Can a gentle air puff help preterm babies breathe and sleep better?

NCT ID NCT04584814

NEW Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 17, 2026

Summary

This pilot study is testing whether a device called a 'scare ventilator' can help preterm babies breathe more regularly and sleep better. Ten healthy preterm babies will be observed for two hours without the device, then for two hours with the device set at 20 air puffs per minute, and finally for two hours at 40 puffs per minute. Researchers will measure breathing, heart rate, oxygen levels, pain, and brain activity to see if the device helps.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: scare ventilator (a device that delivers gentle air puffs at set rates)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to help preterm babies breathe more steadily and sleep better.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (10 babies), so results may not apply broadly. The device might not improve breathing or could cause discomfort.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for APNEA OF NEWBORN are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

apnea of prematurity Obstetric Labor, Premature

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

APNEA OF NEWBORN PRETERM LABOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

Puc, Nicu

Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, 833-0024, Chile

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.