Skip to main content
Download PDF

The use of head helmets to deliver noninvasive ventilatory support: a comprehensive review of technical aspects and clinical findings

Critical Care volume 25, Article number: 327 (2021) Cite this article

Abstract

A helmet, comprising a transparent hood and a soft collar, surrounding the patient’s head can be used to deliver noninvasive ventilatory support, both as continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), the latter providing active support for inspiration. In this review, we summarize the technical aspects relevant to this device, particularly how to prevent CO2 rebreathing and improve patient–ventilator synchrony during NPPV. Clinical studies describe the application of helmets in cardiogenic pulmonary oedema, pneumonia, COVID-19, postextubation and immune suppression. A section is dedicated to paediatric use. In summary, helmet therapy can be used safely and effectively to provide NIV during hypoxemic respiratory failure, improving oxygenation and possibly leading to better patient-centred outcomes than other interfaces.

Introduction

Noninvasive ventilatory support (NIV) is frequently used in the treatment of several forms of acute (or acute-on-chronic) respiratory failure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased attention has been devoted to the use of helmets. Helmets have been in use since the early 2000s [1,2,3], albeit mostly only in a few countries, Italy in particular [4]. Given the increasing use of this interface, we considered it worth summarizing the available knowledge on the topic.

A helmet is constituted by a soft (but nonextensible) transparent hood that fits over the patient’s entire head without any contact point and is anchored (in some cases by a rigid ring) to a soft and extensible collar that fits gently around the patient’s neck. The helmet typically has two (or more) connectors for the gas inlet and outlet; O2-enriched gas can be provided by a Venturi system, a turbine flow generator or a ventilator. As discussed in detail below, the advantages of helmets result from their tolerability (noise representing a possible limitation), cost-effectiveness and excellent sealing capability (minimizing leaks), the latter being obtained easily and involving very gentle contact, resulting in minimal risk of soft tissue injury. This review is divided into two main sections. The first is dedicated to the use of helmets in the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure (H-CPAP), typically powered by a continuous free-flow system and a PEEP valve. During CPAP, the patient is free to inhale or exhale, while the pressure within the helmet remains constant, and there is no interaction with a ventilator and no “active" inspiratory support. The second section is dedicated to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV), which offers active support for inspiration (typically by pressure support) delivered by a mechanical ventilator. CPAP and NPPV are often lumped together under the broad umbrella of “NIV”, but distinguishing between these two forms of support is crucial. Particularly in the context of helmets, CPAP and NPPV offer two completely different approaches and mechanisms of action; for reader convenience, we consider paediatric use separately, but the considerations discussed above still apply.

Methods

We searched PubMed for records published until April 30, 2021, using the following keywords: “helmet CPAP”, “CPAP noninvasive ventilation”, “helmet ventilation”, “helmet pressure support” and “helmet COVID-19” for a total of 559 screened records.

We included articles published in the English language only. Additional file 1 contains a list of excluded articles because they were not relevant (e.g. motorcycle helmets) or because they were reviews, editorial articles, case reports or series with fewer than ten cases. Eventually, 112 studies were identified and included in this review.

Use of helmets to deliver CPAP

Technical principles of H-CPAP

As outlined below, the main advantage of delivering CPAP by helmet instead of by face mask is that it offers better pneumatic performance with free-flow systems and is associated with greater patient tolerance; the greatest drawback is the risk of possible CO2 rebreathing.

The simplest configuration of H-CPAP involves a constant flow of fresh gas (at variable FiO2) through the helmet that is dispersed in ambient air through a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve connected to the expiratory helmet port (Fig. 1, Additional file 2: Figure e1).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Schematic drawings of the main helmet circuit configuration possibilities. For free-flow continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP, A), the gas mixture may be generated with either a Venturi system empowered by an oxygen source or an oxygen/air blender. The gas mixture flows through the helmet and is dispersed through a PEEP valve, which maintains a constant positive pressure backwards. An alternative configuration involves the connection of the helmet with a mechanical ventilator to provide noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, typically with the pressure support mode (NPPV) by either a single port (B) connected to the circuit Y piece (condition associated with a higher risk of CO2 rebreathing, see text) or two separate ports (C)

Full size image

An adequate flow of fresh gas in the helmet [5] is required for two main purposes: keeping the positive pressure by passing through the expiratory valve and preventing CO2 rebreathing. In regard to the first aspect, it is worth noting that H-CPAP requires lower fresh gas flows (in the range of 60 l/min) than face masks (flows up to 100 or 120 l/min) [6]. With a helmet, the airway pressure is also stable if the patient’s peak inspiratory flow exceeds the fresh gas flow because of its high compliance (i.e. internal volume variations are accommodated with low-pressure variations). Conversely, the pressure in a “rigid” (i.e. with low compliance) system, such as a face mask, drops when the patient’s peak demand is higher than the gas flow, resulting in additional work for the patient and possibly reduced alveolar end-expiratory pressure.

When using a helmet, assuring adequate washout of CO2 is of paramount importance. Patroniti et al. [7] showed that a fresh gas flow rate below 40 l/min leads to significant rebreathing of CO2 during inspiration. In line with these findings, Taccone et al. confirmed that significant CO2 rebreathing is present with a fresh gas flow rate of 30 l/min [8]. The same paper showed that the use of a mechanical ventilator, set in CPAP mode, should be absolutely avoided with a helmet: in this condition, the circulation of gas flowing through the system is similar to the patient’s minute ventilation and hence totally inadequate to wash CO2 [8].

Different helmet brands and models vary in terms of sizing and the presence of auxiliary inputs and anchoring systems. Some helmets are equipped with anti-suffocation valves, which allow the patient to breathe room air in the case of fresh gas failure supply [9, 10]. Some authors tested an interface combining high-flow nasal cannulas and H-CPAP in healthy volunteers [11].

On the expiratory limb, it is possible to employ either a water sealed or (more practically) mechanical valve. The ideal valve employs a threshold, rather than a constant, resistance, so that the pressure within the helmet remains constant irrespective of the flow [12].

The possibility of alternating two different PEEP valves on the expiratory limb has also been described as a way to provide nonsynchronized alternating pressure within the helmet, which can improve gas exchange in hypoxemic patients [13, 14].

High-flow nasal oxygen is gaining widespread use: it allows delivery of a known FiO2 and a mild level of PEEP. It is likely that this device might be as effective as H-CPAP, particularly in less severe patients, although a direct comparison is missing.

Clinical evidence for helmet CPAP

The efficacy of NIV is well known during acute respiratory failure caused by cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (CPE), where NIV reduces the intubation rate and mortality [15].

H-CPAP appears to be an effective alternative to standard facemasks during CPE, even in cases of severe respiratory acidosis and hypercapnia [16]; in one of the earliest clinical studies on helmet use, Tonnelier et al. showed that PaCO2 progressively decreases towards normal values during the first 24 hours of H-CPAP treatment. In the same study, H-CPAP was applied in 11 patients and allowing CPAP to be applied for several hours without any reported adverse events or clinical intolerance [17].

H-CPAP in CPE patients is feasible and can be safely applied in the prehospital setting. Foti et al. showed that early H-CPAP led to sudden and sustained improvement in respiratory function (peripheral oxygen saturation increased from 79 ± 12 to 97 ± 3%, and respiratory rate decreased from 26 ± 4 to 21 ± 3 breaths per minute) and circulatory function (systolic blood pressure decreased from 175 ± 49 to 145 ± 28, and heart rate decreased from 112 ± 23 to 105 ± 19). H-CPAP even benefited patients rescued by nursing personnel only, hence in the absence of any pharmacological intervention [18, 19], implying that CPAP should be used as a first-line intervention even before standard medical treatment.

In the context of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), a randomized controlled trial by Cosentini et al. in 2010 demonstrated how H-CPAP, in comparison with standard oxygen therapy using a Venturi mask, improved oxygenation faster (PaO2/FiO2 ratio ≥ 315 in 1.5 h vs. 48 h) and in a greater number of patients (95% of patients vs. 30%); however, improvements in oxygenation were lost after discontinuation of CPAP [20].

Moreover, in 2014, Brambilla et al. demonstrated that H-CPAP, compared to standard oxygen, reduced the risk of endotracheal intubation, demonstrating the beneficial effects of this technique on a relevant clinical outcome [21].

H-CPAP can be a safe and effective treatment option for immunocompromised patients with ARF. Rabitsch et al. demonstrated that better tolerance to NIV achieved by using a helmet can lead to a higher rate of successful treatment (defined as an improved PaO2/FiO2 and decreased PaCO2 and respiratory rate) and might improve survival rates in immunocompromised patients [22]. Similarly, in a study from 2004 by Principi et al., CPAP tolerance was higher with helmet than face masks and was associated with a 49% reduction in the risk of death [23].

The feasibility and clinical effectiveness of H-CPAP in patients who developed ARF following surgery were demonstrated by several studies, in which H-CPAP was associated with improved gaseous exchange, preventing hypoxemia development and the need for endotracheal intubation [24,25,26].

Prophylactic postoperative H-CPAP in nonhypoxemic patients following pulmonary lobectomy transiently improved oxygenation and was associated with shorter hospital stays [27].

COVID-19 experience

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia can develop severe hypoxemia and require PEEP, although these patients are at greater risk of NIV failure than patients with ARF with other aetiologies [28]. Some authors have suggested that helmets might reduce aerosol spread [29, 30], as confirmed by some exploratory studies [31, 32].

Several authors have reported on the use of H-CPAP inside [33, 34] and outside the ICU in COVID-19 resource shortages [35,36,37,38]. Among others, Bellani et al. demonstrated, in a single-day observational study, that the H-CPAP success rate was greater than 60%, and close to 75%, in patients without a do-not-intubate (DNI) order. This study also highlighted known factors independently associated with NIV failure, such as age and PaO2/FiO2 (threshold value of 150 mmHg), and others more specific to COVID-19, such as serum levels of C-reactive protein and platelet counts. [39].

In another study by Coppadoro et al., H-CPAP treatment after standard oxygen therapy failure was feasible for several days outside the ICU, despite persistent impairment in gas exchange. Helmet CPAP treatment was successful in 69% of patients without a DNI order, but DNI patients could also benefit from helmet CPAP as rescue therapy. Successful treatment with H-CPAP (hospital discharge without intubation) was associated with a nearly double response in oxygenation to the therapy (PaO2/FiO2 ratio increase from 103 to 202 mmHg). In other words, as shown in Fig. 2, positive pressure not only improved oxygenation but also allowed better stratification of patient severity [40]. Some authors also suggested that an incremental PEEP trial might allow a PEEP selection with optimized oxygenation while avoiding haemodynamic complications [41].

Fig. 2
figure 2

Helmet CPAP therapy markedly improves oxygenation in COVID-19 patients (PaO2/FiO2 nearly doubles compared to standard oxygen therapy, P < 0.001 for CPAP effect at ANOVA RM). The oxygenation increase was more pronounced in patients who could be successfully treated with helmet CPAP without escalation to intubation (white boxes, P = 0.002 for interaction between the CPAP effect and outcome). Reproduced under Creative Common licence from [40]

Full size image

Another observational, prospective study by Retucci et al. showed that patients with ARF might also benefit from prone positioning; H-CPAP allows safe early self-proning in awake, spontaneously breathing and nonintubated patients [42].

We found only one study on helmet NPPV in COVID: Grieco et al. compared helmet NPPV to high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) showing that, 48 h after randomization, patients treated with helmet NPPV had better oxygenation, a lower respiratory rate and lower hypocapnia, albeit with greater device-related discomfort. The primary endpoint (days free of respiratory support) did not differ between the two arms, but the intubation rate was lower in patients treated with helmet therapy than in those treated with HFNO (30% vs. 51%, P < 0.03) [43].

Use of helmets to deliver NPPV

The most common method for providing assisted ventilation noninvasively (noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, NPPV) is with the use of a face mask connected to a ventilator. A positive pressure above the set PEEP level is delivered through an interface covering the patient’s airway; helmets have been proposed to replace face masks due to the lower rate of complications during long-term therapy (e.g. pressure ulcers), with a comfort comparable to that of HFNO [44]. Moreover, end-expiratory lung volume is higher during helmet NPPV than during face mask NPPV, possibly due to reduced activation of expiratory muscles [45]. However, adequate pressurization of the large internal volume helmet and patient–ventilator interaction might be difficult to obtain: pressure support ventilation (PSV) is more efficiently delivered by a face mask than a helmet in terms of reduced work of breathing, lower time to reach the target pressure and higher airway pressure–time product during PSV [5]. Moreover, PSV delivered by a helmet is less effective in removing CO2 and is associated with a higher number of asynchronies than PSV delivered by a face mask [46]. The tidal volume measurement provided by the ventilator is not reliable when ventilating through a helmet, although recent reports suggest that such a measurement might be feasible with dedicated equipment [47].

Use of specific ventilator settings

In healthy subjects, increasing the level of pressure support during helmet NPPV results in increased tidal volume and reduced respiratory efforts [48]. However, the large helmet inner volume and compliance lead to delayed pressurization and reduced inspiratory pressure in the patient’s airways, resulting in impaired patient–ventilator synchrony. Therefore, specific ventilator settings should be chosen when delivering NPPV thorough a helmet, such as a higher PEEP to stiffen the helmet, increased PSV level, higher pressurization time (i.e. low rise time) and cycling-off flow threshold [49,50,51].

To overcome the issues of slow pressurization and patient–ventilation interaction, novel helmets have been designed specifically for NPPV: a smaller internal volume and lower compliance resulted in better interaction in a bench study [52], while to improve comfort and synchrony, innovative helmet designs involve an internal inflatable collar [53, 54].

In healthy subjects undergoing NPPV, even an optimized helmet was not as efficient as a face mask with respect to ventilator triggering and cycling at low PEEP and PSV levels; at higher levels, it performed similarly to the face mask, with the advantage of reduced inspiratory effort [55]. The advantages of the novel helmet compared to the standard one were confirmed in a cohort of postextubation patients [56].

CO2 rebreathing is a key issue during helmet NPPV due to the greater amount of dead space than in a face mask; however, the effective dead space might be less than expected, as shown by mathematical modelling [57, 58]. The average helmet CO2 concentration depends primarily on CO2 production and total helmet ventilation (monitored by the ventilator as “minute ventilation”): higher pressure support levels, leading to increased minute ventilation, result in better CO2 washout (Fig. 3) [59].

Fig. 3
figure 3

The amount of "fresh" gas flowing through the helmet (MVtotal) determines the average CO2 concentration within the helmet (hCO2). Circles represent measured data, while lines are the theoretical curves obtained by the equation reported in the graph at different levels of CO2 production. Reproduced from [59]

Full size image

The average helmet CO2 concentration can be quite high, reaching 18 mmHg when using a standard double-limb ventilator circuit connected to the helmet through a y-piece (Fig. 1); if the ventilator provides a flow-by and the circuit limbs are connected to two independent helmet ports without the y-piece, the helmet CO2 concentration is halved.

Compared to a standard double-limb circuit connected to the inspiratory and expiratory ports of the helmet, a single limb circuit with a modified expiratory valve placed on the helmet’s expiratory port (open circuit) provides better CO2 washout (PiCO2 reduced from 10 to 5 mmHg) but with slower pressurization [60].

Compared with PSV, nonsynchronized high-flow biphasic positive airway pressure allows more efficient CO2 removal but with much worse patient–ventilator interaction [61].

Patient–ventilator interaction

Helmet NPPV is burdened by longer trigger delays and associated with increased tidal volumes, but asynchronies might be difficult to identify from ventilator traces [62, 63]. The use of a double-limb circuit connected to the inspiratory and expiratory ports (no y-piece) improved synchrony in a bench study [64]. The cycling-off threshold (switch from inspiration to expiration) should be maintained at high levels (> 30%), particularly in COPD patients, as demonstrated in another bench study [65]. To obtain the best coupling between the neural inspiratory effort and pressure delivery by the ventilator, the use of assisted ventilation based on diaphragm electrical activity was investigated. In healthy subjects, patient–ventilator synchrony was improved, particularly at higher levels of support and respiratory rates [65, 66]. A better patient–ventilator interaction was also confirmed in two cohorts of postextubation patients [67, 68].

Clinical indications and feasibility of helmet NPPV

Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

In patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure treated by PSV, helmets were effective, and tolerance was higher than it was for face masks [69, 70]. Among hypoxemic patients affected by community-acquired pneumonia, approximately 40% of the enrolled subjects were successfully treated with helmet NPPV; poor PaO2/FiO2 improvement after beginning helmet NPPV was associated with helmet failure and a subsequent need for intubation [71]. Despite sporadic use of the helmet in the USA, in 2016, Patel et al. conducted a pivotal randomized clinical trial on 200 patients comparing NPPV delivered by helmet vs. face mask in ARDS patients; the helmet proved superior, leading to a reduced need for intubation, lower ICU-acquired weakness and lower mortality rates [72]. The superiority of helmets is even more remarkable considering that the ventilator setting with the helmet was not optimized according to the principles described above and the likelihood that some CO2 rebreathing occurred. Moreover, helmet use could also be cost-effective [73, 74]. Helmet NPPV might also be used as an alternative to invasive ventilation during the weaning phase, with a similar ventilatory support duration but fewer infectious complications [75].

COPD exacerbation

Helmet NPPV was feasible for treatment of COPD exacerbation, although it was inferior to face mask NPPV for CO2 removal in an observational trial [26]. Two randomized trials confirmed that face mask ventilation is associated with significant PaCO2 reductions in COPD patients and that helmet NPPV is not comparably efficient [76, 77].

In a crossover clinical trial on a small population of patients with COPD, helmets and face masks were comparably tolerated and effective in improving hypercapnia; however, lower inspiratory efforts and better patient/ventilator interactions were recorded with face masks [78].

A later randomized clinical trial enrolling 80 patients with COPD exacerbation confirmed the same findings: helmets were equivalent to face masks in terms of discomfort, blood gas improvement and rate of intubation, while dyspnoea was reduced more effectively by face masks [79].

To overcome the synchronization and pressurization issues related to helmet NPPV, a system based on neurally adjusted ventilatory assist for helmet NPPV was tested in a small cohort of COPD patients, resulting in improved comfort and similar respiratory patterns and breathing efforts compared to face masks [80].

Other populations

Helmet NPPV was also feasible in hypoxemic immunocompromised patients, leading to better patient tolerance, fewer skin complications and lower discontinuation rates than face masks [81]. The use of helmet NPPV in postoperative respiratory failure patients was associated with a lower need for intubation and better tolerance [82].

Key points for helmet NPPV

Issues related to helmet NPPV are slow helmet pressurization, reduced CO2 washout and patient–ventilator asynchrony. Helmet NPPV is superior to face mask NPPV in ARDS patients and can be successfully used to treat hypoxemic patients; however, helmet NPPV is inferior in COPD patients. For optimal NPPV delivery, one should consider (1) helmets specifically designed for NPPV; (2) proper ventilator circuit connections to helmet inlet and outlet ports, avoiding the use of filters; (3) specific ventilator settings (high PEEP and assistance levels, low rise time and early cycling to expiration); and (4) neurally coupled ventilation to improve synchrony, particularly in COPD patients.

Patient comfort, complications and other practical issues

Patient comfort is essential during NIV to reduce potential complications leading to endotracheal intubation. Here, we summarize some practical interventions devised mainly for H-CPAP that are likely applicable to NPPV.

Some authors suggested that low-dose remifentanil could increase patients’ tolerance to helmet and face mask NPPV [83]. Lucchini et al. proposed a “bundle of interventions” aimed at increasing the comfort of patients treated with helmet CPAP to increase the duration of treatment, including noise reduction [29].

The WHO guidelines recommend limiting ICU noise levels to between 45 and 60 dB during the daytime and 35 dB during the night-time. When a Venturi system is used to generate flow, the noise exposure is significantly more intense than ICU noise [84, 85], which may increase patient discomfort and affect ear function [86]; moreover, noise may decrease the acceptance of helmet use during long-term treatments.

Noise exposure during H-CPAP may be attenuated by positioning heat-moisture exchange filters on the inspiratory limb [87]. Other tools proposed to decrease patients’ perceived noise include earplugs, sound traps and tubes with smooth inner surfaces [84, 85] and avoiding unnecessarily high flows.

Particularly, when dry medical gas is used for helmet CPAP, gas humidification can be far below the recommended value (10 mg H2O/l) [88].

The use of a heated humidifier allows adequate humidification while avoiding condensation but does not affect patients’ level of comfort [88]; the humidifier should be adjusted at 26 °C with a temperature gradient that increases towards the patient (+ 2 °C) [89]. Others have suggested that the best comfort is obtained by humidifying without heating [90].

The two most commonly used solutions for fixing H-CPAP setups (a relevant aspect affecting patient tolerance) are armpit straps and counterweight systems. The armpit strap option may cause pain and pressure ulcers. The counterweight system seems to minimize these risks, yielding better tolerance (the force of gravity generated plus the placement of a pad cushion reduces the contact between skin and the device.) Delivering helmet CPAP with an armpit strap fixing system should be planned for short periods of time (no more than 2 h). The counterweight option is indicated in the case of prolonged CPAP helmet cycles [91].

Unfortunately, while much attention has been devoted to patient (dis)comfort, only a few studies have systematically assessed and reported other types of complications. Specifically, adverse events (which are also the most relevant ones, in the opinion of the authors), including headache, otalgia, sensation of claustrophobia, cutaneous sores and ulcerations, have seldom been monitored. However, the incidence of these was found to be very low [17, 21, 72].

Use in the paediatric population

In recent years, NIV has been increasingly applied to paediatric patients with different indications and settings [92]. NIV is also indicated in immunocompromised patients to avoid infectious complications following intubation [92, 93].

One of the key issues when delivering NIV among children is the interface. Among young children, H-CPAP can be used with a device modified in terms of size, with fastening achieved by a device called a "baby-body" [94]. With this kind of fastening system, the helmet is fastened around the baby's bottom instead of the classical armpits [95]. Even if H-CPAP can be as effective as nasal mask prongs to treat mild ARF or apnoea in preterm newborns [96], the latter are still the main interfaces used for newborns. This choice might also be explained by the higher noise of H-CPAP versus nasal prongs [97] and by the easier access to the baby to provide care with nasal mask/prongs. Moreover, H-CPAP seems to reduce cerebral blood flow more than nasal masks [98]. Some authors have suggested that helmets allow effective delivery of nitric oxide [99] or aerosols [100].

Some authors tried to compare H-CPAP to nasal-facial masks among toddlers and children in terms of tolerance, efficacy and feasibility [101, 102]. Specifically, Chidini et al. [103, 104], in a randomized trial, found that H-CPAP had a lower treatment failure rate due to intolerance (3/17 [17%] vs. 7/13 [54%], P = 0.009), and fewer infants required sedation (6/17 [35%] vs. 13/13 [100%], P = 0.023). Moreover, they showed that H-CPAP is safe, even for prolonged use in acute clinical settings [105].

Since toddlers affected by bronchiolitis can also be treated with HFNO, one recent randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of H-CPAP with HFNO: both systems were effective in improving the clinical conditions of patients with mild-to-moderate respiratory distress, and the response to helmet CPAP was more pronounced and rapid than that to HFNO, with a shorter hospitalization duration (4.9 vs. 13.1 Days P = 0.001) and less use of steroids and salbutamol (3 vs. 7 Days P = 0.009) in the first group [106]. The efficacy of H-CPAP in bronchiolitis was also recently reported in a retrospective study [107]. Finally, post-transplant extubation respiratory failure has been effectively treated with H-CPAP [108].

Nasal or facial masks are the primary interfaces used for chronically ventilated patients (neuromuscular or genetic syndromes), with complication rates of up to 21% (discomfort, leaks, skin injuries), mandating systematic and close monitoring of the NPPV interface [109]. The lack of adoption of helmets in this setting can be explained by the difficulties associated with synchronization during pressure support: as reported by Conti et al. in one experimental model, helmets demonstrated the worst interaction (longest inspiratory trigger delay compared with the endotracheal tube and face mask), suggesting that face masks should be considered the first choice for delivering NPPV in children [110].

Conclusions

Relevant evidence has been published in the last 20 years, and several trials are ongoing [111,112,113]. The tragic COVID experience has led to more widespread use of helmets. Different technical solutions can be applied (free-flow CPAP vs. mechanical ventilator NPPV), and no data are available to establish whether either technique is superior. In any case, an adequate fresh gas flow must be provided to avoid CO2 rebreathing. As summarized above and by several meta-analyses [114,115,116,117,118,119], helmet therapy can be safely and effectively used to provide NIV during hypoxemic respiratory failure, better improving oxygenation than standard oxygen mask treatment and possibly leading to better patient-centred outcomes than other NIV interfaces.

Availability of supporting data

Not applicable.

Abbreviations

CPAP:

Continuous positive airway pressure

H-CPAP:

Helmet continuous positive airway pressure

NPPV:

Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation

CPE:

Cardiogenic pulmonary oedema

COVID-19:

Coronavirus disease 2019

PEEP:

Positive end-expiratory pressure

NIV:

Noninvasive ventilatory support

COPD:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

References

  1. Foti G, Cazzaniga M, Villa F, Valle E, Pesenti A. Out of hospital treatment of Acute pulmonary Edema (PE) by non invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Intensive Care Med. 1999;112(Suppl):A431.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Villa F, Cereda M, Colombo E, Pesenti A. Evaluation of four noninvasive CPAP systems. Intensive Care Med. 1999;S66:A246.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Bellani G, Patroniti N, Greco M, Foti G, Pesenti A. The use of helmets to deliver non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure in hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. Minerva Anestesiol. 2008;74(11):651–6.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  4. Crimi C, Noto A, Princi P, Nava S. Survey of non-invasive ventilation practices: a snapshot of Italian practice. Minerva Anestesiol. 2011;77(10):971–8.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Chiumello D, Pelosi P, Carlesso E, Severgnini P, Aspesi M, Gamberoni C, et al. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation delivered by helmet vs. standard face mask. Intensive Care Med. 2003;29(10):1671–9.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  6. Brusasco C, Corradi F, De Ferrari A, Ball L, Kacmarek RM, Pelosi P. CPAP devices for emergency prehospital use: a bench study. Respir Care. 2015;60(12):1777–85.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  7. Patroniti N, Foti G, Manfio A, Coppo A, Bellani G, Pesenti A. Head helmet versus face mask for non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure: a physiological study. Intensive Care Med. 2003;29(10):1680–7.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Taccone P, Hess D, Caironi P, Bigatello LM. Continuous positive airway pressure delivered with a ‘helmet’: effects on carbon dioxide rebreathing. Crit Care Med. 2004;32(10):2090–6.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Milan M, Zanella A, Isgrò S, Deab SAEAES, Magni F, Pesenti A, et al. Performance of different continuous positive airway pressure helmets equipped with safety valves during failure of fresh gas supply. Intensive Care Med. 2011;37(6):1031–5.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  10. Patroniti N, Saini M, Zanella A, Isgrò S, Pesenti A. Danger of helmet continuous positive airway pressure during failure of fresh gas source supply. Intensive Care Med. 2007;33(1):153–7.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  11. Garofalo E, Bruni A, Pelaia C, Cammarota G, Murabito P, Biamonte E, et al. Evaluation of a new interface combining high-flow nasal cannula and CPAP. Respir Care. 2019;64(10):1231–9.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  12. Isgrò S, Zanella A, Giani M, Abd El Aziz El Sayed Deab S, Pesenti A, Patroniti N. Performance of different PEEP valves and helmet outlets at increasing gas flow rates: a bench top study. Minerva Anestesiol. 2012;78(10):1095–100.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Cammarota G, Vaschetto R, Turucz E, Dellapiazza F, Colombo D, Blando C, et al. Influence of lung collapse distribution on the physiologic response to recruitment maneuvers during noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure. Intensive Care Med. 2011;37(7):1095–102.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  14. Isgrò S, Zanella A, Sala C, Grasselli G, Foti G, Pesenti A, et al. Continuous flow biphasic positive airway pressure by helmet in patients with acute hypoxic respiratory failure: effect on oxygenation. Intensive Care Med. 2010;36(10):1688–94.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  15. Berbenetz N, Wang Y, Brown J, Godfrey C, Ahmad M, Vital FM, et al. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (CPAP or bilevel NPPV) for cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019;4:CD005351.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. Sforza A, Guarino M, Cimmino CS, Izzo A, Cristiano G, Mancusi C, et al. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy in the management of hypercapnic cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2021.

  17. Tonnelier J-M, Prat G, Nowak E, Goetghebeur D, Renault A, Boles JM, et al. Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure ventilation using a new helmet interface: a case-control prospective pilot study. Intensive Care Med. 2003;29(11):2077–80.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Foti G, Sangalli F, Berra L, Sironi S, Cazzaniga M, Rossi GP, et al. Is helmet CPAP first line pre-hospital treatment of presumed severe acute pulmonary edema? Intensive Care Med. 2009;35(4):656–62.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  19. Garuti G, Bandiera G, Cattaruzza MS, Gelati L, Osborn JF, Toscani S, et al. Out-of-hospital helmet CPAP in acute respiratory failure reduces mortality: a study led by nurses. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis. 2010;73(4):145–51.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Cosentini R, Brambilla AM, Aliberti S, Bignamini A, Nava S, Maffei A, et al. Helmet continuous positive airway pressure vs oxygen therapy to improve oxygenation in community-acquired pneumonia: a randomized, controlled trial. Chest. 2010;138(1):114–20.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Brambilla AM, Aliberti S, Prina E, Nicoli F, Del Forno M, Nava S, et al. Helmet CPAP vs. oxygen therapy in severe hypoxemic respiratory failure due to pneumonia. Intensive Care Med. 2014;40(7):942–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Rabitsch W, Schellongowski P, Köstler WJ, Stoiser B, Knöbl P, Locker GJ, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of non-invasive ventilation delivered via a newly developed helmet in immunosuppressed patients with acute respiratory failure. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2003;115(15–16):590–4.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  23. Principi T, Pantanetti S, Catani F, Elisei D, Gabbanelli V, Pelaia P, et al. Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure delivered by helmet in hematological malignancy patients with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. Intensive Care Med. 2004;30(1):147–50.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Redondo Calvo FJ, Madrazo M, Gilsanz F, Uña R, Villazala R, Bernal G. Helmet noninvasive mechanical ventilation in patients with acute postoperative respiratory failure. Respir Care. 2012;57(5):743–52.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  25. Redondo Calvo FJ, Bejarano Ramirez N, Uña Orejon R, Villazala Garcia R, Yuste Peña AS, Belda FJ. Elevated Extravascular Lung Water Index (ELWI) as a predictor of failure of continuous positive airway pressure via helmet (Helmet-CPAP) in patients with acute respiratory failure after major surgery. Arch Bronconeumol. 2015;51(11):558–63.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  26. Antonelli M, Pennisi MA, Pelosi P, Gregoretti C, Squadrone V, Rocco M, et al. Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation using a helmet in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a feasibility study. Anesthesiology. 2004;100(1):16–24.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Barbagallo M, Ortu A, Spadini E, Salvadori A, Ampollini L, Internullo E, et al. Prophylactic use of helmet CPAP after pulmonary lobectomy: a prospective randomized controlled study. Respir Care. 2012;57(9):1418–24.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  28. Menga LS, Cese LD, Bongiovanni F, Lombardi G, Michi T, Luciani F, et al. High failure rate of noninvasive oxygenation strategies in critically Ill subjects with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Respir Care. 2021;66(5):705–14.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  29. Lucchini A, Giani M, Isgrò S, Rona R, Foti G. The ‘helmet bundle’ in COVID-19 patients undergoing non invasive ventilation. Intensive Crit Care Nurs. 2020;58:102859.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Patout M, Fresnel E, Lujan M, Rabec C, Carlucci A, Razakamanantsoa L, et al. Recommended approaches to minimize aerosol dispersion of SARS-CoV-2 during noninvasive ventilatory support can cause ventilator performance deterioration: a benchmark comparative study. Chest. 2021.

  31. Ferioli M, Cisternino C, Leo V, Pisani L, Palange P, Nava S. Protecting healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2 infection: practical indications. Eur Respir Rev. 2020;29(155):200068.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Hui DS, Chow BK, Lo T, Ng SS, Ko FW, Gin T, et al. Exhaled air dispersion during noninvasive ventilation via helmets and a total facemask. Chest. 2015;147(5):1336–43.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Alharthy A, Faqihi F, Noor A, Soliman I, Brindley PG, Karakitsos D, et al. Helmet continuous positive airway pressure in the treatment of COVID-19 Patients With Acute Respiratory Failure Could Be An Effective Strategy: A Feasibility Study. J Epidemiol Glob Health. 2020;10(3):201–3.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Gaulton TG, Bellani G, Foti G, Frazer MJ, Fuchs BD, Cereda M. Early clinical experience in using helmet continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal cannula in overweight and obese patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure from coronavirus disease 2019. Crit Care Explor. 2020;2(9):e0216.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Aliberti S, Radovanovic D, Billi F, Sotgiu G, Costanzo M, Pilocane T, et al. Helmet CPAP treatment in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia: a multicentre cohort study. Eur Respir J. 2020;56(4):2001935.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Bastoni D, Poggiali E, Vercelli A, Demichele E, Tinelli V, Iannicelli T, et al. Prone positioning in patients treated with non-invasive ventilation for COVID-19 pneumonia in an Italian emergency department. Emerg Med J. 2020;37(9):565–6.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Duca A, Memaj I, Zanardi F, Preti C, Alesi A, DellaBella L, et al. Severity of respiratory failure and outcome of patients needing a ventilatory support in the Emergency Department during Italian novel coronavirus SARS-CoV2 outbreak: preliminary data on the role of helmet CPAP and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation. EClinicalMedicine. 2020;24:100419.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Indini A, Aschele C, Cavanna L, Clerico M, Daniele B, Fiorentini G, et al. Reorganisation of medical oncology departments during the novel coronavirus disease-19 pandemic: a nationwide Italian survey. Eur J Cancer. 2020;132:17–23.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Bellani G, Grasselli G, Cecconi M, Antolini L, Borelli M, De Giacomi F, et al. Noninvasive ventilatory support of COVID-19 patients outside the intensive care units (WARd-COVID). Ann Am Thorac Soc. 2021.

  40. Coppadoro A, Benini A, Fruscio R, Verga L, Mazzola P, Bellelli G, et al. Helmet CPAP to treat hypoxic pneumonia outside the ICU: an observational study during the COVID-19 outbreak. Crit Care. 2021;25(1):80.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Amati F, Aliberti S, Misuraca S, Simonetta E, Bindo F, Vigni A, et al. Lung recruitability of COVID-19 pneumonia in patients undergoing helmet CPAP. Arch Bronconeumol. 2021;57(Suppl 1):92–4.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Retucci M, Aliberti S, Ceruti C, Santambrogio M, Tammaro S, Cuccarini F, et al. Prone and lateral positioning in spontaneously breathing patients with COVID-19 pneumonia undergoing noninvasive helmet CPAP treatment. Chest. 2020;158(6):2431–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Grieco DL, Menga LS, Cesarano M, Rosà T, Spadaro S, Bitondo MM, et al. Effect of helmet noninvasive ventilation vs high-flow nasal oxygen on days free of respiratory support in patients with COVID-19 and moderate to severe hypoxemic respiratory failure: the HENIVOT randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(17):1731–43.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Grieco DL, Menga LS, Raggi V, Bongiovanni F, Anzellotti GM, Tanzarella ES, et al. Physiological comparison of high-flow nasal cannula and helmet noninvasive ventilation in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2020;201(3):303–12.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Tatham KC, Ko M, Palozzi L, Lapinsky SE, Brochard LJ, Goligher EC. Helmet interface increases lung volumes at equivalent ventilator pressures compared to the face mask interface during non-invasive ventilation. Crit Care. 2020;24(1):504.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Racca F, Appendini L, Gregoretti C, Stra E, Patessio A, Donner CF, et al. Effectiveness of mask and helmet interfaces to deliver noninvasive ventilation in a human model of resistive breathing. J Appl Physiol. 2005;99(4):1262–71.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Cortegiani A, Navalesi P, Accurso G, Sabella I, Misseri G, Ippolito M, et al. Tidal volume estimation during helmet noninvasive ventilation: an experimental feasibility study. Sci Rep. 2019;9(1):17324.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Costa R, Navalesi P, Antonelli M, Cavaliere F, Craba A, Proietti R, et al. Physiologic evaluation of different levels of assistance during noninvasive ventilation delivered through a helmet. Chest. 2005;128(4):2984–90.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Moerer O, Fischer S, Hartelt M, Kuvaki B, Quintel M, Neumann P. Influence of two different interfaces for noninvasive ventilation compared to invasive ventilation on the mechanical properties and performance of a respiratory system: a lung model study. Chest. 2006;129(6):1424–31.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Vargas F, Thille A, Lyazidi A, Campo FR, Brochard L. Helmet with specific settings versus facemask for noninvasive ventilation. Crit Care Med. 2009;37(6):1921–8.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Costa R, Navalesi P, Spinazzola G, Ferrone G, Pellegrini A, Cavaliere F, et al. Influence of ventilator settings on patient-ventilator synchrony during pressure support ventilation with different interfaces. Intensive Care Med. 2010;36(8):1363–70.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Costa R, Navalesi P, Spinazzola G, Rossi M, Cavaliere F, Antonelli M, et al. Comparative evaluation of different helmets on patient-ventilator interaction during noninvasive ventilation. Intensive Care Med. 2008;34(6):1102–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  53. Mojoli F, Iotti GA, Currò I, Pozzi M, Via G, Venti A, et al. An optimized set-up for helmet noninvasive ventilation improves pressure support delivery and patient-ventilator interaction. Intensive Care Med. 2013;39(1):38–44.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Olivieri C, Costa R, Spinazzola G, Ferrone G, Longhini F, Cammarota G, et al. Bench comparative evaluation of a new generation and standard helmet for delivering non-invasive ventilation. Intensive Care Med. 2013;39(4):734–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Vaschetto R, De Jong A, Conseil M, Galia F, Mahul M, Coisel Y, et al. Comparative evaluation of three interfaces for non-invasive ventilation: a randomized cross-over design physiologic study on healthy volunteers. Crit Care. 2014;18(1):R2.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  56. Olivieri C, Longhini F, Cena T, Cammarota G, Vaschetto R, Messina A, et al. New versus conventional helmet for delivering noninvasive ventilation: a physiologic, crossover randomized study in critically Ill patients. Anesthesiology. 2016;124(1):101–8.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Gil A, Martínez M, Quintero P, Medina A. Computational evaluation of rebreathing and effective dead space on a helmet-like interface during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Biomech. 2021;118:110302.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  58. Fodil R, Lellouche F, Mancebo J, Sbirlea-Apiou G, Isabey D, Brochard L, et al. Comparison of patient-ventilator interfaces based on their computerized effective dead space. Intensive Care Med. 2011;37(2):257–62.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  59. Mojoli F, Iotti GA, Gerletti M, Lucarini C, Braschi A. Carbon dioxide rebreathing during non-invasive ventilation delivered by helmet: a bench study. Intensive Care Med. 2008;34(8):1454–60.

    PubMed  Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Racca F, Appendini L, Gregoretti C, Varese I, Berta G, Vittone F, et al. Helmet ventilation and carbon dioxide rebreathing: effects of adding a leak at the helmet ports. Intensive Care Med. 2008;34(8):1461–8.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  61. Moerer O, Herrmann P, Hinz J, Severgnini P, Calderini E, Quintel M, et al. High flow biphasic positive airway pressure by helmet–effects on pressurization, tidal volume, carbon dioxide accumulation and noise exposure. Crit Care. 2009;13(3):R85.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  62. Oda S, Otaki K, Yashima N, Kurota M, Matsushita S, Kumasaka A, et al. Work of breathing using different interfaces in spontaneous positive pressure ventilation: helmet, face-mask, and endotracheal tube. J Anesth. 2016;30(4):653–62.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  63. Longhini F, Colombo D, Pisani L, Idone F, Chun P, Doorduin J, et al. Efficacy of ventilator waveform observation for detection of patient-ventilator asynchrony during NIV: a multicentre study. ERJ Open Res. 2017;3(4).

  64. Ferrone G, Cipriani F, Spinazzola G, Festa O, Arcangeli A, Proietti R, et al. A bench study of 2 ventilator circuits during helmet noninvasive ventilation. Respir Care. 2013;58(9):1474–81.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. Moerer O, Harnisch L-O, Herrmann P, Zippel C, Quintel M. Patient-ventilator interaction during noninvasive ventilation in simulated COPD. Respir Care. 2016;61(1):15–22.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  66. Moerer O, Beck J, Brander L, Costa R, Quintel M, Slutsky AS, et al. Subject-ventilator synchrony during neural versus pneumatically triggered non-invasive helmet ventilation. Intensive Care Med. 2008;34(9):1615–23.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Cammarota G, Olivieri C, Costa R, Vaschetto R, Colombo D, Turucz E, et al. Noninvasive ventilation through a helmet in postextubation hypoxemic patients: physiologic comparison between neurally adjusted ventilatory assist and pressure support ventilation. Intensive Care Med. 2011;37(12):1943–50.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  68. Cammarota G, Longhini F, Perucca R, Ronco C, Colombo D, Messina A, et al. New setting of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist during noninvasive ventilation through a helmet. Anesthesiology. 2016;125(6):1181–9.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  69. Antonelli M, Conti G, Pelosi P, Gregoretti C, Pennisi MA, Costa R, et al. New treatment of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: noninvasive pressure support ventilation delivered by helmet—a pilot controlled trial. Crit Care Med. 2002;30(3):602–8.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  70. Liu Q, Shan M, Zhu H, Cao J, Chen R. Noninvasive ventilation with a helmet in patients with acute respiratory failure caused by chest trauma: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep. 2020;10(1):21489.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Carron M, Freo U, Zorzi M, Ori C. Predictors of failure of noninvasive ventilation in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. J Crit Care. 2010;25(3):540.e9-14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. Patel BK, Wolfe KS, Pohlman AS, Hall JB, Kress JP. Effect of noninvasive ventilation delivered by helmet vs face mask on the rate of endotracheal intubation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2016;315(22):2435–41.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Kyeremanteng K, Gagnon L-P, Robidoux R, Thavorn K, Chaudhuri D, Kobewka D, et al. Cost analysis of noninvasive helmet ventilation compared with use of noninvasive face mask in ARDS. Can Respir J. 2018;2018:6518572.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  74. Patel BK, Wolfe KS, MacKenzie EL, Salem D, Esbrook CL, Pawlik AJ, et al. One-year outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of helmet versus facemask noninvasive ventilation. Crit Care Med. 2018;46(7):1078–84.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Carron M, Rossi S, Carollo C, Ori C. Comparison of invasive and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation delivered by means of a helmet for weaning of patients from mechanical ventilation. J Crit Care. 2014;29(4):580–5.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  76. Antonaglia V, Ferluga M, Molino R, Lucangelo U, Peratoner A, Roman-Pognuz E, et al. Comparison of noninvasive ventilation by sequential use of mask and helmet versus mask in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a preliminary study. Respiration. 2011;82(2):148–54.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  77. Özlem ÇG, Ali A, Fatma U, Mehtap T, Şaziye Ş. Comparison of helmet and facial mask during noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled study. Turk J Med Sci. 2015;45(3):600–6.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  78. Navalesi P, Costa R, Ceriana P, Carlucci A, Prinianakis G, Antonelli M, et al. Non-invasive ventilation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: helmet versus facial mask. Intensive Care Med. 2007;33(1):74–81.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  79. Pisani L, Mega C, Vaschetto R, Bellone A, Scala R, Cosentini R, et al. Oronasal mask versus helmet in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure. Eur Respir J. 2015;45(3):691–9.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  80. Longhini F, Liu L, Pan C, Xie J, Cammarota G, Bruni A, et al. Neurally-adjusted ventilatory assist for noninvasive ventilation via a helmet in subjects with COPD exacerbation: a physiologic study. Respir Care. 2019;64(5):582–9.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  81. Rocco M, Dell’Utri D, Morelli A, Spadetta G, Conti G, Antonelli M, et al. Noninvasive ventilation by helmet or face mask in immunocompromised patients: a case-control study. Chest. 2004;126(5):1508–15.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  82. Conti G, Cavaliere F, Costa R, Craba A, Catarci S, Festa V, et al. Noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation with different interfaces in patients with respiratory failure after abdominal surgery: a matched-control study. Respir Care. 2007;52(11):1463–71.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  83. Rocco M, Conti G, Alessandri E, Morelli A, Spadetta G, Laderchi A, et al. Rescue treatment for noninvasive ventilation failure due to interface intolerance with remifentanil analgosedation: a pilot study. Intensive Care Med. 2010;36(12):2060–5.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  84. Lucchini A, Bambi S, Gurini S, Di Francesco E, Pace L, Rona R, et al. Noise Level and Comfort in Healthy Subjects Undergoing High-Flow Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Dimens Crit Care Nurs. 2020;39(4):194–202.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  85. Cavaliere F, Conti G, Costa R, Proietti R, Sciuto A, Masieri S. Noise exposure during noninvasive ventilation with a helmet, a nasal mask, and a facial mask. Intensive Care Med. 2004;30(9):1755–60.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  86. Cavaliere F, Masieri S, Conti G, Antonelli M, Pennisi MA, Filipo R, et al. Effects of non-invasive ventilation on middle ear function in healthy volunteers. Intensive Care Med. 2003;29(4):611–4.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  87. Hernández-Molina R, Fernández-Zacarías F, Benavente-Fernández I, Jiménez-Gómez G, Lubián-López S. Effect of filters on the noise generated by continuous positive airway pressure delivered via a helmet. Noise Health. 2017;19(86):20–3.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  88. Chiumello D, Chierichetti M, Tallarini F, Cozzi P, Cressoni M, Polli F, et al. Effect of a heated humidifier during continuous positive airway pressure delivered by a helmet. Crit Care. 2008;12(2):R55.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  89. Lucchini A, Bambi S, Elli S, Bruno M, Dallari R, Puccio P, et al. Water content of delivered gases during helmet continuous positive airway pressure in healthy subjects. Acta Biomed. 2019;90(11-S):65–71.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  90. Ueta K, Tomita T, Uchiyama A, Ohta N, Iguchi N, Goto Y, et al. Influence of humidification on comfort during noninvasive ventilation with a helmet. Respir Care. 2013;58(5):798–804.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  91. Lucchini A, Elli S, Bambi S, De Felippis C, Vimercati S, Minotti D, et al. How different helmet fixing options could affect patients’ pain experience during helmet-continuous positive airway pressure. Nurs Crit Care. 2019;24(6):369–74.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  92. Calderini E, Chidini G, Pelosi P. What are the current indications for noninvasive ventilation in children? Curr Opin Anaesthesiol. 2010;23(3):368–74.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  93. Piastra M, Antonelli M, Chiaretti A, Polidori G, Polidori L, Conti G. Treatment of acute respiratory failure by helmet-delivered non-invasive pressure support ventilation in children with acute leukemia: a pilot study. Intensive Care Med. 2004;30(3):472–6.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  94. Piastra M, De Luca D, Pietrini D, Pulitanò S, D’Arrigo S, Mancino A, et al. Noninvasive pressure-support ventilation in immunocompromised children with ARDS: a feasibility study. Intensive Care Med. 2009;35(8):1420–7.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  95. Codazzi D, Nacoti M, Passoni M, Bonanomi E, Sperti LR, Fumagalli R. Continuous positive airway pressure with modified helmet for treatment of hypoxemic acute respiratory failure in infants and a preschool population: a feasibility study. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2006;7(5):455–60.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  96. Trevisanuto D, Grazzina N, Doglioni N, Ferrarese P, Marzari F, Zanardo V. A new device for administration of continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants: comparison with a standard nasal CPAP continuous positive airway pressure system. Intensive Care Med. 2005;31(6):859–64.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  97. Trevisanuto D, Camiletti L, Doglioni N, Cavallin F, Udilano A, Zanardo V. Noise exposure is increased with neonatal helmet CPAP in comparison with conventional nasal CPAP. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2011;55(1):35–8.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  98. Zaramella P, Freato F, Grazzina N, Saraceni E, Vianello A, Chiandetti L. Does helmet CPAP reduce cerebral blood flow and volume by comparison with Infant Flow driver CPAP in preterm neonates? Intensive Care Med. 2006;32(10):1613–9.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  99. Trevisanuto D, Doglioni N, Micaglio M, Zanardo V. Feasibility of nitric oxide administration by neonatal helmet-CPAP: a bench study. Paediatr Anaesth. 2007;17(9):851–5.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  100. Rodriguez Garcia L, Medina A, Modesto I, Alapont V, Palacios Loro ML, Mayordomo-Colunga J, Vivanco-Allende A, et al. Safety of aerosol therapy in children during noninvasive ventilation with helmet and total face mask. Med Intensiva. 2019;43(8):474–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  101. Milési C, Ferragu F, Jaber S, Rideau A, Combes C, Matecki S, et al. Continuous positive airway pressure ventilation with helmet in infants under 1 year. Intensive Care Med. 2010;36(9):1592–6.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  102. Mayordomo-Colunga J, Rey C, Medina A, Martínez-Camblor P, Vivanco-Allende A, Concha A. Helmet versus nasal-prong CPAP in infants with acute bronchiolitis. Respir Care. 2018;63(4):455–63.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  103. Chidini G, Calderini E, Pelosi P. Treatment of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with continuous positive airway pressure delivered by a new pediatric helmet in comparison with a standard full face mask: a prospective pilot study. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2010;11(4):502–8.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  104. Chidini G, Calderini E, Cesana BM, Gandini C, Prandi E, Pelosi P. Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure in acute respiratory failure: helmet versus facial mask. Pediatrics. 2010;126(2):e330-336.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  105. Chidini G, Piastra M, Marchesi T, De Luca D, Napolitano L, Salvo I, et al. Continuous positive airway pressure with helmet versus mask in infants with bronchiolitis: an RCT. Pediatrics. 2015;135(4):e868-875.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  106. Vitaliti G, Vitaliti MC, Finocchiaro MC, Di Stefano VA, Pavone P, Matin N, et al. Randomized comparison of helmet CPAP versus high-flow nasal cannula oxygen in pediatric respiratory distress. Respir Care. 2017;62(8):1036–42.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  107. Rossetti E, De Galasso L, Appierto L, Bianchi R, Chiusolo F, Germani A, et al. Retrospective study found that helmet continuous positive airway pressure provided effective support for severe bronchiolitis. Acta Paediatr. 2020;109(12):2671–3.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  108. Chiusolo F, Fanelli V, Ciofi Degli Atti ML, Conti G, Tortora F, Pariante R, et al. CPAP by helmet for treatment of acute respiratory failure after pediatric liver transplantation. Pediatr Transplant. 2018;22(1):e13088.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Ramirez A, Delord V, Khirani S, Leroux K, Cassier S, Kadlub N, et al. Interfaces for long-term noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in children. Intensive Care Med. 2012;38(4):655–62.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  110. Conti G, Gregoretti C, Spinazzola G, Festa O, Ferrone G, Cipriani F, et al. Influence of different interfaces on synchrony during pressure support ventilation in a pediatric setting: a bench study. Respir Care. 2015;60(4):498–507.

    PubMed  Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  111. Cortegiani A, Longhini F, Carlucci A, Scala R, Groff P, Bruni A, et al. High-flow nasal therapy versus noninvasive ventilation in COPD patients with mild-to-moderate hypercapnic acute respiratory failure: study protocol for a noninferiority randomized clinical trial. Trials. 2019;20(1):450.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  112. Khatib MY, Peediyakkal MZ, Elshafei MS, Elzeer HS, Ananthegowda DC, Shahen MA, et al. Comparison of the clinical outcomes of non-invasive ventilation by helmet vs facemask in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Medicine. 2021;100(4):e24443.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  113. Tverring J, Åkesson A, Nielsen N. Helmet continuous positive airway pressure versus high-flow nasal cannula in COVID-19: a pragmatic randomised clinical trial (COVID HELMET). Trials. 2020;21(1):994.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  114. Luo Y, Luo Y, Li Y, Zhou L, Zhu Z, Chen Y, et al. Helmet CPAP versus oxygen therapy in hypoxemic acute respiratory failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Yonsei Med J. 2016;57(4):936–41.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  115. Xu X-P, Zhang X-C, Hu S-L, Xu J-Y, Xie J-F, Liu S-Q, et al. Noninvasive ventilation in acute hypoxemic nonhypercapnic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Crit Care Med. 2017;45(7):e727–33.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  116. Wang T, Yin H, Xu Q, Jiang X, Yu T. Use of a helmet for oxygen therapy in critically ill patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Int Med Res. 2020;48(2):300060520903209.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  117. Ferreyro BL, Angriman F, Munshi L, Del Sorbo L, Ferguson ND, Rochwerg B, et al. Noninvasive oxygenation strategies in adult patients with acute respiratory failure: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Syst Rev. 2020;9(1):95.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Article  Google Scholar 

  118. Ferreyro BL, Angriman F, Munshi L, Sorbo LD, Ferguson ND, Rochwerg B, et al. Association of noninvasive oxygenation strategies with all-cause mortality in adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA [Internet]. 2020 Jun 4 [cited 2020 Jun 10]; Available from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2767025

  119. Liu Q, Gao Y, Chen R, Cheng Z. Noninvasive ventilation with helmet versus control strategy in patients with acute respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled studies. Crit Care. 2016;23(20):265.

    CAS  Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge Dr. Ilaria Mariani (ASST-Monza, Monza, Italy) for material support in drafting the manuscript.

Funding

None.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. ASST Monza, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy

    Andrea Coppadoro, Elisabetta Zago, Fabio Pavan, Giuseppe Foti & Giacomo Bellani

  2. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, MB, Italy

    Elisabetta Zago, Fabio Pavan, Giuseppe Foti & Giacomo Bellani

Authors
  1. Andrea Coppadoro
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Elisabetta Zago
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Fabio Pavan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Giuseppe Foti
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Giacomo Bellani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

GB and AC were involved in conception of the paper literature review, manuscript drafting and revision. EZ and FP were involved in literature search and manuscript drafting. GF was involved in substantial revision. All authors have approved the submitted version and are personally accountable for their own contributions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Giacomo Bellani.

Ethics declarations

Ethical approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Figures reproduced with permission.

Competing interests

AC has a patent and received consultancy fees from Flowmeter for a topic possibly related to this article; GB has a patent and received consultancy fees from Flowmeter for a topic possibly related to this article and lecturing fees from Dimar SRL and Intersurgical SPA for topics related to this article; and GF received lecturing fees from Dimar SRL for topics related to this article. The other authors have no competing interests to disclose.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary Information

Additional file 1

. List of papers retrived by literatire search but excluded from the review.

Additional file 2

. Color image of helmet in a clinical scenario.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated in a credit line to the data.

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Coppadoro, A., Zago, E., Pavan, F. et al. The use of head helmets to deliver noninvasive ventilatory support: a comprehensive review of technical aspects and clinical findings. Crit Care 25, 327 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-021-03746-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13054-021-03746-8

Keywords

  • Noninvasive ventilation
  • Helmets
  • COVID-19
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome
  • Continuous positive airway pressure

Critical Care

ISSN: 1364-8535