title: Compensating for the effect of inlet gas temperature on heated humidifier performance.
abstract: The humidity output of heated humidifiers may be compromised by inlet gas temperatures exceeding approximately 26 degrees C, with humidity dropping below the recommended levels for intubated patients. A new version of the Fisher & Paykel MR850 humidifier claims to deal with this problem by offering a humidity compensation option. The present study tested this feature by measuring humidity output using the gravimetric method and a hygrometer at different inlet gas temperatures (16.6 degrees C to 40.0 degrees C) with compensation on and off. It was found that the compensation is effective in maintaining humidity levels despite high inlet gas temperatures.
authors.affiliation: Neonatal and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Royal Childrens Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kemp
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mynard
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hochmann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Osborne
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care; D004389:Durable Medical Equipment; D004867:Equipment Design; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity