title: Humidification of respired gases during mechanical ventilation: mechanical considerations.
abstract: Humidification of inspired gases during mechanical ventilation remains a standard of care. Optimal humidity is an elusive target and is not clearly defined in the literature. The choice of a humidification device cannot be made solely on the basis of moisture output, however. The clinician must consider the effects of the device on gas exchange and spontaneous breath-ing. The author's group has used the data reviewed here to modify their previous algorithm for choosing a humidification device (see Fig. 2). Humidification requirements for noninvasive ventilation need further study.
authors.affiliation: Division of Trauma/Critical Care, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA. Richard.branson@UC.edu
authors.forename: Richard D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Branson
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015300:Ventilator Weaning