Table 4.

Suggested key points for non-invasive ventilation delivered by helmet

General recommendations
Use helmet in case of long duration non-invasive ventilation
Use helmet in case of face skin lesions
Use helmet in case of major air leaks
Use helmet in edentulous patients
Use helmet if mask intolerance
Avoid CPAP delivered by mechanical ventilator
Promote inter-change between helmet and face mask during long treatment
Frequent assessment of gas exchange in the first hours
Continuous flow CPAP
Use inspiratory gas flow >40 L/minute
Pressure-support ventilation
Apply higher PEEP and pressure support level (50% higher than those applied with face mask)
Use the maximum pressurization rate

CPAP, continuous positive airway pressure; PEEP, positive end-expiratory pressure.