Therapeutic Innovations: Re-Examining the Design of the Neonatal Bubble-CPAP for Application in the Developing World

The Bubbled-Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (b-CPAP) device was invented in the 1970s, and has proved exceptionally effective at increasing the health of neonates with impaired lung function.  Through b-CPAP, Infant Reparatory Distress Syndrome (IRDS) is able to be managed without the risk of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) which is a common side effect of using mechanical ventilation systems with infants. Current b-CPAP devices are designed for modern hospitals with reliable water, electricity, and sanitation, and can cost upwards of five thousand dollars per unit, which makes them prohibitively expensive for widespread use in the developing world. Markets such as Ghana and India have a significant need of b-CPAP devices which are not only affordable, but robust and durable as well.  Through the utilization of durable, cheap materials and a novel heating and humidification system, a new device has been designed to effectively meet the demands of operating a b-CPAP in the developing world, while keeping costs minimal.