NIV for a Pediatric Patient with HFM Using the MiniMe 2 Mask

Scenario

A 4-year-old pediatric patient with Hemifacial Microsomia is admitted to a children’s hospital with viral pneumonia, resulting in acute respiratory distress. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is recommended to support respiratory stabilization.

However, the child’s facial asymmetry and underdeveloped jaw make it difficult to achieve a secure mask seal. Standard pediatric masks either leak excessively or exert uncomfortable pressure on one side of the face. As a result, therapy is frequently interrupted.

Background

Hemifacial Microsomia (HFM) is a congenital condition characterized by underdevelopment of one side of the face, often affecting the jaw, cheek, ear, and related structures (NIDCR 2024, Hemifacial Microsomia). Children with HFM may require respiratory support due to:

Airway obstruction or altered anatomy

Increased susceptibility to respiratory infections or complications during recovery

Difficulty maintaining airway patency during illness, surgery, or sedation

(NCBI 2023, “Hemifacial Microsomia).

Clinical Challenge

Craniofacial asymmetry presents specific challenges in delivering effective NIV therapy:

Facial abnormalities cause mask leakage, reducing therapeutic effectiveness

Increased pressure on underdeveloped areas leads to discomfort and risk of skin breakdown

Improper mask fit can compromise therapy effectiveness and reduce patient comfort.

Frequent readjustments increase staff workload and compromise care consistency

Solution: MiniMe® 2 Pediatric Nasal Mask by Sleepnet

To address these anatomical and clinical challenges, the care team introduced the MiniMe® 2 Pediatric Nasal Mask—engineered to deliver an optimal fit and secure seal with minimal pressure, making it ideal for patients with asymmetrical facial features.

Key features include:

Custom Fit Technology
The mask can be gently molded to conform to the child’s facial structure. Sleepnet’s proprietary material responds to light manual shaping, allowing a secure and personalized fit that adapts to asymmetry and changes in facial contours over time.

Soft AirGel® Cushion
The mask features Sleepnet’s AIR°gel® cushion made of medical-grade silicone gel, which offers a secure, gentle seal for a more comfortable experience. The gel conforms to the face, minimizes air leakage, and reduces pressure points—making it suitable for children with sensitive or atypical facial structures.

Vented and Non-Vented Options
The MiniMe® 2 is available in both vented and non-vented versions to accommodate various ventilator systems and clinical preferences.

Implementation Strategy

To ensure proper integration of the MiniMe® 2 into clinical practice, the hospital followed a structured rollout:

Staff Training
Respiratory therapists received in-service training on molding techniques and mask fitting to optimize performance and patient comfort.

Pilot Program
A 30-day pilot was launched, using the MiniMe® 2 exclusively for pediatric patients with craniofacial anomalies requiring NIV support.

Ongoing Monitoring
Post-pilot tracking included adherence data, comfort assessments, and clinical outcomes to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the mask.

Results

The introduction of the MiniMe® 2 Pediatric Nasal Mask led to several positive outcomes:

Improved patient comfort

May reduce occurrences of facial pressure injuries

Increased tolerance and adherence to therapy

Faster respiratory stabilization due to more effective ventilation

Reduced frequency of mask adjustments, improving staff workflow

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of personalized respiratory solutions for pediatric patients with craniofacial anomalies. The MiniMe® 2 Pediatric Nasal Mask offers a flexible and adaptable approach to NIV therapy, addressing the challenges of facial asymmetry without compromising seal integrity or patient comfort. With proper training and implementation, healthcare teams can deliver more effective, compassionate, and confident care to even the most complex pediatric patients.

MiniMe®2 Nasal Pediatric Mask – Sleepnet Corporation Respiratory NIV mask