Nasal High Flow

Nasal high flow (NHF) is a mode of noninvasive respiratory support that delivers high flows of blended air and oxygen through a nasal interface.¹

NHF provides a range of benefits to neonates, infants, and children

There is increasing evidence supporting the use of NHF in neonates, infants, and children. NHF typically improves therapy success and decreases the need for escalation of care when used early and cohesively across the hospital compared to standard oxygen therapy.²

How does NHF therapy work?

There are several mechanisms of action and benefits associated with NHF therapy for neonates, infants, and children.

Reduces anatomical dead space

Wash-out of the anatomical dead space in the nasopharyngeal cavity is a principal mechanism of action of NHF.³

Dynamic positive airway pressure

The delivery of dynamic positive airway pressure associated with NHF has been shown to reduce inspiratory effort and work of breathing compared to standard oxygen therapy.^4-6

Improves patient comfort

NHF is gentle on the nose, which improves patient comfort, compliance, and tolerance to therapy.^7,8

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Evidence-based applications for NHF

There is a well-established evidence base that describes how NHF can be used to support the patient pathway through the hospital.
Learn more about the applications of NHF for different patient populations.

Neonates

Learn more about using NHF therapy for treating neonates

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Infants and Children

Learn more about using NHF therapy for treating infants and children

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Optiflow™ Junior 2 Nasal Interface

The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Optiflow Junior 2 Nasal Interace is a non-sealing interface specifically designed for the flow requirements and anatomical features of neonatal, infants, and children on NHF therapy.

Learn more about the Optiflow Junior 2 Nasal Interface range

de Klerk, A. Humidified high-flow nasal cannula: is it the new and improved CPAP? Adv. Neonatal Care 8, 98–106 (2008).
Franklin, D. et al. A randomized trial of high-flow oxygen therapy in infants with bronchiolitis. N. Engl. J. Med. 378, 1121–1131 (2018).
Dysart, K., Miller, T. L., Wolfson, M. R., & Shaffer, T. H. Research in high-flow therapy: mechanisms of action. Respir. Med. 103, 1400–5 (2009).
Mascoll-Robertson, K. K., Viscardi, R. M., & Woo, H. C. The objective use of pulse oximetry to predict respiratory support transition in preterm infants: an observational pilot study. Respir. Care 61, 416–422 (2016).
Lee, M. & Nagler, J. High-flow nasal cannula therapy beyond the perinatal period. Curr. Opin. Pediatr. 29, 291–296 (2017).
Wilkinson, D., Andersen, C., O’Donnell, C. P. F., De Paoli, A. G., & Manley, B. J. High-flow nasal cannula for respiratory support in preterm infants. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. 2, CD006405 (2016).
Collins, C. L., Barfield, C., Horne, R. S. C., & Davis, P. G. A comparison of nasal trauma in preterm infants extubated to either heated humidified high-flow nasal cannulae or nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Eur. J. Pediatr. 173, 181–186 (2014).
Roberts, C. et al. Nasal high-flow therapy for primary respiratory support in preterm infants. N. Engl. J. Med. 375, 1142–51 (2016).