Neonatal nasal high flow therapy

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

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Optiflow Junior 2 Nasal interface

Optiflow™ Junior 2

A non-sealing nasal interface specifically designed for the flow requirements and anatomical features of neonates on NHF therapy.

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How does NHF therapy work?

NHF is a flow-based therapy designed to be an open system that typically consists of a flow source to blend air and oxygen, a humidifier to heat and humidify the gas mixture, and a circuit and interface to deliver humidified gas to the patient. Suitable sizing of the nasal cannula is important to ensure the open system is maintained.

NHF is associated with a range of mechanisms of action and physiological benefits:

• Ensures washout of anatomical dead space.2-4
• Provides dynamic positive airway pressure.2-5
• Delivers heated and humidified gas.6-9
• Provides supplemental oxygen.10-12
• Improves patient comfort.13-16
Comparison of NHF vs Unassisted Breathing
Ensures washout of anatomical dead space

The washout of anatomical dead space improves pulmonary gas exchange through the clearance of CO2 in the upper airways. This ultimately reduces the work of breathing.2

Unsupported breathing
There is a high concentration of CO2 in the nasopharynx following exhalation, which is re-breathed on inspiration. This increases the work of breathing to compensate for poorer lung oxygenation.3

Using NHF
The continuous flow of fresh gas washes out CO2-rich gas from the nasopharynx. This decreases the amount of CO2 re-breathed on inspiration.

As a result, pulmonary gas exchange and oxygenation are improved and the work of breathing is reduced.2,4

This featured animation is based on a conceptual model of breathing that describes flushing of the upper airway, with and without NFH.2-4

This graph compares the lower levels of pressure generated for NHF compared with Bubble CPAP.5
Provides dynamic positive airway pressure

With NHF, flow is prescribed and set. A level of dynamic positive airway pressure is generated because of the flow, which is dependent on a range of factors such as the weight of the infant, the set flow rate and nare occlusion.2,4

It is important the nasal cannula does not create a seal in the nares so NHF is maintained as an open system.

The dynamic positive airway pressure associated with NHF has been shown to reduce inspiratory effort and the work of breathing compared with standard oxygen therapy.2,4,5

Delivery of heated and humidified gas during respiratory support facilitates mucociliary transport.
Delivers heated and humidified gas

NHF delivers a heated and humidified blend of air and oxygen, maintaining the nasal mucosa and enhancing mucociliary function.6 It reduces mucosal dryness and improves secretion clearance compared with standard oxygen therapy.7 Consensus guidelines state that NHF should always be adequately heated and humidified.8,9


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Provides supplemental oxygen

NHF differs from standard oxygen therapy in that it can accurately deliver a prescribed FiO2 when the set flow rate meets or exceeds a patient’s peak inspiratory demand.10,11

FiO2 is the proportion of oxygen in the air that is inspired.11 In addition to the ability to deliver accurate FiO2, the combined mechanisms of NHF have the effect of improving oxygenation status.10-12



Compared with standard oxygen therapy, NHF can accurately deliver a prescribed FiO2 when set flow meets or exceeds the patient's peak inspiratory demand.
Improves patient comfort

Because NHF is an open system, it is gentle on the patient’s nose.

Compared with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), NHF improves patient comfort, compliance and tolerance to therapy.13,14 NHF is also associated with a significant reduction in the rate of nasal trauma.15,16

Clinical NHF studies have used objective measures, such as heart rate, facial expressions, and movement, to assess patient comfort.14

There is a body of evidence supporting the use of both CPAP and NHF in the NICU.

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therapies in the NICU
Setting flow rates for neonates

Using adequate starting flow rates is critical to achieving physiological and clinical outcomes from the body of evidence. Data from systematic reviews, randomized control trials (RCTs) and leading expert guidance suggests NHF should be initiated at 4 – 6 L/min.8,9,16,17

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The Rosie Maternity Hospital Documentary Series

The reason, the roll-out and the results: The Rosie, a Cambridge University Hospital in the UK, shares its successful implementation of noninvasive therapies for neonatal patients.
The implementation of a new therapy at the Rosie
Implementation of NHF at the Rosie 

Explore the research behind the decision to implement NHF at the hospital.
A new therapy in practice at the Rosie
NHF in practice at the Rosie 

Learn how the hospital uses NHF therapy in the neonatal unit.
The impact of a new therapy at the Rosie
The impact of NHF therapy at the Rosie 

Discover the hospital’s journey of successfully implementing NHF therapy.


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View references
F&P and Optiflow are trademarks of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited. For patent information, see www.fphcare.com/ip

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