Recent advances in interfaces for non-invasive ventilation: from bench studies to practical issues.

A B S T R A C T #e interface is the de!ning element of non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Nowadays di"erent types of interfaces, which di"er in terms of shape, mechanical properties and comfort, are available, and their choice and !tting is a key element of NIV success. In the last decade, larger masks covering the entire face and speci!cally designed helmets have been developed for delivering NIV, theoretically improving comfort and patient tolerance. Recent studies have shown that, despite marked heterogeneity in mask internal volume and compliance, the dynamic dead space and, above all, the clinical e$cacy of di"erent masks is on average very similar. #us, with the exception of the nasal mask and the mouthpiece, a variety of interfaces for NIV can be used in the acute care setting. However, prevention and monitoring of interfaces related side-e"ects and evaluation of patient tolerance are crucial to avoid NIV failure. To optimize e"ectiveness and costs, an interface strategy for NIV in acute respiratory failure could be convenient in clinical practice. (Minerva Anestesiol 2012;78:1146-53)