IBCC chapter & cast - Noninvasive respiratory support (BiPAP & HFNC)

Noninvasive respiratory support is among the greatest recent advances in critical care. When used properly, these techniques may facilitate avoidance of intubation, reduced length of stay, and better outcomes. Unfortunately, our knowledge of exactly how to use these devices remains woefully incomplete. In particular, there are rather few RCTs directly comparing BiPAP versus HFNC.

In the absence of definitive evidence, this chapter leans heavily on experience. As such, it is offered with the intention of providing one approach to noninvasive respiratory support (certainly not the only valid approach, nor necessarily the best). Hopefully, over time this chapter will be developed further based on peer review, new research, and fresh guidelines.