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Abstract
Background. Insufficient data are available about the noise produced by modern neonatal ventilators. We aim to measure their noise under different ventilatory modes and parameters.
Methods. Bench study measuring the noise produced by 9 neonatal ventilators set in conventional or high frequency oscillatory (HFOV) ventilation, nasal mask-delivered continuous positive (CPAP) with variable- or continuous-flow configuration, or bilevel positive airway pressure (considered as non-invasive ventilation (NIV)). Conventional ventilation and HFOV were tested in two distinct settings with moderate or stronger parameters. Sound measurements were performed inside and outside an incubator mimicking the clinical setting in every detail and using a high-end meter respecting international ISO 226:2003 standard.
Results. Four ventilators remain below the internationally recommended safety threshold and only for measurements outside the incubator. Conventional ventilation (49.1 (3.4) dBA) and HFOV (56.3 (5.2) dBA) were the least and most noisy respiratory support technique, respectively. Noise is greater inside than outside the incubators (p always <0.0001) and different between the ventilators (p always <0.0001); better results are achieved by Servo-U and Fabian family devices for conventional ventilation, by Fabian-HFO for HFOV and by Servo-U, VN500 and Fabian family devices for CPAP and NIV). Noise levels are similar when using moderate or stronger parameters in conventional ventilation (p=0.81) and in HFOV (p=0.45).
Conclusions. Modern ventilators often produce relevant noise, independent of the respiratory support modality, with acceptable noise levels being measured only outside the incubator. Better results are achieved with Servo-U, VN500 and Fabian family devices.
Footnotes
- Corresponding Author:
Prof. Daniele De Luca (MD, PhD), Service de Pédiatrie et Réanimation Néonatale Hôpital A. Béclère, GHU Paris Saclay, APHP, 157 rue de la Porte de Trivaux, 92140 Clamart (France), Tel: +33 (0)145374837 - Fax: +33 (0)145374546 - Email: dm.deluca{at}icloud.com
- Received February 21, 2023.
- Accepted May 3, 2023.
- Copyright © 2023 by Daedalus Enterprises
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