The paper by Goldman et al (Pediatrics 64:160, 1979) comparing the mechanics of breathing in neonates treated with nasal vs mask continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) recommends that, since nasal CPAP appeared to increase the work of breathing, "other methods be considered for the delivery of CDP (continuous distending pressure)." As a strong proponent of nasal CPAP, I would like to express several concerns with the study and its interpretation.
First, according to the authors' drawing, the nasal device used for the study had been modified with a PE 20 sampling catheter inserted through one of the prongs.