A new reservoir-based CPAP with low oxygen consumption: the Bag-CPAP

BACKGROUND: Several noninvasive ventilatory supports rely in their design on high oxygen consumption which may precipitate oxygen shortage, as experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this bench-to-bedside study, we assessed the performance of a new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device integrating a large reservoir (“Bag-CPAP”) designed to minimize oxygen consumption, and compared it with other CPAP devices. METHODS: First, a bench study compared the performances of Bag-CPAP and four CPAP devices with an intensive care unit ventilator. Two FiO(2) targets (40–60% and 80–100%) at a predefined positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) level between 5 and 10 cm H(2)O were tested and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO(2)) and oxygen consumption were measured. Device-imposed work of breathing (WOB) was also evaluated. Second, an observational clinical study evaluated the new CPAP in 20 adult patients with acute respiratory failure in two hospitals in France. Actual FiO(2), PEEP, peripheral oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and dyspnea score were assessed. RESULTS: All six systems tested in the bench study reached the minimal FiO(2) target of 40% and four reached at least 80% FiO(2) while maintaining PEEP in the predefined range. Device-delivered FiO(2)/consumed oxygen ratio was the highest with the new reservoir-based CPAP irrespective of FiO(2) target. WOB induced by the device was higher with Bag-CPAP. In the clinical study, Bag-CPAP was well tolerated and could reach high (> 90%) and moderate (> 50%) FiO(2) with an oxygen flow rate of 15 [15–16] and 8 [7–9] L/min, respectively. Dyspnea score improved significantly after introduction of Bag-CPAP, and SpO(2) increased. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, Bag-CPAP exhibited the highest oxygen saving properties albeit had increased WOB. It was well accepted clinically and reduced dyspnea. Bag-CPAP may be useful to treat patients with acute respiratory failure in the field, especially when facing constraints in oxygen delivery. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-023-04542-2.