Comparison of helmet and facial mask during noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled study.

Background/aim: Noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) is an approach to prevent complications in acute respiratory failure. In this study we aimed to compare the efficacy of a full face mask and a helmet in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Materials And Methods: Fifty patients were divided randomly into 2 groups as full face mask (Group F) and helmet (Group H). Demographic data, forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1), additional disease, hemodynamic parameters, respiratory rate, APACHE II score, peripheral O2 saturation (SpO2), arterial blood gases (ABG), patient tolerance scale (PTS) score, and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiG2) were recorded. Parameters were recorded as follows: 20 min before the NIMV; every 30 min of NIMV until 120 min; 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after NIMV; and prior to intensive care unit discharge.

Results: The SpO2, PTS, ABG, complication rate, and APACHE II scores were not different between the groups (P > 0.05). The decrease in PaCO2 was statistically significant at 60 min in Group F (P < 0.05), and there was no statistical difference in Group H (P < 0.05) according to initial PaCO2 values.

Conclusion: Both masks are efficient in improving the patients' outcome in COPD, but the decrease in PaCO2in the helmet group was slower than in the full face mask group.