The OptiflowTM interface for chronic CPAP in infants

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is increasingly used in infants. However, the limited number of commercially masks available for infants is challenging. The use of the OptiflowTM nasal cannula (Fisher & Paykel) with a regular CPAP device has been recently reported for chronic CPAP in children, with an objective improvement in polysomnographic events. However, this interface has not been used in young infants. We report here our experience of 4 infants aged between 3 and 8 weeks, who were treated with home CPAP with the OptiflowTM nasal cannula during a few months, before they could be successfully weaned. This pilot study reinforces the findings of the beneficial use of this nasal cannula in very young infants in whom nasal masks are scarce and not always suitably adapted. However, as this interface is not intended to be used with home CPAP, further studies are necessary to prove its clinical benefice and safety of use with home CPAP devices.