Continuous positive airway pressure via a single nasal catheter in preterm infants.

Abstract We present the results of giving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) via a single nasal catheter to 20 preterm infants. A beneficial effect in terms of reduced work of breathing (P ⩽ 0.01) and improved pattern of respiration (P ⩽ 0.05) are demonstrated. CPAP via a single nasal catheter does not seem to mediate effects inside the thorax unlike CPAP delivered by a tight fitting face mask. Gross variations in CPAP level may result from altering the infant's position.