Thermal Rebreathing Model for Evaluation of Infant Bedding Materials

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) rebreathing is a recognized hazard, particularly for infants. A new thermal rebreathing method and apparatus have been developed for measuring and comparing the degree to which various soft bedding materials perform with respect to this hazard. The new methodology simplifies the evaluation process and uses less costly equipment than the incumbent expensive and complex CO2 rebreathing model. Using warm air as a proxy for CO2, it relies on a highly sensitive differential thermometer to measure air temperature differences that correlate to the level of rebreathing. The apparatus is portable and requires neither the use of a gas analyzer nor a source of CO2. Test results comparing the two methods show strong correlation validating the new thermal concept. The availability of a simple CO2 rebreathing method and apparatus will promote quantitative evaluation of this hazard among a wider group of users, including infant product developers and manufacturers. Additional studies are suggested to further develop the thermal rebreathing model.