What bubble CPAP is, in plain words

CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. A baby who can breathe on their own but needs a little help keeping the small airways open is given gentle, constant pressure through soft nasal prongs or a mask. In bubble CPAP, the outflow tube sits under a column of water. The air leaving through the water makes bubbles, and the depth of the tube sets the pressure. The baby still does their own breathing. CPAP supports it; it does not breathe for them.

Bubble CPAP has been used for many years in neonatal units, including in India, because the basic principle is simple.

Why the stand matters

A bubble CPAP system for newborns has several parts, and they all have to stay in the right place around a very small patient. A good stand does a few simple things:

• Keeps the humidifier, controls, and tubing at a sensible height
• Keeps tubing and gas hoses off the floor and away from feet
• Rolls to the cot, or from one bay to another, without a struggle
• Stays upright when someone brushes against it

This neonatal CPAP stand with wheels has a five-leg base, which spreads the weight wider than a three- or four-leg base. The castors let staff reposition it quickly.

What a complete bubble CPAP setup usually includes

The list below describes the parts usually found in a complete system. Whether this product includes each of them is something you should confirm with us.

• A pressure generator, which is the water column or bottle
• A humidifier, to warm and moisten the gas
• An oxygen and air blender, or separate flow meters, to control the oxygen concentration
• A breathing circuit
• Nasal prongs or masks in different sizes, with a bonnet or headgear to hold them
• The stand itself

Ask about each one before you buy. Prongs, masks, and circuits are usually single-patient items, so also ask where to reorder them.

Who uses it

NICUs and SNCUs, paediatric wards, postnatal wards, and nursing homes with a neonatal unit. Babies on CPAP need continuous monitoring by trained staff, and this equipment should only be used under the direction of a qualified doctor following your unit’s protocol.