Assessing patient comfort with high-flow oxygen therapy using asymmetrical prongs

Patients Comfort During Highflow Oxygen Therapy With Asymmetrical Prongs

Observational University of Padova · NCT06778291

This study is testing if using special prongs for high-flow oxygen therapy makes ICU patients feel more comfortable compared to regular oxygen delivery methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Padova Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Padova and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06778291 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates patient comfort during high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy using asymmetrical prongs compared to standard interfaces. The asymmetrical prongs deliver different flow rates to each nostril, potentially enhancing patient comfort while maintaining effective respiratory support. The study will involve adult patients in the ICU who require oxygen support, assessing their comfort levels with two different sizes of cannulas. The findings aim to improve the management of acute respiratory failure by optimizing oxygen delivery methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult patients over 18 years old requiring oxygen support in the ICU.

Not a fit: Patients with tracheostomy, pregnancy, or those with contraindications to HFNCs will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved patient comfort and compliance during oxygen therapy for those with respiratory failure.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with similar high-flow oxygen therapy approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

- adult patients (\>18 years old) requiring oxygen support in the ICU

Exclusion Criteria:

* pregnancy;
* presence of tracheostomy;
* contraindications to EIT;
* contraindications to HFNCs positioning,
* clinical evidence of nare occlusion (patient will be asked to deeply inspire from the nose while researcher occludes manually each nostril alternately: if unable to breath from the free nare with the other one occluded, patient will not be eligible for participating to the study), or very small nare fitting only the S-sized Duet cannulas;
* patients requiring nasogastric tubes for mandatory clinical reasons, i.e., delayed gastric emptying, upper abdominal surgery.

Where this trial is running

Padova and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Respiratory Failurehigh flow oxygen therapyoxygen therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.