Which device can be used to administer CPAP to a spontaneously breathing baby?

The flow-inflating bag is designed to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to spontaneously breathing infants. This device allows for the delivery of a constant flow of air or oxygen, which helps maintain airway patency and supports respiratory function in newborns. It has a high-performance capacity for delivering consistent pressure, making it suitable for use with infants who can breathe on their own but need assistance in keeping their alveoli open.

The flow-inflating bag typically requires a tight seal around the infant's face, which is facilitated by a hand-held mask. This seal is important to ensure that the pressure from the bag is effectively transmitted to the baby’s airway. The ability to adjust the flow of gas allows healthcare providers to customize the CPAP levels based on the needs of the infant while monitoring their response to treatment.

Other devices, such as self-inflating bags or manual ventilators, are primarily used for resuscitation rather than maintaining CPAP. While self-inflating bags can provide positive pressure ventilation, they do not allow for continuous pressure delivery like flow-inflating bags do. Therefore, they are not ideal for CPAP administration. Manual ventilators are typically used for more controlled ventilation scenarios, making them less suitable for spontaneously breathing