Comfort and noise level in infants with helmet interface

Abstract Objectives To evaluate comfort and noise intensity using the COMFORT scale in infants who receive respiratory support with a helmet interface. Patients and methods An observational descriptive study was conducted on all infants (1–12 months of age) admitted to a PICU from November 1st 2013 to March 31th 2014 and who received non-invasive ventilation with a helmet interface. Tolerance to the interface was assessed by use of the COMFORT scale. The intensity of the noise to which the infants were exposed was measured with a TES1350A HIBOK 412 sound-level metre. Three measurements were made every day. Results Twenty-seven patients with bronchiolitis (median age: 54 days; range: 10–256) were included. Median COMFORT score in the first day was 21 points (14–28). An increase in patient comfort was found with a gradual decrease in the scores, with a maximum reduction of 22% from the first hours (score of 22) to the fifth day (score of 18). The minimum sound intensity registered was 42 dB, and the maximum was 78 dB. Background noise intensity was associated with noise intensity in the helmet. No differences were observed in COMFORT score and noise intensity between ventilator devices. Conclusions Helmet interface was well tolerated by infants. COMFORT score results are an indicator that infants were comfortable or very comfortable. The measured noise intensity was in the safe range permitted by World Health Organization.