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Abstract

Objective. To compare the short-term effects of a heat and moisture exchanger (HME) and a heated humidifier (HH) during non-invasive ventilation (NIV).

Design. Prospective, clinical investigation.

Setting. Intensive care unit of a university hospital.

Patients. Twenty-four patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF).

Intervention. Each patient was studied with a HME and a HH in a random order during two consecutive 20min periods of NIV.

Measurements and results. Respiratory rate (RR), expiratory tidal volume (VTe) and expiratory minute ventilation (VE) were measured during the last 5 min of each period and blood gases were measured. Mean pressure support and positive end-expiratory pressure levels were, respectively, 15±4 and 6±2 cmH₂O. VE was significantly greater with HME than with HH (14.8±4.8 vs 13.2±4.3 l/min; p<0.001). This …