Noninvasive ventilation at home

The importance of heated humidification in home-based noninvasive ventilation (NIV)

What is noninvasive ventilation?

NIV refers to respiratory pressure support delivered by a ventilator via a mask. In a home environment, NIV may be used to treat conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).¹ Unlike invasive ventilation, the upper airway is not bypassed during NIV, allowing air to be inspired through the nose or mouth.

Challenges for NIV patients in the home

Although the upper airway is not bypassed during NIV, the delivery of cold, dry gas at high pressures or flows can dry the airway lining (mucosa) and may be associated with upper airway dryness or discomfort.^2,3,4

Cilia are tiny, hair-like structures that are part of the airway mucosa. They move in a coordinated fashion to help clear contaminants out of the airways. Insufficient respiratory humidification can reduce cilia activity and beat frequency, cause ciliary destruction, and result in cellular damage. These effects can increase mucus viscosity (thickness) and impair mucociliary clearance, leading to secretion retention and airway occlusion.⁵

Why are heat and humidity important for the airway during noninvasive ventilation?

Increases comfort and tolerance to NIV.⁶

Assists natural defense mechanisms in the airway.^7,8

Promotes efficient gas exchange and ventilation.^6,9

Humidification systems supporting noninvasive ventilation at home

F&P my820 System

Your universal solution for respiratory humidification with four user-selectable settings.

F&P 810 System

Delivering heated humidification for patients receiving NIV.

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References:

Rochwerg B, Brochard L, Elliott MW, Hess D, Hill NS, Nava S, et al. Official ERS/ATS clinical practice guidelines: noninvasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure. Eur Respir J. 2017 Aug;50(2):1602426. View abstract
Branson RD, Gentile MA. Is humidification always necessary during noninvasive ventilation in the hospital? Respir Care. 2010 Feb;55(2):209-16; discussion 216. View abstract
Nava S, Navalesi P, Gregoretti C. Interfaces and humidification for noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Respir Care. 2009 Jan;54(1):71-84. View abstract
Branson RD. Humidification of respired gases during mechanical ventilation: mechanical considerations. Respir Care Clin N Am. 2006 Jun; 12(2):253-61. View abstract
Branson RD. The effects of inadequate humidity. Respir Care Clin N Am. 1998 Jun;4(2):199-214. View abstract
Restrepo RD, Walsh BK. Humidification During Invasive and Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation: 2012. Respir Care. 2012 May 1;57(5):782-8. View abstract
Rea H, McAuley S, Jayaram L, Garrett J, Hockey H, Storey L, et al. The clinical utility of long-term humidification therapy in chronic airway disease. Respir Med. 2010 Apr;104(4):525-33. View abstract
Hasani A, Chapman TH, McCool D, Smith RE, Dilworth JP, Agnew JE. Domiciliary humidification improves lung mucociliary clearance in patients with bronchiectasis. Chron Respir Dis. 2008;5(2):81-6. View abstract
Lellouche F, Maggiore SM, Deye N, Taillé S, Pigeot J, Harf A, et al. Effect of the humidification device on the work of breathing during noninvasive ventilation. Intensive Care Med. 2002 Nov;28(11):1582-9. View abstract

View references

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