Table 2.

Comparison between interfaces^*.

Types	Advantages	Disadvantages
Nasal mask	•Less claustrophobic •Easy to cough or expectorate •Easy to speak •Less risk of aspiration	•High incidence of leaks •Eye irritation •Higher resistance •Nasal irritation or damage
Nasal prongs	•Less claustrophobic •Easy to cough or expectorate •Easy to speak •Option for a rotating strategy	•High incidence of leaks •Nasal irritation
Mouth pieces	•Less claustrophobic •Little dead space •Option for a rotating strategy	•High incidence of leaks •Less effective for ARF
Oro-nasal mask	Good for ARF	•More claustrophobic •Possible air-leaks •Eye irritation
Total face mask	•Adequate for prominent facial anatomy •No pressure on nasal bridge •Low air-leaks	•More claustrophobic •Difficult to speak
Helmet	•Adequate for prominent facial anatomy •Low air-leaks •Easy to speak •No pressure on nasal bridge	•Can be claustrophobic •Noise •High gas flow required •Discomfort of axillae with armpit braces

^*Data from references 6, 12, and 20.