Effects of pacifiers on peripheral capillary oxygen saturation during wake time

We studied the variations in peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) during wake time in relation to pacifier use and to the following different positions: supine at 0◦, supine at 30◦ (in babies under one year) vs. sitting (in babies between 1 and 3 years of age). We observed 54 patients under the age of three years, weighing over 1.800 g. Peripheral oxygen saturation was recorded for at least 40 min per patient in the following positions: 20 min lying supine at 0◦ (10 min with a pacifier and 10 min without); 20 min lying supine at 30◦ inclination or in a sitting position if the baby was older than one year (10 min with a pacifier and 10 min without). Pacifier use improved the peripheral oxygen saturation both in the 0◦ supine position, and at 30◦ in a sitting position. No significant differences were observed in the SpO2 levels comparing the different positions. In conclusion a pacifier thus seems to have a positive effect on respiration.