What is Optiflow ventilation?

In observational studies, Optiflow increase oxygenation of patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Oxygenation is better than under high-concentration mask and work of breathing is reduced.

Is Optiflow a ventilator?

No. A ventilator provides a respiratory support therapy known as mechanical ventilation, which usually requires the patient to be sedated. Some ventilators can also provide Optiflow NHF therapy provided the correct equipment and settings are implemented.

What is the difference between CPAP and Optiflow?

The Airvo (an NHF system) is a flow-based therapy (you adjust the flow rate for your patient); CPAP is a pressure-based therapy; you set a pressure range for your patient. The pressure derived from Optiflow NHF therapy is dynamic, not set, and not constant.

What is the difference between Optiflow and oxygen?

Nasal high flow oxygen (Optiflow™) is a new alternative as it provides warmed humidified oxygen at high flow, and also has been shown to assist breathing and improve recovery. It is comfortable during use and indeed may be more comfortable than standard (dry) oxygen via a facemask (Hudson type) or nasal prongs.

Is Optiflow a non-invasive ventilator?

Yes. Optiflow NHF therapy can be used for spontaneously breathing patients who may benefit from respiratory support. It is defined as noninvasive because it does not require intubation or even a sealed interface.

Is Optiflow a CPAP?

In this report, we describe our experience with the use of the Optiflow™ (Fisher and Paykel Healthcare) Nasal Cannula attached to a regular CPAP device in the setting of chronic CPAP use. This interface consists of a nasal cannula and was originally designed for the delivery of high-flow oxygen therapy.

Is high-flow oxygen better than CPAP?

HFNC is suggested to reduce the upper airway dead space and resistance [10,11]. HFNC is considered a less invasive treatment than CPAP, better tolerated by the patients, and easier to handle by the staff [12]. In some studies, HFNC has been shown to be more efficient than standard care (e.g., CPAP) [12,13,14].

Is Optiflow heated?

The Optiflow allows delivery of breathing gases heated to body temperature at 100% relative humidity through nasal cannula from 0.3lpm-8lpm without airway drying or cooling.

Why is Optiflow used?

Is Optiflow a non invasive ventilator?

Is high flow oxygen life support?

High-flow oxygen (≥40 L/min) is a relatively new therapy that also could be offered to patients at the end of life to help relieve dyspnea from hypoxemia, but there is little evidence to support its use at this time.