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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The traditional nasal cannula with bubble humidifier is limited to a maximum flow of 6 L/min to minimize the risk of complications. We conducted a bench study of 2 new Food and Drug Administration-approved nasal cannula/humidifier products designed to deliver at flows > 6 L/min.
METHODS: Using a digital psychrometer we measured the relative humidity and temperature of delivered gas from each device, at 5 L/min increments over the specified functional high-flow range.
RESULTS: The Salter Labs unit achieved 72.5-78.7% relative humidity (5-15 L/min range) at ambient temperature (21-23°C). The Vapotherm device achieved 99.9% relative humidity at a temperature setting of 37°C (5-40 L/min).
CONCLUSIONS: Both devices meet minimum humidification standards and offer practical new treatment options. The patient-selection criteria are primarily the severity of the patient's condition and cost.
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Jonathan B Waugh PhD RRT RPFT, Respiratory Therapy Program, Critical Care Sciences Department, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1705 University Blvd, RMSB 480, Birmingham AL 35294-1212. E-mail: waughj{at}gmail.com.
- Copyright © 2004 by Daedalus Enterprises Inc.
