Materials and technology for non-invasive ventilation

The variety of respirators and artificial respiration modes has almost become difficult to grasp, and attempts for a nomenclature remain incomplete. The principal modes are volume-targeted and pressure-limited ventilation. Pressure-limited ventilation has replaced volume-controlled ventilation, and both are complementary in so-called hybrid modes. Self-learning controlled ventilation modes extend the field of assisted, assisted-controlled, and controlled ventilation. The choice of a suitable ventilator system and the optimum settings requires a basic understanding of the underlying disease, which determines the different settings and parameters. Individual settings for increases and decreases in pressure can promote efficiency and compliance. The choice of accessories (tube, mask), including optimum humidification, also influences the ventilation quality. © 2010 Springer Medizin Verlag.