Continuous and periodic applications of noninvasive ventilation in respiratory failure

Some evidence suggests that patients with severe CO ₂ retention and nocturnal oxyhemoglobin desaturation may respond favorably to nocturnal nasal NPPV, and a trial may be warranted in such patients. On the other hand, the reported improvements are minimal and acceptance of NPPV by COPD patients has generally been poor, in contrast to that of patients with neuromuscular disease. At best, it appears that a relatively small minority of COPD patients may stand to benefit from NPPV. Well-designed trials on larger patient populations are clearly needed.