Table 2.

Contraindications for heat and moisture exchangers according to AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines 2012 [11].

(i) Patients with thick or copious secretions.

(ii) When there is loss in expired tidal volume (e.g., large bronchopleurocutaneous fistulas or presence of endotracheal tube cuff leak).

(iii) In patients managed with low tidal volumes like those with ARDS.

(iv) In difficult to wean patients and those with limited respiratory reserve.

(v) Hypothermic patients with body temperature of <32°C.

(vi) In patients with high minute ventilations volumes (>10 L/min).