Patient–Ventilator Interaction During Noninvasive Pressure-Supported Spontaneous Respiration in Patients with Hypercapnic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Noninvasive pressure support ventilation (NPSV) has become a standard of care in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In stable COPD, hypercapnia is correlated with less respiratory muscle strength and greater muscle load. In selected patients, mechanical ventilation with NPSV may be indicated in addition to oxygen therapy to prevent worsening of hypercapnia and to improve sleep quality and quality of life. Epidemiologic studies on NPSV have shown that patient tolerance is a key factor predicting success or failure.