In respiratory failure, high flow nasal prong (HHFNC) oxygen delivery system is an alternative to low
flow mask oxygen therapy and may well diminish the need to progress therapy to non-invasive
ventilation (NIV). HFNP is a system that has the ability to provide humidified high flow mix of air and
oxygen via a specialised nasal cannula system. It is able to deliver PEEP of approximately 4-8 cm
H20.
Unlike conventional oxygen administration or NIV the inspired gas is warmed and humidified,
and is often better tolerated than NIV via an occlusive mask. It is worth noting that initiation of
HHNC may well relieve hypoxemia but does not improve ventilation or treat the underlying cause
for the hypoxemia. The aim of HHFNC is to reduce the work of breathing to a RR 90%.