The CaStar hood is a comfortable, versatile and lightweight patient interface for CPAP. It is designed to offer an efficient and comfortable alternative to traditional methods of CPAP delivery, it is well tolerated for extended periods and can reduce the risks associated with both endotracheal intubation and face mask use.
Beside the clinical advantages of the respiratory hoods for treating respiratory diseases, in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic the StarMed interface has been identified as an optimal tool for reducing the risk of cross infection. Owing to the semi-closed environment design and the virtually leak-free seal, all expired gas from the patient is evacuated from the internal volume through the expiratory limb of the hood, which can be fitted with a breathing filter.
The standard StarMed CPAP hoods feature a built-in manometer to check the presence of pressure within the hood. The manometer working principle is based on a minimal intentional leak. To further reduce the occurrence of aerosol generating procedures in the clinical environment, this feature has been removed from all COVID-19 specific CPAP hoods. Standard CPAP hoods fitted with manometer continue to be available, while the COVID-19 CPAP hoods feature a pressure monitoring port in place of the manometer. Check out the CPAP hoods accessory page for an external manometer accessory (CP929) that can be used on hoods without manometer.
Evidence
The StarMed study database features studies covering a range of clinical scenarios and each study entry includes a brief summary abstract and further categorisation and tagging so you can search for studies based on their clinical setting, author, journal, date and any key words. A COVID-19 category has been recently created and we will continue to add new posts as further studies are released - so keep checking for the latest supporting material.