Humidification Devices
Abstract
Dry and cold medical gases administered during noninvasive ventilation (NIV) may cause anatomical and physiological disorders in the upper airways. The resulting symptoms may impair patients' compliance with NIV and cause unwanted complications. Various parameters such as inspiratory flow and air leaks during NIV may have a negative effect on humidification. Humidification can affect patient comfort and breathing work, especially during prolonged NIV treatments. The devices used to humidify and heat inhaled gases are heat and moisture exchangers (HME) and heated humidifiers (HH). © 2022 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.