624074/07 D-5
D.4 Contraindications
• Intolerance of interface
• Inability to trigger breath
• Facial or brain injury
• Recent upper airway or esophageal surgery
• haemodynamic instability
• Gastric distension
• Inability to protect airway
D.5 Potential adverse reactions
• Skin breakdown from interface (pressures sores)
• Aspiration
• Conjunctivitis
• Gastric insufflation
• Claustrophobic reaction
• Potential haemodynamic instability
D.6 Selecting a patient interface
The quality and performance of the patient interface largely
determine the effectiveness of noninvasive ventilation. Either
a face (oronasal) mask which covers the mouth and nose,
a nasal mask which covers the nose only, a mouthpiece, or a
helmet-type interface can be used with noninvasive ventilation.
In general, a face mask is more efficient than a nasal mask, but
a nasal mask is better tolerated. Consider these additional
advantages and disadvantages when selecting a patient inter-
face shown in Table D-1.