ABSTRACT
Successful assisted ventilation depends critically upon adapting mechanical ventilation to the patient’s needs. This is particularly true when the noninvasive mode is used, because the patient is conscious and if ventilation is ineffective or uncomfortable, the patient may reject it. In patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF), noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is performed during sleep and comfort is particularly important if sleep is not to be compromised. An understanding of the technical equipment, in particular the classification and modes of ventilation and the potential problems with each, is crucial, as is the selection of an appropriate interface. This chapter deals with the equipment needs for home mechanical ventilation (HMV), in particular the major ventilator types and modes, interfaces, accessories, and monitoring.
