Humidification During Invasive and Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation
Publication Date: May 1, 2012
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Recommendations
Humidification is recommended on every patient receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. ( 1 – Strong , A)
679
Active humidification is suggested for NIV, as itmay improve adherence and comfort. ( 2 – Weak , B)
679
When providing active humidification to patients who are invasively ventilated, it is suggested that the device provide a humidity level between 33 mg H2O/L and 44 mg H2O/L and gas temperature between 34°C and 41°C at the circuit Y-piece, with an RH of 100%. ( 2 – Weak , B)
679
When providing passive humidification to patients undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation, it is suggested that the HME provide a minimum of 30 mg H2O/L. ( 2 – Weak , B)
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Passive humidification is not recommended for NIV. ( 2 – Weak , C)
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When providing humidification to patients with low tidal volumes, such as when lung-protective ventilation strategies are used, HMEs are not recommended because they contribute additional dead space, which can increase the ventilation requirement and PaCO2. ( 2 – Weak , B)
679
It is suggested that HMEs are not used as a prevention strategy for ventilator-associated pneumonia. ( 2 – Weak , B)
679
Recommendation Grading
Overview
Title
Humidification During Invasive and Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation
Authoring Organization
American Association for Respiratory Care
Publication Month/Year
May 1, 2012
Last Updated Month/Year
September 12, 2023
Document Type
Guideline
External Publication Status
Published
Country of Publication
US
Document Objectives
The update of this clinical practice guideline is evaluating humidification during invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation.
Target Patient Population
Patients requiring mechanical ventilation
Inclusion Criteria
Adolescent, Adult, Child, Infant
Health Care Settings
Emergency care, Hospital, Operating and recovery room
Intended Users
Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant
Scope
Management, Treatment
Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)
D012122 - Ventilators, Mechanical, D000068998 - Humidifiers, D006813 - Humidity
Keywords
mechanical ventilation, mechanical ventilators, humidification
Source Citation
Respir Care 2012;57(5):782–788.
Methodology
Number of Source Documents
74
Literature Search Start Date
January 1, 1990
Literature Search End Date
December 1, 2011