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Fig. 1 | Critical Care

Fig. 1

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

Fig. 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)

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Critical Care

ISSN: 1364-8535