Abstract

Background: Chronically ventilated patients, both invasive and non-invasive, usually require that their inspired air should be humidified. For stationary use, patients use heated humidifiers, however they are not suitable for mobile use, as the open connection of the water reservoir to the airways creates the risk that water might be spilled in the interface. Heat-Moisture Exchanger (HME) is used for mobile use. The level of humidification provided by HMEs are generally insufficient. To overcome these disadvantages an alternative nebulizer-based humidification solution has been developed, which injects a measured stream of aerosol (0.00005% NaCl 0.9%, D[4,3]=5.7µm) in the circuit during inspiration (Figure 1).

Aim: This study tests the hypothesis that humidification provided by this aerosol-based humidifier would be acceptable and more comfortable when compared to the normal daily ambulatory humidification solutions.

Methods: Ten subjects were enrolled in this study, with chronic respiratory failure due to a neuromuscular disease using HMV. Age between 18-85, requiring 24 hour mechanical ventilation ambulatory for at least part of the day.

Results: Participants during conventional humidification and three different ODH doses show no statistically significant or clinically relevant differences (Figure 2). 

Conclusion: This pilot study shows that breath-synchronized aerosol-based humidification is well accepted. 6mg/l seems to be a stable, comfortable humidification dosis. This technology could be a valid alternative to traditional humidification, especially in an ambulatory setting. A longer duration study with a single dose is recommended.