Table 3 Proposed ventilator settings and monitoring for noninvasive positive pressure ventilation

Initial setting

Treatment setting

Continuous positive airway pressure

0 cmH₂O

Slowly increased to 3-5 cmH₂O,

(up to 8-10 cmH₂O in hypoxaemic patients)

Pressure support ventilation

10 cmH₂O

Increased to obtain a TV_e>7 ml/kg and

respiratory rate <25 breaths/min

Fractional inspired oxygen

Titrated to achieve SAT >90%

Titrated to achieve SAT >90%

Mask application

Mask gently held on patient's face, until

Secure the mask with head straps

comfort and synchrony with the ventilator

are reached

Monitoring

SAT, heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial

SAT, heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial

pressure, electrocardiogram

pressure, electrocardiogram