Common uses of noninvasive ventilatory support

Ventilator	Typical settings		Applications
Ventilator	Rate/min	Pressures, cm H₂O	Applications
Positive pressure	12-22	10 to 20 inspiratory; >4 expiratory to a volume of 12 to 15 mL/kg	Mode of first choice. Nasal route preferred, oronasal or mouthpiece if nasal unsuccessful.
Negative pressure			Rarely applied as a last resort
Iron lung	12-14	–12 to –25
Wrap	14-18	–20 to –40
Shell or cuirass	14-18	–20 to –40
Abdominal ventilator			Rarely applied as a last resort
Pneumobelt	16-22	35 to 50	Diaphragm paralysis mainly for daytime use
Rocking bed	12-16		Diaphragm paralysis for nocturnal use
Diaphragm pacing	12-14		Intact phrenic nerve and diaphragm muscle; high cord lesion and central hypoventilation
Expiratory aids (eg, glossopharyngeal breathing, manually-assisted coughing, cough insufflator-exsufflator)			To augment peak cough flows in patients with weakened expiratory muscles

Graphic 71141 Version 4.0