PEEP: Helping Your Baby’s Lungs Stay Open
What Is PEEP?
PEEP stands for positive end-expiratory pressure. It is gentle pressure that helps keep the tiny air sacs in your baby’s lungs from completely closing at the end of each breath.
You may hear the NICU team mention PEEP when your baby is receiving respiratory support such as CPAP or a ventilator.
Why Is PEEP Helpful?
Premature babies have immature lungs that may have difficulty staying open on their own. Keeping the air sacs open can make it easier for your baby to breathe and exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.
PEEP can help:
Keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open
Improve oxygen exchange
Reduce some of the work of breathing
Support the lungs while they continue to grow and mature
What Does the PEEP Number Mean?
You might hear something like:
“Your baby is on CPAP with a PEEP of 5.”
The number represents the amount of pressure being used to help keep the lungs open. Your baby's NICU team chooses and adjusts this setting based on your baby's respiratory needs.
The PEEP number is only one part of the respiratory picture. Your baby's team also considers oxygen needs, breathing effort, blood gases, oxygen saturation and overall condition.
Related Terms
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
