Piped gases were delivered at room temperature and were extremely dry. This highlights the importance of research assessing the practicality of heating and humidifying resuscitation gases, and assessing the impact of their use on clinically important neonatal outcomes.

Background: Gases for respiratory support at birth are typically ‘cold and dry', which may increase the risk of hypothermia and lung injury. Objectives: To determine the feasibility of using heated humidification from birth. Method: A humidifier targeting 37°C, a manual-fill chamber and a Neopuff Infant T-piece resuscitator and circuit were attached to a face mask and a manikin. Recordings using 20 ml H₂O for humidification and a flow of 10 l/min were undertaken. Temperature and relative humidity (RH) were recorded. Additional recordings were made, each with one alteration to baseline (50 ml H₂O for humidification, auto-fill chamber, a flow of 8 l/min, addition of circuit extension piece, warmed humidification H₂O, increased ambient temperature and targeting 31°C). The duration of heated humidification and the response to disconnecting the power were investigated. Results: The baseline circuit achieved 95% RH and 31°C in 3 min, >99% RH in 7 min and ≥35°C in 9 min. No circuit alterations resulted in faster gas conditioning. The extended length circuit and targeting 31°C reduced the maximum temperature achieved. A flow of 8 l/min resulted in slower heating and humidification. The baseline circuit delivered heated humidification for 39 min. Without power, the temperature and humidity fell below international standards in 3 min. Conclusion: Rapid gas conditioning for newborn stabilisation is feasible using the experimental set-up, ≥20 ml H₂O and a flow of 10 l/min. The circuit could be used immediately once switched on. Without power, conditioning is quickly lost. Investigation of the clinical effects of gas conditioning is warranted.