Using HFV in isolettes

Gompers, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2005

I just wanted to do an informal survey regarding how many NICUs use HFV (ie oscillator or jets) in isolettes (non-giraffe styles). Also does anyone have any data regarding the decibel levels in isolettes when using HFV? Thanks.

I can only think of one time in the last 6 years that we've used HFOV on a baby in a regular old isolette (Airshields). Very unique situation.

Since we've gotten Giraffes, we regularly put babies in them on HFOV. Usually it's micropreemies who really need the high humidity and quiet environment the Giraffe provides. BUT I'm talking about REGULAR Giraffes - not the OmniBeds! We only have one of those, and four of the regular ones that don't have the top that goes up. While it's a bit trickier than having an HFOV kid in an OmniBed, it's still okay because of the lazy susan and the large mattress.

BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN · Jan 15, 2005

We put our tiny ones in isolettes all the time with HFV. The majority of the noise, esp with the 3100's is outside. Our other vents are actually pretty quiet. If you want to know decimals, try contacting your audiology department...they may have a meter for it.

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 15, 2005

We only use HFV on a RW or one of the Giraffe Omnibeds.

BranRN · Jan 15, 2005

Never. Or course we don't have the giraffe isolettes, atleast I don't think so, never seen one to tell you the truth.

fergus51 · Jan 15, 2005

We do it routinely. All the kids have their earmuffs on and are sedated.

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jan 15, 2005

The kids we have on HFV are on warmerbeds, (term mec asp) or already in Giraffes because they were micros. On the off chance the Giraffes are all being used, we use the Airshields, but haven't seen that in several months.

nekhismom · Jan 16, 2005

we put kids on vents in any bed we have available...be it bubble beds (yep, we still use them!), giraffe beds, RW's, open cribs, whatever. With the box on the jet, we usually wrap them in a cloth diaper to decrease noise, and put sheep skin around the baby. Very few of our kids get earmuffs or sedation. Most get fentanyl for pain, but not doses high enough to be considered sedation.