Postural Asphyxia as a Cause of Death in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Many investigators have considered the possible role of asphyxia in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Suggested mechanisms have included those which might mechanically compromise the airway, such as smothering, laryngospasm [1], and nasal obstruction from upper respiratory tract infection in the obligate nasal breathing infant [2]. Much current research focuses on the possibility of centrally mediated respiratory failure related to sleep apnea, functional abnormality of the ponto-medullary respiratory centers [3], chemically induced laryngeal apnea [4], and inappropriate operation of the oxygen-conserving reflex (“diving reflex”) [5].