Comparison of two methods of determining asphyxial potential of infant bedding.

OBJECTIVE

To establish, with the use of live sedated piglets on a range of bedding surfaces, the possibility of asphyxia when an infant is breathing face down into infant bedding surfaces, and to compare the results with those obtained with a mechanical model.

METHODS

Piglets underwent tracheotomy and were attached to a silicon rubber model head of a 3-month-old infant. This was placed face down on bedding surfaces, and respiratory and blood gas data were collected for a 60-minute period.

RESULTS

All bedding surfaces but one showed some rebreathing. This was to lower levels than with the mechanical model, but the ranking of the surfaces by level of rebreathing was similar. Two piglets died within the 1-hour experimental time.

CONCLUSION

It is confirmed that the data from a mechanical model of rebreathing on different bedding surfaces are matched by those derived from a piglet model that responds normally to asphyxia.