Smaller facemasks for positive pressure ventilation in preterm infants: A randomised trial

Abstract

AIM: Facial measurements of preterm infants indicate that standard diameter facemasks used during positive pressure ventilation are too large, which may lead to mask leak and compromise resuscitation. We aimed to determine whether the use of a facemask that better complies with the dimensions of preterm faces, compared with a standard facemask, reduces facemask leak. METHODS: Parallel group, randomised controlled trial. Preterm infants ≤32 weeks' gestation receiving facemask ventilation prior to intubation in the neonatal intensive care unit, and those 28-32+6 weeks' receiving facemask ventilation in the delivery room were eligible. Infants were randomised to receive ventilation via a standa..