Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Device

Abstract

Preterm neonates often suffer from respiratory conditions as their lungs are not fully developed due to absence or less production of surfactant, spontaneously breathing new-borns and infants requiring respiratory support due to conditions associated with prematurity (such as respiratory distress syndrome or RDS) or other conditions. Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), a common premature respiratory disease, leads to breathing difficulties which can potentially cause fatal harm. As a treatment to such syndromes and conditions, World Health organization (WHO) recommends Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Device that keeps the alveoli’s from collapsing by providing a continuous supply of regulated oxygen. However, providing CPAP with pure oxygen (O 2 ) is generally harmful to these premature neonates and contribute to a number of morbidities. Recent changes in Newborn Life Support suggest that neonates recover rapidly when atmospheric air or blended air-oxygen is provided as opposed to pure oxygen. Therefore, many medical industries promote the use of an oxygen blender as gas source in their CPAP devices. This research paper aims to focus on employing a conventional air– oxygen blending method in a low cost, multi-powered, easy-to-use CPAP device “Saans”, developed by Coeo Labs. The device works in multiple modes, which draws atmospheric air & pure oxygen and supplies the required oxygen concentration from 21% to 100% to neonate. Both air and oxygen sources are controlled with the help of flow meters. Main goal of this study is to determine the stability and consistency of Saans (CPAP) Device on introducing air-oxygen blending mechanism.