Table 2.
Advantages and disadvantages of heat and moisture exchanger filter and heated humidifier systems during non-invasive ventilation
| System | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| HME | Cost effective | Increased dead space |
| Extended use in the ICU | Reduced efficacy in case of leaks | |
| Eliminates circuit condensation (hygroscopic models are recommended) | Efficacy depends on body and environmental temperatures | |
| A booster system applied to a hydrophobic HME may preserve AH capacity when incoming gases are delivered at a temperature lower than 26°C and at high flow | May lead to an increase in airway resistance in patients with heavy secretions and respiratory tract bleeding | |
| Does not need electricity | ||
| HH | Less work of breathing than with HME | Less efficacy with high environmental temperature |
| Limited or no effect on dead space ventilation so CO2 retention is minimal | Needs electricity | |
| Achieves RH and AH values sufficient for gas conditioning | Performance of different devices varies | |
| Clinically effective, especially in patients with mild to severe hypercapnic acute respiratory failure |
AH, absolute humidity; HH, heated humidifier; HME, heat and moisture exchanger filter; RH, relative humidity.