| System | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| Cannula | - Provides low-moderate oxygen concentration (22%–40%)
- Child can talk/eat without altering FIO2
- Possibility of more complete observation of child because nose/mouth remain unobstructed
- Relatively comfortable and inexpensive
| - Difficulty in controlling O2 concentrations if child breathes through mouth
- Must have patent nasal passages
- Possibility of causing abdominal distention/discomfort/vomiting
- Can cause drying/bleeding of nasal mucosa
|
| Hood | - Achievement of high O2 concentrations; FIO2 up to 1.00
- Quick recovery time of FIO 2
- Free access to infant’s chest for assessment
| - Moist environment may lead to skin irritation and prevent quick assessment of color or respiratory effort
- Need to remove infant for feeding and weighing
|
| Mask | - Various sizes available
- Delivers higher, more precise FIO2 concentrations than cannula
- Comfortable for older children who are quiet and do not struggle
| - Accumulation of moisture on face leading to skin irritation
- Possibility of aspiration of vomitus
- Eating disrupts O2 delivery
- Not well tolerated by most children due to fear of suffocation
|
| Tent | - Achievement of lower O2 concentrations (FIO2 of 0.3–0.5)
- Child receives increased inspired O2 concentrations even while eating
- Child can move around in bed and play while receiving O2 and humidity
| - Necessity for tight fit around bed to prevent leakage of O2 and maintain specific O2 concentrations
- Child is difficult to see/assess
- Cool/wet tent environment will decrease body temperature, increasing O2 requirements
- Inspired O2 levels will fall whenever tent is entered for caregiving purposes
|