Role of helmet ventilation during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization; it has affected millions of people and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths. Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia may develop acute hypoxia respiratory failure and require noninvasive respiratory support or invasive respiratory management. Healthcare workers have a high risk of contracting COVID-19 while fitting respiratory devices. Recently, European experts have suggested that the use of helmet continuous positive airway pressure should be the first choice for acute hypoxia respiratory failure caused by COVID-19 because it reduces the spread of the virus in the ambient air. By contrast, in the United States, helmets were restricted for respiratory care before the COVID-19 pandemic until the Food and Drug Administration provided the ‘Umbrella Emergency Use Authorization for Ventilators and Ventilator Accessories’. This narrative review provides an evidence-based overview of the use of helmet ventilation for patients with respiratory failure.

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), ¹ was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020. ² The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people and caused hundreds of thousands of deaths worldwide. ³ People with severe COVID-19 develop hypoxemic acute respiratory failure (ARF) and require noninvasive respiratory support or invasive respiratory management.^1,4,5 Healthcare workers have a high risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 via large droplets, respiratory secretions, contact with contaminated surfaces, or exposure to exhaled air within a distance of 0.5–1.0 m while fitting a respiratory device.^6,7 During the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in China, medical teams recommended early endotracheal intubation to avoid clinical deterioration. ⁸ This approach was also suggested by Marini and Gattinoni in a JAMA editorial. ⁹ However, the unprecedented number of patients outnumbered the limited supply of ventilators and the capacity of intensive care units (ICUs). Thus, some experts have argued that intubation and mechanical ventilation were employed too early^10,11 and that noninvasive respiratory support should be used to prevent clinical deterioration and the complications of mechanical ventilation. ¹¹ Noninvasive respiratory support—including conventional oxygen therapy (COT), the heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV)—may reduce the need for ventilators and ICU beds. A recent study revealed that delivering noninvasive respiratory support outside the ICU is a feasible strategy. ¹² A report from China indicated that 41% of patients with COVID-19 required oxygen therapy. ¹³ The average NIPPV usage in China was 20.1% (range, 4.9%–56%),^4,5,14 whereas the average HFNC usage was 22.8% (range, 0%–63.5%),^5,14 However, whether noninvasive respiratory support increases the degree of virus aerosolisation and spread of virus-bearing droplets remains controversial.^15–17 Recently, European experts recommended helmet CPAP as the first therapeutic choice for hypoxemic ARF caused by COVID-19 because it reduces the spread of the virus into the ambient air.^18–21 By contrast, in the United States, helmets were not common in respiratory care before the COVID-19 pandemic. On 24 March 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provided the ‘Umbrella Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Ventilators and Ventilator Accessories’ to relieve the insufficient supply of FDA-cleared ventilators and ventilator accessories for use in healthcare settings to treat patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This EUA authorised the use of two helmets, namely the Subsalve Oxygen Treatment Hood (Lombardi Undersea LLC, Middletown, RI, USA) and the StarMed CaStar-R (Intersurgical, Wokingham, UK), on 4 and 14 August, respectively. ²² The present narrative review provides an evidence-based overview of the use of helmet ventilation in patients with respiratory failure.

Dispersion of exhaled air

Noninvasive respiratory support is essential in the treatment of COVID-19; however, exhaled air can promote dispersion of the virus, thus increasing the risk of nosocomial infection. ²³ Because droplets from patients with COVID-19 are currently considered a major route for transmission, healthcare workers must be aware of the dispersion of exhaled air during noninvasive respiratory support.^15,24,25 Hui et al. examined exhaled air dispersion during COT, HFNC, CPAP, and NIPPV (Table 1). In these in vitro studies, smoke laser visualisation was used to assess the dispersion distance of exhaled air from a high-fidelity human patient simulator in a hospital bed reclined at 45°.^26–33

Table 1.

Dispersion of exhaled Air in In vitro models of noninvasive respiratory support.

Type of respiratory support	Environmental conditions	Setting	Exhaled air dispersion distance
Nasal cannula
Hui, 2011 27	Dimensions: 4.1 × 5.1 × 2.6 m3	O2 flow: 1 L/min	66 cm*
	Pressure: − 7 Pa	O2 flow: 3 L/min	70 cm*
	ACH: 16 changes/h	O2 flow: 5 L/min	100 cm*
Hui, 2011 28	Dimensions: 2.7 × 4.2 × 2.4 m3	O2 flow: 1 L/min	30 cm*
	Pressure: − 5 Pa	O2 flow: 3 L/min	40 cm*
	ACH: 12 changes/h	O2 flow: 5 L/min	45 cm*
Hui, 2014 28	Dimensions: 2.8 × 4.22 × 2.4 m3	O2 flow: 1 L/min	30 cm*
	Pressure: − 5 Pa	O2 flow: 3 L/min	36 cm*
	ACH: 12 changes/h	O2 flow: 5 L/min	42 cm*
Simple mask
Hui, 2006 29	No report of environment conditions	O2 flow: 4 L/min	40 cm*
Hui, 2007 30	Dimensions: 7.1 × 8.5 × 2.7 m3	O2 flow: 4 L/min	20 cm*
	Pressure: ambient pressure	O2 flow: 6 L/min	22 cm*
	ACH: temporarily suspended	O2 flow: 8 L/min	30 cm*
		O2 flow: 10 L/min	40 cm*
Venturi mask
Hui, 2014 28	General medical ward	FiO2: 0.24	33 cm*
	Pressure: ambient pressure	FiO2: 0.40	40 cm*
	Ventilation: double exhaust fans
Nonrebreathing mask
Hui, 2014 28	Dimensions: 2.8 × 4.22 × 2.4 m3	O2 flow: 6 L/min	<10 cm*
	Pressure: − 5 Pa	O2 flow: 8 L/min	<10 cm*
	ACH: 12 changes/h	O2 flow: 10 L/min	<10 cm*
		O2 flow: 12 L/min	<10 cm*
Jet nebuliser
Hui, 2009 26	Dimensions: 2.8 × 4.22 × 2.4 m3	Air flow: 6 L/min	45 cm*
	Pressure: − 5 Pa
	ACH: 12 changes/h
High-flow nasal cannula
Hui, 2019 31 (Airvo2)	Dimensions: 4.1 × 5.1 × 2.6 m3	Total flow: 10 L/min	6 ± 1 cm#
	Pressure: − 7.4 Pa	Total flow: 30 L/min	13 ± 1 cm#
	ACH: 16 changes/h	Total flow: 60 L/min	17 ± 3 cm#
		Total flow: 60 L/min (loose fit)	62 cm*
Nasal pillow
Hui, 2019 31 (Nuance Pro Gel)	Dimensions: 4.1 × 5.1 × 2.6 m3	CPAP: 5 cmH2O	18 ± 3 cm#
	Pressure: − 7.4 Pa	CPAP: 10 cmH2O	24 ± 3 cm#
	ACH: 16 changes/h	CPAP: 15 cmH2O	25 ± 3 cm#
		CPAP: 20 cmH2O	26 ± 2 cm#
Hui, 2019 31 (Swift FX)	Dimensions: 4.1 × 5.1 × 2.6 m3	CPAP: 5 cmH2O	20 ± 4 cm#
	Pressure: − 7.4 Pa	CPAP: 10 cmH2O	21 ± 3 cm#
	ACH: 16 changes/h	CPAP: 15 cmH2O	23 ± 3 cm#
		CPAP: 20 cmH2O	33 ± 3 cm#
Oronasal mask (with exhalation port within the mask)
Hui, 2006 6 (ResMed Mirage)	Dimensions: 7.1 × 8.5 × 2.7 m3	IPAP/EPAP: 10/4 cmH2O	40 cm*
	Pressure: ambient pressure	IPAP/EPAP: 14/4 cmH2O	42 cm*
	ACH: temporarily suspended	IPAP/EPAP: 18/4 cmH2O	45 cm*
Hui, 2014 28 (Respironics ComfortFull 2)	Dimensions: 2.8 × 4.22 × 2.4 m3	IPAP/EPAP: 10/4 cmH2O	65 cm*
	Pressure: − 5 Pa	IPAP/EPAP: 14/4 cmH2O	65 cm*
	ACH: 12 changes/h	IPAP/EPAP: 18/4 cmH2O	85 cm*
Hui, 2019 31 (Quattro Air)	Dimensions: 4.1 × 5.1 × 2.6 m3	CPAP: 5 cmH2O	Negligible
	Pressure: − 7.4 Pa	CPAP: 10 cmH2O	Negligible
	ACH: 16 changes/h	CPAP: 15 cmH2O	Negligible
		CPAP: 20 cmH2O	Negligible
Oronasal mask (without exhalation port within the mask) plus external exhalation port
Hui, 2014 28 (Respironics Image 3 plus Whisper Swivel Valve)	Dimensions: 2.8 × 4.22 × 2.4 m3	IPAP/EPAP: 10/4 cmH2O	95 cm*
	Pressure: − 5 Pa	IPAP/EPAP: 14/4 cmH2O	95 cm*
	ACH: 12 changes/h	IPAP/EPAP: 18/4 cmH2O	>95 cm*
Total full facemask
Hui, 2015 32 (Respironics Total face mask)	Dimensions: 6.1 × 7.4 × 3.0 m3	IPAP/EPAP: 10/5 cmH2O	69 ± 8 cm#
	Pressure: No report	IPAP/EPAP: 14/5 cmH2O	70 ± 5 cm#
	ACH: 12 changes/h	IPAP/EPAP: 18/4 cmH2O	91 ± 3 cm#
Helmet
Hui, 2015 32 (Sea-Long head tent)	Dimensions: 6.1 × 7.4 × 3.0 m3	IPAP/EPAP: 12/10 cmH2O	17 ± 3 cm#
	Pressure: No report	IPAP/EPAP: 14/10 cmH2O	20 ± 2 cm#
	ACH: 12 changes/h	IPAP/EPAP: 18/10 cmH2O	21 ± 3 cm#
		IPAP/EPAP: 20/10 cmH2O	27 ± 2 cm#
Hui, 2015 32 (StarMed CaStar-R)	Dimensions: 6.1 × 7.4 × 3.0 m3	IPAP/EPAP: 12/10 cmH2O	Negligible
	Pressure: No report	IPAP/EPAP: 14/10 cmH2O	Negligible
	ACH: 12 changes/h	IPAP/EPAP: 18/10 cmH2O	Negligible
		IPAP/EPAP: 20/10 cmH2O	Negligible

*Data presented as maximum; ^#data presented as mean ± standard deviation.

ACH: air changes per hour; CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure; IPAP: inspiratory positive airway pressure; EPAP: expiratory positive airway pressure; FiO₂: fraction of inspired oxygen.

COT via a nasal cannula

COT via a nasal cannula with an oxygen flow rate of 3 L/min was performed in differently sized negative pressure rooms; the maximal distance of exhaled air dispersion was 36–70 cm.^27,28 When the oxygen flow was increased to 5 L/min, the maximal distance of exhaled air increased to 100 cm. ²⁷

COT via a simple mask

For COT via a simple mask, the maximal exhaled air dispersion was 40 cm for an oxygen flow rate of 4 L/min, but details of the environmental conditions were not provided. ²⁹ Another examination was conducted in a laboratory room, and a jet plume of air leaked through the side vents to lateral distances of 40 cm during the delivery of oxygen at a flow rate of 10 L/min. However, room ventilation was temporarily suspended for this test, which is not a realistic scenario. ³⁰

COT via a Venturi mask

Use of COT via a Venturi mask was evaluated in a general ward with ambient pressure and double exhaust fans for room ventilation. When the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) for the Venturi mask was 0.24 and 0.4, the exhaled air dispersion distances were 33 and 44 cm, respectively. ²⁸

COT via a nonrebreathing mask

Because of its one-way valves, the nonrebreathing mask reduced the exhaled air dispersion distance to less than 10 cm, even for an oxygen flow rate of 12 L/min. ²⁸

Jet nebuliser

A jet nebuliser with an airflow of 6 L/min yielded a maximum exhaled air dispersion distance of 45 cm. ²⁶ The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence ³⁴ and The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease ³⁵ have suggested that regular inhalation therapy should be maintained for patients with chronic obstructive lung disease. Because exhaled air is a concern, healthcare workers should consider using pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), or soft mist inhalers (SMIs) instead of jet nebulisers. Use of valved holding chambers with pMDIs or SMIs is also possible. DPIs are breath-actuated devices; healthcare workers should pay attention to coughs caused by DPI use. The use of nebulisers for patients with COVID-19 is controversial,^36,37 and unnecessary or unproven nebulisation therapies should be avoided.^38,39

High-flow oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula

When an HFNC was appropriately inserted into the nostril, exhaled air was detected at distance of up to 6, 13, and 17 cm when the total flow rate was 10, 30, and 60 L/min, respectively. However, the dispersion distance of exhaled air gradually increased to 62 cm as the fit between the nasal cannula and nostril became looser. ³¹

High-flow oxygen therapy via tracheostomy

The dispersion of exhaled air during the application of high-flow oxygen therapy via tracheostomy has not been examined. The large expiratory port on the high-flow tracheostomy interface (OPT970, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Auckland, New Zealand) is designed for exhalation; thus, considerable leakage and a large distance of exhaled air dispersion might reasonably be expected. ⁴⁰ Based on our experience, high-flow tracheal oxygen is not recommended for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

CPAP via a nasal pillow

Two nasal pillows (i.e. Respironics Nuance Pro Ge and RedMed Swift FX) were tested with CPAP values of 5, 10, 15, and 20 cmH₂O. Similar exhaled air dispersion distances were observed for the Respironics Nuance Pro Ge and RedMed Swift FX (26 and 33 cm, respectively). ³¹

CPAP via an oronasal facemask (with exhalation port)

No significant exhaled air dispersion was observed from the Quattro Air mask, even with a CPAP of 20 cmH₂O. ³¹ In contrast to NIPPV, CPAP provides constant airway pressure during the respiratory cycle; thus, leakage was limited by the absence of a delta pressure between the inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP).

NIPPV via an oronasal facemask (with exhalation port within the mask)

The maximal dispersion distance of exhaled air during the application of NIPPV via an oronasal facemask with an exhalation port within the mask was 45 cm for an IPAP of 18 cmH₂O and an EPAP of 4 cmH₂O. However, the environmental conditions of this test were unrealistic because the room ventilation was temporarily suspended. ⁶ This examination was performed again in a negative pressure isolation room several years later, and the maximal exhaled air dispersion distance was increased to 85 cm for an IPAP of 18 cmH₂O and an EPAP of 4 cmH₂O. ²⁸

NIPPV via an oronasal facemask (without exhalation port within the mask) plus external exhalation port

When the oronasal facemask does not contain an exhalation port, an additional exhalation port should be applied to create a continuous leakage path and prevent carbon dioxide (CO₂) rebreathing during NIPPV with a single limb breathing circuit. The maximal exhaled air dispersion distance was 95 cm for the oronasal facemask connected to a Whisper Swivel Exhalation Port. ²⁸

NIPPV via a total full facemask

Exhaled air dispersion was measured during application of NIPPV via a Respironics Total facemask with IPAP values 10, 14, and 18 cmH₂O and EPAP maintained at 5 cmH₂O. The exhaled air dispersion distances were 69, 70, and 91 cm, respectively. ³²

NIPPV via a helmet

During the application of NIPPV via two helmets (i.e. Sea-Long head tent and CaStar-R StarMed), air exhalation was observed from the neck–tent interface. In the examination, EPAP was maintained at 10 cmH₂O for all scenarios. For the Sea-Long head tent with a double limb breathing circuit, IPAP values of 12, 14, 18, and 20 cmH₂O resulted in dispersion distances of 17, 20, 21, and 27 cm, respectively. For the CaStar-R StarMed, air leakage was negligible due to the soft collar around the neck–helmet interface with a double limb breathing circuit. ³²

This series of investigations demonstrated the relationship between noninvasive respiratory support and the dispersion of exhaled air from a human patient simulator. Although these data could have been overestimated due to droplets being heavier than smoke, some phenomena and trends should be considered. The use of an external exhalation port (the Whisper Swivel) resulted in a gradual increase of the dispersion distance of exhaled air, even with a low IPAP setting. ³² A higher IPAP resulted in a wider spread of exhaled air, especially when the total full facemask was employed, which may have not provided a tight seal at the interface. ²⁸ Compared with NIPPV via an oronasal facemask, an HFNC did not result in a wider spread of exhaled air as expected. ³¹ However, tight fit of a nasal cannula into the nostril is difficult to maintain. The most valuable information obtained from these studies was that exhaled air dispersion was negligible when CPAP was used via an oronasal facemask ³¹ or NIPPV was performed via a helmet ³² even though the treatment pressures for the helmet tests were relatively low (delta pressure: 2–10 cmH₂O) compared with those in the other scenarios, such as NIPPV via an oronasal facemask or total full facemask.^28,32 Reduced dispersion of exhaled air could contribute to minimising environmental contamination. However, unlike the in vitro studies by Hui et al., two in vivo studies have revealed that facemask noninvasive respiratory support does not increase aerosol generation and dispersal compared with HFNC or COT.^16,17

Helmet ventilation

NIPPV is usually administered via a facemask rather than a helmet. A large web-based European survey of 25 countries showed that the most frequently used interface was the oronasal facemask, followed by the total full facemask, nasal mask, and helmet. The helmet has been extensively used in Italy, but the overall percentage of use in Europe is relatively low. ⁴¹ Ulcerations of the nasal bridge, skin damage, air leakage, and discomfort are the most common complications when patients receive facemask NIPPV.^42–44 Recently, the application of NIPPV via a helmet has attracted considerable attention worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients with COVID-19 can be treated with noninvasive respiratory support via a helmet in general wards, freeing up ICU beds. ⁴⁵

The helmet is a transparent latex-free polyvinyl chloride hood originally designed for the administration of a specific gas concentration in hyperbaric oxygen therapy; ⁴⁶ it surrounds the patient's head and is sealed around the neck with a soft latex-free polyurethane collar. ⁴⁷ The hood and neck collar are connected by a hard plastic ring and secured to the patient with padded armpit braces, which are attached to hooks on the front and back of the hard plastic ring. ⁴⁷ To ensure a tight but comfortable seal, the size of the helmet is selected on the basis of the patient's neck circumference. The helmet can be connected to a ventilator by using conventional breathing circuit to join two ports and thus provide inspiratory and expiratory flow. In contrast to the oronasal facemask, the helmet surrounds the patient's head and is sealed around the neck using a soft collar without contacting the nose or mouth (Figure 1).

Figure 1.

(A) Configuration of a helmet connected to an ICU ventilator with a cold passover humidifier. HMEF: Heat and moisture exchanging filter; ICU: Intensive care unit; NG tube: Nasogastric tube.

Ventilator settings should be adjusted to prevent patients from rebreathing CO₂; that is, the pressure support levels should be set to maintain an inspiratory flow rate of >100 L/min. ⁴⁷ To prevent patient–ventilator asynchrony and minimise the breathing effort, the inspiratory rise time should be 50 ms, and the ventilator off-cycling should be set at 50% of the peak inspiratory flow rate. ⁴⁸ If available, the end-tidal CO₂ inside the helmet can be monitored using a sampling line. ⁴⁹ To reduce the noise generated by the high rate of gas flow, a heat and moisture exchange filter can be connected to the inspiratory limb close to the helmet as an exhaust gas muffler. ⁵⁰ Under-humidification can cause problems if active humidification is not performed during helmet ventilation. Chiumello et al. investigated the humidity inside a helmet for high-flow generator CPAP and ventilator CPAP. During ventilator CPAP, the humidity inside the helmet was similar to that of the ambient air. The large internal gas volume can be considered a chamber in which the dry inspired medical gas and the heated humidified gas expired by the patient are mixed. By contrast, during high-flow generator CPAP, the humidity inside the helmet was lower than that in the ambient air. To improve gas temperature and humidity, Chiumello et al. suggested applying an active humidifier with an inspiratory heated breathing circuit, especially for high-flow generator helmet CPAP. ⁵¹ If a heat and moisture exchange filter is employed for noise reduction, it should be placed between the outlet of ventilator and the inlet of the auto-feeding water chamber. ⁵²

We suggested used a heat and moisture exchange filter for noise reduction and applying a cold passover humidifier during a helmet ventilation (Figure 1).

Clinical effects of helmet ventilation

Although helmet ventilation is currently used extensively in Italy, in the past two decades, few studies have compared CPAP or NIPPV via a helmet with a traditional interface. For CPAP, Chiumello et al. demonstrated that application via a helmet or a traditional interface yielded similar effects in terms of breathing pattern and work of breath in healthy subjects; moreover, they revealed that NIPPV via an oronasal facemask reduced work of breath. ⁵³

Helmet CPAP

Most helmet CPAP is delivered by using a high-flow generator and not a ventilator (Table 2). For helmet CPAP delivery with a ventilator, a high-flow oxygen therapy mode with a continuous flow >50 L/min is suggested. ⁴⁷ To evaluate the helmet as a novel interface for CPAP, two prospective, historical case–control studies compared the efficacy of the helmet and facemask in 2003 and 2004, respectively (Table 1). ⁵⁴ Principi et al. indicated that the helmet had higher tolerability than the facemask;^54,55 Tonnelier et al. obtained similar results. ⁵⁵ To investigate the efficacy of helmet CPAP for patients with hypoxemic ARF, three multicentre trials^56–58 and one single-centre trial ⁵⁹ were conducted in Italy. Squadrone et al. demonstrated that helmet CPAP improved oxygenation^56,59 and reduced the need for ICU admission and ventilatory support. ⁵⁹ In a study of patients with severe hypoxemic ARF after abdominal surgery and another of patients with haematologic malignancy, the incidence of endotracheal intubation was lower in the helmet CPAP group than in the COT group.^56,59 Two multicentre investigations by Cosentini et al. and Brambilla et al. demonstrated that CPAP via a helmet rapidly increased oxygenation^57,58 and reduced the need for endotracheal intubation in patients with pneumonia and hypoxemic ARF. ⁵⁸ A meta-analysis of these four heterogeneous randomised controlled trials concluded that helmet CPAP improves oxygenation, reduces the incidence of endotracheal intubation, and lowers mortality. ⁶⁰

Table 2.

Clinical trials of helmet CPAP.

Reference	Type of Study	Enrolment	Intervention	Results
Tonnelier, 2003 54	Single-centre, prospective, case–control study	Patients with cardiogenic pulmonary oedema with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet CPAP, n = 11	Helmet and facemask CPAP both improved physiological parameters and ABG values. No interface intolerance was reported.
			CPAP: 7.5 cmH2O
			FiO2: 1.0
			Facemask CPAP, n = 11
			CPAP: 7.5 cmH2O
			FiO2: 1.0
Principi, 2004 55	Single-centre, prospective, case–control study	Patients with haematological malignancy with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet CPAP, n = 17	Compared with facemask CPAP, helmet CPAP improved oxygenation. Intubation rate was lower in the helmet CPAP group than in the facemask group. CPAP was better tolerated in the helmet group than in the facemask group.
			CPAP: 8 cmH2O
			FiO2: 0.6
			Facemask CPAP, n = 17
			CPAP: 8 cmH2O
			FiO2: 0.6
Squadrone, 2005 56	Multicentre, prospective, RCT	Postoperative patients with acute hypoxemic	Helmet CPAP, n = 105	Compared with COT, helmet CPAP improved oxygenation. Intubation rate and occurrence rates of pneumonia, infection, and sepsis were lower in the helmet CPAP group than in the COT group. Helmet CPAP resulted in shorter ICU LOS than did COT.
			CPAP: 7.5 cmH2O
			FiO2: 0.5
			COT (VM), n = 104
			FiO2: 0.5
Squadrone, 2010 59	Single-centre, prospective, RCT	Patients with haematological malignancy with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet CPAP, n = 20	Compared with COT, helmet CPAP rapidly improved oxygenation without changes in PaCO2 tension. The intubation rate was lower in the helmet CPAP group than in the COT group. Helmet CPAP had reduced the need for ICU admission and NIPPV support compared with COT.
			CPAP: 10 cmH2O
			FiO2: 0.5
			COT (VM), n = 20
			FiO2: 0.5
Cosentini, 2010 57	Multicentre, prospective, RCT	Patients with community-acquired pneumonia with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet CPAP, n = 20	Compared with COT, helmet CPAP rapidly improved oxygenation without changes in PaCO2 tension. No patients were intubated.
			CPAP: 10 cmH2O
			FiO2: 0.5 (set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92%)
			COT (VM), n = 27
			FiO2: 0.5 (set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92%)
Brambilla, 2014 58	Multicentre, prospective, RCT	Patients with pneumonia with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet CPAP, n = 40	Compared with COT, helmet CPAP rapidly improved oxygenation. Fewer patients met the intubation criteria in the helmet CPAP group than in the COT group. Two patients in the helmet CPAP group and one in the COT group were intubated.
			CPAP: 10 cmH2O
			FiO2: 0.5(set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92%)
			COT (VM), n = 41
			FiO2: 0.5 (set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92%)
Aliberti, 2020 61	Multicentre, prospective, observational study	Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet CPAP, n = 157	Oxygenation was improved after 6 h of helmet CPAP, and 78.3% of patients avoided endotracheal intubation. Only four patients reported intolerance and discontinued helmet CPAP. Treatment failure was associated with pneumonia severity.
			CPAP: No report
			FiO2: No report
Coppadoro, 2021 62	Multicentre, retrospective, observational study	Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet CPAP, n = 157	Compared with COT, helmet CPAP rapidly improved oxygenation. Nearly half of the patients were successfully treated with helmet CPAP. Helmet CPAP failure mostly occurred in patients with a do-not-intubate order.
			CPAP: No report
			FiO2: No report

CPAP: continues positive airway pressure; ARF: acute respiratory failure; FiO₂: fraction of inspired oxygen; ABG: arterial blood gas; COT: conventional oxygen therapy; RCT: randomized controlled trial; VM: Venturi mask; ICU: intensive care unit; LOS: length of stay; PaCO₂: arterial carbon dioxide tension; COVID-19: coronavirus disease 2019.

To determine the effects of helmet CPAP in patients with COVID-19, two multicentre, observational studies were conducted in Italy. ⁶¹

The helmet CPAP failure rate were 44.6% in the high-dependency units ⁶¹ and 48% in the COVID-19 wards, ⁶² the failure was associated with the severity of pneumonia, ⁶¹ age, time to oxygen therapy failure, PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio during helmet CPAP, C-reactive protein, and number of comorbidities. ⁶² Oxygenation was significantly improved in both studies.^61,62

Ali et al. demonstrated that no patients were intubated within the 1 h after helmet CPAP initiation, and only 2.5% of patients discontinued helmet CPAP due to intolerance in the high-dependency units. Moreover, 123 patients (78.3%) avoided endotracheal intubation. ⁶¹ Coppadoro et al. showed the feasibility of using helmet CPAP outside the ICU, without major adverse event. Helmet CPAP had resulted a good outcome in 69.3% of the full treatment patients without escalating to intubation or mortality. As a rescue therapy, 28.5% of Do Not Intubated patients survive with helmet CPAP treatment. ⁶²

Helmet NIPPV

Antonelli et al. conducted two multicentre, prospective, case–control studies of patients with hypoxemic ARF during 2000–2001. Oxygenation was improved by both helmet NIPPV and facemask NIPPV.^63,64 The intubation rate, ICU length of stay (LOS), and incidence of mortality were similar for these two interfaces in patients with hypoxemic ARF ⁶³ and in those with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). ⁶⁴ Intolerances and complications related to the facemask were more common than those related to the helmet in both studies (Table 3).^63,64

Table 3.

Clinical trials of helmet NIPPV.

Reference	Type of Study	Enrolment	Intervention	Results
Antonelli, 2002 63	Multicentre, prospective, case–control study	Patients with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet NIPPV, n = 33	Helmet and facemask NIPPV both improved oxygenation.
			PS: set for symptom relief a
			PEEP: 10–12 cmH2O	Helmet NIPPV resulted in fewer complications and intolerances than did facemask NIPPV. The intubation rate, ICU LOS, and mortality were similar.
			FiO2: set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92%
			Facemask NIPPV, n = 66
			PS: set to maintain VTe of 8–10 mL/kg and for symptom relief a
			PEEP: 10–12 cmH2O
			FiO2: set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92%
Antonelli, 2004 64	Multicentre, prospective, case–control study	Patients with AECOPD with hypercapnic ARF	Helmet NIPPV, n = 33	Facemask NIPPV resulted in higher CO2 clearance compared with helmet NIPPV, but the improvement in oxygenation was similar.
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and then increased for symptom relief a
			PEEP: 5–7 cmH2O
			FiO2: no report	Intubation rate, ICU LOS, and mortality were similar. More intolerances were observed in the facemask NIPPV group than in the helmet NIPPV group among patients requiring intubation.
			Facemask NIPPV, n = 33
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and then increased for symptom relief*
			PEEP: 5–7 cmH2O
			FiO2: no report	Helmet NIPPV resulted in fewer complications than did facemask NIPPV.
Rocco, 2004 65	Single-centre, prospective, case–control study	Immunocompromised patients with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet NIPPV, n = 19	Helmet and facemask NIPPV both improved oxygenation. Helmet NIPPV resulted in fewer complications and intolerances than did facemask NIPPV. Intubation rate, ICU LOS, and mortality were similar.
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and then increased for symptom relief a
			PEEP: ≤12 cmH2O
			FiO2: set to maintain SaO2 ≥ 90%
			Facemask NIPPV, n = 19
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and then increased to maintain VTe of 7–9 ml/kg and symptom relief*
			PEEP: ≤12 cmH2O
			FiO2: set to maintain SaO2 ≥ 90%
Antonaglia, 2011 66	Single-centre, prospective, RCT	Patients with AECOPD with hypercapnic ARF	Helmet NIPPV, n = 20	Helmet NIPPV and facemask NIPPV had similar effects on oxygenation. Facemask NIPPV had a higher CO2 clearance, shorter ICU LOS, and shorter duration of NIPPV than did helmet NIPPV. Intubation rate was lower in the helmet NIPPV group than in the facemask NIPPV group.
			PS: set for symptom relief b
			PEEP: 5 cmH2O
			FiO2: set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 90%
			Facemask NIPPV, n = 20
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and for symptom relief b
			PEEP: 5 cmH2O
			FiO2: set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 90%
Ali, 2011 67	Single-centre, prospective, RCT	Patients with AECOPD with hypercapnic ARF	Helmet NIPPV, n = 15	Facemask NIPPV resulted in higher CO2 clearance compared with helmet NIPPV, but the improvements in oxygenation were similar.
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and then increased to maintain VTe of 6–8 mL/kg and for symptom relief c
			PEEP: 5–7 cmH2O	The intubation rate was similar, but helmet NIPPV resulted in fewer intolerances than did facemask NIPPV.
			FiO2: initiated at 0.4 and then set to maintain SaO2 ≥ 92%
			Facemask NIPPV, n = 15
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and then increased to maintain VTe 6–8 of mL/kg and for symptom relief c
			PEEP: 5–7 cmH2O
			FiO2: initiated at 0.4 and then set to maintain SaO2 ≥ 92%
Özlem, 2015 68	Single-centre, prospective, RCT	Patients with AECOPD with hypercapnic ARF	Helmet NIPPV, n = 25	The effects on oxygenation were similar in the helmet NIPPV and facemask NIPPV groups. The efficiency for improving CO2 levels was also similar between the groups, but the decrease in CO2 levels was slower in the helmet NIPPV group than in the facemask NIPPV group. Similar tolerance and intubation rates were observed.
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and then increased to maintain VTe of 6–8 mL/kg and for symptom relief c
			PEEP: 5–7 cmH2O
			FiO2: set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92%
			Facemask NIPPV, n = 23
			PS: initiated at 10 cmH2O and then increased to maintain VTe of 6–8 mL/kg and for symptom relief c
			PEEP: 5–7 cmH2O
			FiO2: set to maintain SpO2 ≥ 92%
Pisani, 2015 69	Multicentre, prospective, RCT	Patients with AECOPD with hypercapnic ARF	Helmet NIPPV, n = 39	The effects on oxygenation and CO2 clearance were similar in the helmet NIPPV and facemask NIPPV groups.
			PS: initiated at ≥16 cmH2O and then increased for symptom relief d
			PEEP: initiated at >5 cmH2O and then increased for symptom relief d	The intubation rate and respiratory rate were similar
			FiO2: no report
			Facemask NIPPV, n = 41
			PS: set to maintain VTe 6–8 of mL/kg
			PEEP: 3–5 cmH2O
			FiO2: no report
Patel, 2016 70	Single-centre, prospective, RCT	Patients with ARDS	Helmet NIPPV, n = 44	Helmet NIPPV resulted in a lower intubation rate, ICU LOS, and mortality compared with facemask NIPPV. More ventilator-free days were observed in the helmet NIPPV group than in the facemask NIPPV group. The incidences of adverse effects similar.
			PS: set for symptom relief a
			PEEP: set to maintain SaO2 ≥ 90%
			FiO2: ≤0.6
			Facemask NIPPV, n = 39
			PS: set for symptom relief a
			PEEP: set to maintain SaO2 ≥ 90%
			FiO2: ≤0.6
Grieco, 2021 72	Multicentre, prospective, RCT	Patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with hypoxemic ARF	Helmet NIPPV, n = 54	The number of respiratory support–free days was similar between the groups. The intubation rate was lower in the helmet NIPPV group than in the HFNC group. The helmet NIPPV group had a shorter duration of invasive
			PS: 10–12 cmH2O
			PEEP: 10–12 cmH2O
			FiO2: set to maintain SpO2 92–98%
			HFNC, n = 55
			Total flow: 60L/min	ventilation. The groups exhibited a similar ICU LOS and mortality rate.
			FiO2: set to maintain SpO2 92–98%

^a Symptom relief: respiratory rate < 25 b/m and comfort status without accessory muscle activity.

^b Symptom relief: respiratory rate < 30 b/m, minimal air leakage, and comfort status without accessory muscle activity.

^c Symptom relief: adequate respiratory effort.

^d Symptom relief: respiratory rate < 20 b/m without accessory muscle activity.

NIPPV: noninvasive positive pressure ventilation; ARF: acute respiratory failure; PS: pressure support; PEEP: positive end-expiratory pressure; FiO₂: fraction of inspired oxygen; SpO₂: peripheral oxygen saturation; V_Te: exhaled tidal volume; ICU: intensive care unit; LOS: length of stay; AECOPD: acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CO₂: carbon dioxide; SaO₂: arterial oxygen saturation; RCT: randomized controlled trial; ARDS: acute respiratory distress syndrome; HFNC: high-flow nasal cannula.

In a single-centre, prospective, case–control study on immunocompromised patients with hypoxemic ARF, helmet NIPPV and facemask NIPPV yielded similar effects in terms of avoiding intubation. Sustained improvement of oxygenation was more common among patients who received helmet NIPPV than among those receiving facemask NIPPV, and they also exhibited lower occurrence of complications. ⁶⁵ Moreover, three single-centre trials^66–68 and one multicentre trial ⁶⁹ have compared the efficacy of helmet NIPPV and facemask NIPPV in patients with hypercapnic ARF due to AECOPD. Antonaglia et al. enrolled 40 participants who responded to facemask NIPPV and randomly assigned them to the helmet NIPPV group or facemask NIPPV group. Similar effects on oxygenation were observed in the groups. Facemask NIPPV resulted in higher CO₂ clearance, shorter ICU LOS, and shorter duration of NIPPV compared with helmet NIPPV, but helmet NIPPV yielded a higher tolerance rate and a lower intubation rate. ⁶⁶ Two small single-centre trials conducted in Turkey demonstrated improved oxygenation in both helmet NIPPV and facemask NIPPV groups; no differences in oxygenation or incidence of intubation were observed between the groups.^67,68 In the study of Ali et al., the facemask NIPPV group had superior CO₂ clearance compared with the helmet NIPPV group. ⁶⁷ By contrast, according to Özlem et al., the improvement in CO₂ level was similar between the groups, but the decrease in CO₂ level was slower in the helmet NIPPV group than in the facemask NIPPV group. ⁶⁸

Short-term physiological response was evaluated using a multicentre trial. A total of 80 participants who presented with AECOPD were randomly assigned to receive NIPPV with either the facemask or helmet. Oxygenation, partial pressure of CO₂, respiratory rate, and dyspnoea were improved by both interfaces, but the dyspnoea score decreased more during facemask NIPPV than during helmet NIPPV. The intubation rate was low and similar between the groups. None of the participants discontinued NIPPV due to intolerance; however, two participants in the helmet NIPPV group required a change of interface due to claustrophobia. ⁶⁹

Patel et al. conducted a single-centre trial in Chicago, United States, to determine whether helmet NIPPV could reduce the intubation rate or improve clinical outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. The intubation rate was significantly lower in the helmet NIPPV group than in the facemask NIPPV group (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11–0.50; p < 0.001). Helmet NIPPV resulted in more ventilator-free days (28 vs. 12.5 days; p < 0.001) and shorter ICU LOS (4.7 vs. 7.8 days; p = 0.4) compared with the facemask NIPPV group. Compared with facemask NIPPV, helmet NIPPV also yielded a lower 90-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.23–0.99; p = 0.047). The overall incidence of adverse effects was low and did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the results of this study may have been compromised and the outcomes may have been exaggerated by early termination of the study based on the predetermined criteria for efficacy. ⁷⁰ Liu et al. performed a meta-analysis in which patients who received helmet CPAP or helmet NIPPV were enrolled. ⁷¹ Despite combining helmet CPAP and helmet NIPPV in the same study, similar improvement in oxygenation, reduction in the intubation rate, and decreased mortality were observed as in a previous report on helmet CPAP. ⁶⁰ However, the present revealed high heterogeneity across the studies. The ability of CO₂ recovery in helmet NIPPV remains controversial. Some studies have indicated that helmet NIPPV may not clear CO₂ as efficiently as facemask NIPPV does.^64,66,67 No clear complications or adverse effects were observed during helmet NIPPV, although claustrophobia was reported in one study. ⁶⁹

To determine the effects of helmet NIPPV in patients with COVID-19, an open-label multicentre, prospective, randomised controlled trial was conducted in Italy. ⁷² A total of 109 patients who had a confirmed molecular diagnosis of COVID-19 were enrolled and completed the study. Among them, 54 were assigned to the helmet NIPPV group and 55 were assigned to the HFNC group. Compared with the HFNC group, the helmet NIPPV group exhibited more favourable oxygenation (PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, 188 vs. 138; p < 0.001). Those in the HFNC group had a lower PaCO₂ level than those in the helmet NIPPV group (35 vs. 36 mmHg, p = 0.008). Although dyspnea improved in the helmet NIPPV group, this group also experienced more device-related discomfort. The number of respiratory support–free days was comparable between groups. The helmet NIPPV group had a lower intubation rate and more ventilator-free days than did the HFNC group. Compared with the helmet NIPPV group, more participants in the HFNC group were intubated because of hypoxemia, signs of respiratory muscle fatigue, and breathing deterioration. The two groups exhibited similar results in ICU LOS and mortality rate.

Strengths and limitations

The CaStar StarMed series has been widely used in clinical trials, especially in Italy (Table 4). The major difference between CaStar and CaStar-R is the internal volume. ³³ For NIPPV, the CaStar-R designs have smaller internal volume than the CaStar designs. Moreover, CaStar-R has an inflatable interior cushion that also reduces the internal volume. The internal volume was reduced to improve patient–ventilator synchronisation and prevent CO₂ rebreathing (Table 5).

Table 4.

Helmet ventilation devices.

Reference	Location	Helmet	Power source
Helmet CPAP
Tonnelier, 2003 54	France	CaStar StarMed	High-flow generator
Principi, 2004 55	Italy	CaStar StarMed	High-flow generator
Squadrone, 2005 59	Italy	CaStar StarMed	High-flow generator
Squadrone, 2010 5 *	Italy	CaStar StarMed	High-flow generator
Cosentini, 2010 57	Italy	CaStar StarMed	High-flow generator
Brambilla, 2014 58	Italy	CaStar StarMed	High-flow generator
Aliberti, 2020 61	Italy	CaStar StarMed	High-flow generator
Coppadoro, 2021 62	Italy	No report	High-flow generator
Helmet NIPPV/PS
Antonelli, 2002 63	Italy	CaStar-R StarMed	ICU ventilator (Servo 300 and Evita 4)
Antonelli, 2004 64	Italy	CaStar-R StarMed	ICU ventilator (Servo 300 and Evita 4)
Rocco, 2004 65	Italy	CaStar-R StarMed	ICU ventilator (Servo 300)
Antonaglia, 2011 66	Italy	CaStar-R StarMed	ICU ventilator (Puritan Bennett 7200)
Ali, 2011 67	Turkey	CaStar-R StarMed	ICU ventilator (Newport e500)
Özlem, 2015 68	Turkey	CaStar-R StarMed	ICU ventilator (Servo S)
Pisani, 2015 69	Italy	CaStar-R StarMed	ICU ventilator (No report)
Patel, 2016 70	USA	Sea-Long	ICU ventilator (Engström Carestation)
Grieco, 2021722	Italy	CaStar-R StarMed or Dimar	Compressed gas-based ventilator (No report)

CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure; NIPPV: noninvasive positive pressure ventilation; PS: pressure support; ICU: intensive care unit.

Table 5.

Comparison of caStar and caStar-R.

	CaStar	CaStar-R
Intended use	CPAP	NIPPV
Internal volume (L)	16	11
inflatable cushion	Not applicable	Built-in
Pressure manometer	Built-in	Optional

CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure; NIPPV: noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

As an interface for NIPPV, the helmet has several advantages, including higher tolerability, reduced air leakage, and improved seal integrity.^54,56 Aerophagia is a relatively common problem resulting in gastric distention, which may increase the risk of vomiting and aspiration during NIPPV.^42,73 In patients with a high risk of gastric aspiration, a nasogastric tube can be inserted as a preventive measure. Nasogastric tubes are commonly used to decompress gastric air in the stomach, with this air caused by NIPPV.^74,75 However, the presence of a nasogastric tube may increase the amount of air leakage and compromise the effectiveness of NIPPV.^42,76 A specific port in the helmet can be used for the nasogastric tube to prevent air leakage. ⁶³ The dispersion of exhaled air due to the placement of a nasogastric tube is likely much less in a helmet than in an oronasal facemask. Therefore, the helmet design may reduce the risk of transmission for healthcare workers when treating patients with COVID-19.

Several cautions and limitations of the helmet should be mentioned. The large internal volume and high compliance of the polyvinyl chloride hood may result in CO₂ rebreathing^47,77 and could induce patient–ventilator asynchrony. ⁷⁸ Moreover, because of these features, the exhaled tidal volume cannot be reliably measured during helmet ventilation. Iatrogenic pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum during helmet CPAP may occur, especially at CPAP level >10 cmH₂O.. ⁷⁹ The helmet requires a high-flow generator or ventilator to provide treatment pressure and prevent CO₂ rebreathing, which are associated with high noise levels. The noise level in high-flow generator CPAP is higher than that in ventilator CPAP.^80,81 Earplugs and a heat and moisture exchanger filter may reduce the noise level.^50,80 Claustrophobia is a frightening sense of restriction and suffocation and can make breathing difficult.^82,83 Although claustrophobia may be unavoidable during helmet ventilation, it is not commonly mentioned in clinical reports. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of delirium during helmet CPAP treatment in older patients with COVID-19. ⁸⁴

Conclusion

Although whether noninvasive respiratory support can increase the risk of airborne virus transmission via droplets is controversial, minimizing air leaks from noninvasive respiratory support is crucial. Thus, healthcare workers should choose noninvasive respiratory devices with caution during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review article is not intended to claim that helmet ventilation can replace invasive ventilation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather, this article indicates that the early use of helmet ventilation could reduce clinical deterioration and decrease the likelihood of intubation while protecting healthcare workers from transmission through aerosol and droplets. Healthcare workers should also become familiar with helmet ventilation for future pandemics of highly infectious respiratory diseases. The samples in the clinical trials reviewed in this study were relatively small, even for multicentre trials. Randomised controlled trials with large samples are urgently warranted to test the outcomes of helmet ventilation for hypoxemic ARF in patients with or without COVID-19.

Glossary

Abbreviations

ARF

acute respiratory failure

CO₂

carbon dioxide

COVID-19

coronavirus disease 2019

CPAP

continuous positive airway pressure

COT

conventional oxygen therapy

DPI

dry powder inhalers

EPAP

expiratory positive airway pressure

EUA

Emergency Use Authorization

FDA

Food and Drug Administration

FiO₂

fraction of inspired oxygen

HFNC

heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula

IPAP

inspiratory positive airway pressure

ICU

intensive care unit

pMDI

pressurised metered-dose inhalers

SARS-CoV-2

severe acute respiratory syndrome related coronavirus 2

SMI

soft mist inhalers

NIPPV

noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.

Author biographies

Ke-Yun Chao is a RRT and a PhD student who is mainly engaged in respiratory therapy, mechanical ventilation, and 3D printing technology.

Jong-Shyan Wang is a PhD professor who is mainly engaged in exercise physiological study.

Wei-Lun Liu is a MD who is mainly engaged in critical care medicine, pulmonary diseases and fungal infection research.