Objective To describe the effective pressure and FiO₂ delivery to a realistic spontaneously breathing lung model using a novel, simple, inexpensive neonatal non-invasive bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device.

Methods This experimental bench study was conducted at Bench Testing Laboratory at a Children’s Hospital. A realistic 3D anatomic airway model of a 28-week preterm neonate was affixed to the ASL5000 Test Lung to simulate spontaneous breathing with lung mechanics that are specific to a preterm neonate. The assembly was constructed on site using easily available nasal prongs, paediatric infusion set with a graduated chamber, three-way stop cocks and oxygen tubing. The adult nasal prong was used as cannulae. However, this assembly had the limitation of the lack of humidification and inability to deliver graduated oxygen. This assembly was attached to the anatomic airway with nasal prongs. Pressure and FiO₂ were measured from within the lung model at different flow settings and recorded for 10 breaths.

Results There was a linear increase in the mean pressure in the 10 recorded breaths as oxygen flows were increased.

Conclusions Our nasal CPAP is a simple device, as it can be easily assembled at the point of care using simple, affordable supplies by the healthcare providers and can benefit the newborns with respiratory distress in the resource constraint settings.