Table 4.
Differences between noninvasive ventilation using portable ventilators specific for noninvasive ventilation and intensive care unit microprocessor-controlled ventilators with a non-invasive ventilation module
| ICU ventilators | NIV specific | |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit | Dual-limb, with demand valve | Single-limb |
| Exhalation | Exhalation valve | Exhalation through port or exhalation valve in the mask or circuit |
| Air leak | Compensated when PCV (time-cycled) or NIV-specific module is used | Automatic compensation |
| O2 supplementation | Regulated by the ventilator blender | Regulated by the ventilator blender or O2 supplementation through the mask and/or circuit |
| PEEP | In the ventilator exhalation valve | Ventilator exhalation valve and/or adjustable valve in mask |
| Type of interface | Interfaces for dual-limb circuit | Allows for use of masks with built-in exhalation valve or in the ventilator circuit |
ICU - intensive care unit; PCV - pressure-controlled ventilation; NIV - noninvasive ventilation; O2 - oxygen; PEEP - positive end-expiratory pressure.