Premature babies could benefit from smaller oxygen devices, experts say

Premature babies could breathe more comfortably using smaller and less invasive oxygen devices, findings from a Melbourne hospital have revealed.

Large breathing apparatus are usually the first choice when administering oxygen to premature babies, but a more compact device may be a more effective option.

A global study led by the Royal Women's Hospital has found that a less invasive device, known as nasal high flow, is a safe and effective option for many premature term babies.

“It uses small prongs that sit in the baby's nose that are loosely attached to the face,” Dr Calum Roberts from the Royal Women’s Hospital told 9NEWS.

“So it's easier to use and much more comfortable for the babies.”

The devices have been available in neonatal units for five years, but have only recently surged in popularity.

Victorian mother Celia Dunsmore, who gave birth to her daughter Eliza at 26 weeks, praised the device for making “cuddles heaps easier”.  

“We can have cuddles heaps easier and get to know her face and head because it was all covered,” Mrs Dunsmore told 9NEWS.

“It was like meeting her for the first time just seeing her,” she added.

Pembe Kadir, who gave birth to her son Aykut at 25 weeks, also noticed her son seemed “a lot more comfortable” since switching to the nasal high flow device.

“I think the prongs aren't as big so they seem a lot more comfortable for him. So he's not getting so frustrated with it,” Mrs Kadir said.

Dr Roberts hopes the findings from the hospital allows premature babies to breathe easier  worldwide.

“We hope that this is going to influence hospital practice all around the world,” he said.