OROPHARYNGEAL AND ESOPHAGEAL PRESSURES DURING MONONASAL AND BINASAL CPAP IN NEONATES

Oropharyngeal and esophageal pressures were measured via a tip-transdu cer during mono- and binasal CPAP in 30 neonates. During nasal CPAP, i ncreasing flows are followed by an increase in oropharyngeal pressure, although there were great variations among the pressures recorded. On the other hand, no increase in the esophageal pressure could be regis tered during nasal CPAP. To achieve an appropriate pressure in the oro pharynx it is advisable to close the mouth during nasal CPAP in the ne onate.