Comparison of Methods of Weaning From Nasal CPAP in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

"NCPAP was taken off entirely when the neonate met the stability criteria and remained on oxygen or room air via a headbox or incubator with an aim to stay off NCPAP."

The regimen adopted for this method was 1 hour off twice a day on the 1st day, then 2 hours off twice a day on the 2nd day, hence increasing the time off to 6 hours twice a day (or 12 hours per day), i.e., using a smaller period off. At this point, NCPAP was taken off completely.

In this method the pressure was reduced in steps of 1 cm of H2O every 12 to 24 hours until 5 cm of H2O, and then if the child tolerated it well, NCPAP was removed, and the child was shifted to oxygen via incubator or room air according to the situation.