High Flow Nasal Cannula Versus Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Pulmonary Function Testing in Infants With Respiratory Insufficiency While Receiving High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) Versus Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (nCPAP)

The purpose of this study is to compare two common methods of providing respiratory support: nasal continuous airway pressure and high flow nasal cannula to see what effect it has on babies breathing. The investigators also will compare the effects of slightly changing the level of support these two different types of therapy on how easily your baby is breathing. Changes in the level of support and between these two respiratory support modalities are frequently done and are part of the routine care in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Infants who are between 28 and 40 weeks of corrected gestational age at the time of study entry
• Currently on high flow nasal cannula receiving 3 to 5 lpm or on nasal continuous positive airway pressure at 5 to 6 cmH2P with and FiO2 requirement </= 40% by the clinical care team for clinical care purposes.
• On current mode of support for >/= 12 hours and have been extubated from a mechanical ventilator for >/= 48 hours.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants with skeletal or neuromuscular disorders that affect the accuracy of RIP PFT measurements.