Evaluation of Different Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Systems in Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure

The CPAP in Patients Affected by Acute Respiratory Failure

The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance, the tolerability and the efficacy on gas-exchange of different CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) systems.

Three CPAP systems are studied for each patient at the same level of PEEP: 1) continuous high-flow CPAP with fixed value PEEP valve; 2) continuous high-flow CPAP with Boussignac PEEP valve; 3) demand flow CPAP, supplied by a ventilator.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Intubated-tracheostomized subjects receiving CPAP during the weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hemodynamic instability
• Barotrauma
• Severe myopathy