Physiological responses and perceived comfort to high-flow nasal cannula therapy in awake adults: effects of flow magnitude and temperature

Abstract

This study evaluated upper airway muscle function, breathing, and comfort across different HFNC flows and temperatures. There were no increases in genioglossus muscle activity at higher flows despite greater negative epiglottic pressure swings. Increasing negative pressure swings was associated with increasing discomfort in the nonheated mode. HFNC was associated with ∼7 cmH 2 O increase in positive airway pressure, which may be the primary mechanism for upper airway stability with HFNC rather than increases in pharyngeal muscle activity.

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