B&B Medical Technologies has received FDA approval for its Bubbler Water Seal CPAP Valve. The B&B Bubbler can be used in neonatal critical care units, delivery rooms, and special procedure units, according to a company announcement.

Some of the device’s key features and benefits include:

  • Dual-chambered design allows fluid level to be observed without disrupting therapy;
  • Internal, drainable overflow chamber limits fluid to desired CPAP level; and
  • Rotating CPAP dial and setting lock reduces risk of unintentional changes in pressure

“Through our experience marketing bubble CPAP valves, we recognized an opportunity to improve upon the devices that were currently available,” said Derick Corrente, director of operations at B&B Medical. “Working with focus groups and key opinion leaders, we identified an enhanced feature set which contributed to the design of a more convenient and versatile device for the clinical community.”

The company designed the B&B Bubbler in response to an increased demand for FDA-approved Bubble CPAP devices in the NICU. “With the pressure on hospitals to improve clinical efficiencies while controlling costs, Bubble CPAP is a proven modality that has outcomes consistent with other infant CPAP devices which cost much more,” said Mike Wilkes, B&B’s president and CEO.

The company’s goal is to develop products that deliver positive outcomes, provide quality patient care while addressing the need to control healthcare costs. According to the company, the B&B Bubbler is the first of several new products it plans to  launch annually.

“Bubble CPAP has been around for over 30 years; however the first units were assembled by respiratory therapists in the hospital. Homegrown devices typically do not conform to today’s regulatory environment,” said Stu Novitz, VP of Sales and Marketing at B&B Medical. “The first FDA-approved bubble CPAP units came onto the market less than 5 years ago. We feel that this is a growing market that provides quality patient care while controlling costs.”