Calculation of mean airway pressure during neonatal intermittent positive pressure ventilation and high frequency positive pressure ventilation.

Because mean airway pressure (MAP) is extensively used to quantify ventilation administered during the neonatal period, the accuracy and reproducibility of the techniques currently used to define MAP were assessed. All techniques were found to compare closely with MAP measured by integration of the pressure wave form even at ventilator rates in excess of 100 breaths per minute. It was therefore concluded that all methods currently used are satisfactory for clinical use.