Noninvasive ventilation is a therapeutic option in some patients with chronic respiratory failure. Patients usually ventilate during nightime with a domiciliary ventilator either in assist control or in pressure support mode.

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy and the tolerance of assist control and pressure support modes during domiciliary noninvasive ventilation in patients with chronic respiratory failure.

The aim of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy and the tolerance of assist control and pressure support modes during domiciliary noninvasive ventilation in patients with chronic respiratory failure.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Chronic respiratory failure
• Clinical symptoms of chronic alveolar hypoventilation
• PaCO2 ≥ 45 mmHg in case of restrictive pulmonary disorder or PaCO2 ≥ 55 mmHg in case or obstructive pulmonary disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical exacerbation during the three previous weeks
• Previous treatment by domiciliary non invasive ventilation
• Previous treatment by non invasive ventilation for acute respiratory failure during the 3 previous months
• Bronchiectasis
• Duchenne muscular dystrophy
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis