Noninvasive Ventilation: Options for Use in the Non–Intensive Care Setting

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is safe and effective for non–intensive care unit management of acute respiratory failure in carefully selected patients. Commonly used modalities (NIV) in the inpatient non–intensive care unit setting include high-flow nasal cannula, continuous positive airway pressure, and bilevel positive airway pressure. Although most frequently used for management of acute chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure exacerbation, applications for NIV are broadening, with increasing use for management of respiratory failure caused by a widening spectrum of respiratory diseases.