The effect of a PEEP valve on a Laerdal neonatal self-inflating resuscitation bag

Abstract

Background: Self-inflating bags are used to provide ventilation during neonatal resuscitation. However, they cannot provide positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) unless a PEEP valve is attached. The ability of Laerdal neonatal self-inflating bags fitted with PEEP valves to reliably deliver PEEP is unclear. The aim of this study was to measure the delivered PEEP at different set PEEP levels and inflation rates. Methods: We connected disposable and non-disposable 240 mL Laerdal self-inflating resuscitation bags fitted with PEEP valves to a leak-free test lung. We measured PEEP delivered with the valve set at 5, 7 and 10 cm H 2O whilst inflating the test lung at rates of 20, 40 and 60 min. St..