In this study, newborn babies with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), receiving oxygen via nasal CPAP, and needing surfactant treatment will be randomized to standard delivery of surfactant via and endotracheal tube airway(inserted after pre-medication for pain), or to surfactant delivery via laryngeal mask airway (LMA). The intent is to remove the airways and return babies to nasal CPAP, after surfactant is given. The primary outcome measure is the rate of failure of initial surfactant therapy. Standardized failure criteria are reached: a) early, if the baby is unable to be placed back on CPAP (needs mechanical ventilation) or, b) late, if the baby requires retreatment with surfactant within 8 hours or more than 2 doses of surfactant.