PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Jonathan B Waugh
AU  - Wesley M Granger
TI  - An Evaluation of 2 New Devices for Nasal High-Flow Gas Therapy
DP  - 2004 Aug 01
TA  - Respiratory Care
PG  - 902--906
VI  - 49
IP  - 8
4099  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/49/8/902.short
4100  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/49/8/902.full
AB  - 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.