Effect of face mask design and bias flow on rebreathing during noninvasive ventilation

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is used to treat respiratory failure because it reduces the risks of endotracheal intubation and postextubation respiratory failure. A wide range of different interfaces is available, but concerns exist about rebreathing. This study evaluated a total face mask with a 2-limb ventilation circuit and separate access for inflow and outflow gas, which was developed to reduce rebreathing. METHODS: In a bench test, a standard total face mask (with a single connector to the ventilation circuit) and the modified total face mask were applied to a mannequin connected to an active breathing simulator. A known CO2 flow (VCO2) was delivered to the mannequin’s trachea. We tested the following settings: CPAP with the mechanical PEEP valve set at 8 cm H2O (with 60 and 90 L/min continuous flow) and pressure support of 6 and 12 cm H2O (with 2 and 15 L/min bias flow). The settings were tested at simulated breathing frequencies of 15 and 30 breaths/min and with VCO2 of 200 and 300 mL/min. The active simulator generated a tidal volume of 500 mL. Airway pressure, air flow, CO2 concentration, and CO2 flow as the product of air flow and CO2 were recorded. RESULTS: The mean volume of CO2 rebreathed and the minimum CO2 inspiratory concentration were significantly lower with the modified mask than with the standard mask. The 15 L/min bias flow significantly decreased rebreathing with the DiMax0 mask, whereas it had no effect with the traditional mask. CONCLUSIONS: A face mask with a two-limb ventilation circuit and separate access for inflow and outflow gas reduces rebreathing during NIV. The addition of bias flow enhances this effect. Further studies are required to verify the clinical relevance.