title: Humidification performance of two high-flow nasal cannula devices: a bench study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Delivering heated and humidified medical gas at 20-60 L/min, high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) creates low levels of PEEP and ameliorates respiratory mechanics. It has become a common therapy for patients with respiratory failure. However, independent measurement of heat and humidity during HFNC and comparison of HFNC devices are lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  We evaluated 2 HFNC (Airvo 2 and Optiflow system) devices. Each HFNC was connected to simulated external nares using the manufacturer's standard circuit. The Airvo 2 outlet-chamber temperature was set at 37°C. The Optiflow system incorporated an O2/air blender and a heated humidifier, which was set at 40°C/3. For both systems, HFNC flow was tested at 20, 40, and 50 L/min. Simulating spontaneous breathing using a mechanical ventilator and TTL test lung, we tested tidal volumes (VT) of 300, 500, and 700 mL, and breathing frequencies of 10 and 20 breaths/min. The TTL was connected to the simulated external nares with a standard ventilator circuit. To prevent condensation, the circuit was placed in an incubator maintained at 37°C. Small, medium, and large nasal prongs were tested. Absolute humidity (AH) of inspired gas was measured at the simulated external nares.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 20, 40, and 50 L/min of flow, respective AH values for the Airvo 2 were 35.3 ± 2.0, 37.1 ± 2.2, and 37.6 ± 2.1 mg/L, and for the Optiflow system, 33.1 ± 1.5, 35.9 ± 1.7, and 36.2 ± 1.8 mg/L. AH was lower at 20 L/min of HFNC flow than at 40 and 50 L/min (P < .01). While AH remained constant at 40 and 50 L/min, at 20 L/min of HFNC flow, AH decreased as VT increased for both devices.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  During bench use of HFNC, AH increased with increasing HFNC flow. When the inspiratory flow of spontaneous breathing exceeded the HFNC flow, AH was influenced by VT. At all experimental settings, AH remained > 30 mg/L.
authors.forename: Yusuke
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chikata
authors.forename: Masayo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Izawa
authors.forename: Nao
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Okuda
authors.forename: Taiga
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Itagaki
authors.forename: Emiko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nakataki
authors.forename: Mutsuo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Onodera
authors.forename: Hideaki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Imanaka
authors.forename: Masaji
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nishimura
mesh_terms: D057785:Catheters; D006361:Heating; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D001239:Inhalation; D008954:Models, Biological; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D056152:Respiratory Rate; D013990:Tidal Volume