Intermittent mask and bag therapy: An alternative approach to respirator therapy for infants with severe respiratory distress

Forty infants with severe idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome have been treated with intermittent mask and bag therapy as an alternative to the mechanical respirator. Twenty-four of the infants (60 per cent) survived. This survival rate compares favorably with that of infants treated with continuous respirator therapy, and pulmonary complications appear to be minimal. The procedure requires simple equipment and is easily taught to nurses and physicians. Mask and bag therapy appears to be an easily adapted and relatively safe alternative to the respirator in infants with the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome.