Comparing helmet and facemask ventilation for respiratory failure

Physiological Effects of Helmet vs. Facemask Noninvasive Ventilation in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Not applicable Interventional Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS · NCT06210386

This study is testing whether using a helmet for breathing support is better than a facemask for people with severe breathing problems.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rome)
Trial IDNCT06210386 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of helmet noninvasive ventilation compared to facemask noninvasive ventilation in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. It employs a randomized crossover design to assess physiological effects, allowing for different ventilator settings to be tested. The goal is to determine if helmet ventilation can provide better outcomes by allowing higher positive end-expiratory pressure without air leaks while maintaining patient comfort.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients experiencing acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with specific oxygenation criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with respiratory failure due to chronic pulmonary disease, cardiac failure, or fluid overload may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management strategies for patients suffering from acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

How similar studies have performed: While the effectiveness of helmet ventilation is debated, this approach is being explored and may provide new insights into noninvasive ventilation techniques.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and PaO2/FiO2\<200 mmHg
* PaCO2\<45 mmHg
* Respiratory failure not caused by exacerbation of chronic pulmonary disease, cardiac failure or fluid overload

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Contraindication to helmet or facemask noninvasive ventilation
* Contraindication to esophageal manometry
* Contraindication to electrical-impedance tomography monitoring
* Recent surgery involving the abdomen or the thorax
* Pneumothorax or documented barotrauma

Where this trial is running

Rome

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 Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure
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.