Comparison of mask and nasal continuous positive airway pressure after extubation and mechanical ventilation

Objective: To examine the effects of continuous positive airway pressure applied via face masks and nose masks on the change in functional residual capacity and gas exchange. Design: Descriptive and prospective study. Setting: Intensive care unit of a university hospital. Patients: Ten patients with acute lung injury who had required mechanical ventilation. Interventions: Continuous positive airway pressure at a level of 10 cm H 2 O applied in random order via face and nose masks