Use of artificial humidification during non-invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory failure: a narrative review.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objective

The use of humidification devices has been recommended during non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV). However, existing recommendations on this topic remain limited and inconsistent. The objective of this narrative review is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the need for and timing of humidification during NIMV.

Methods

A bibliographic review of the literature published over the last 30 years (time frame chosen arbitrarily) was conducted using the PubMed database to identify relevant studies addressing the role of humidification in NIMV, with a particular focus on clinical guidelines and expert consensus statements.

Key content and findings

NIMV may induce undesirable physiological and histological effects, leading to p

SUBMITTER: Ricoy J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12688538 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature