Efficacy of flow-by during continuous positive airway pressure ventilation.

We investigated clinically the differences in respiratory work of patients imposed by three modes of one ventilator: the flow-by system, the demand valve system, and the pressure support system. Inspiratory work using flow-by and pressure support systems was reduced sufficiently when compared to the demand valve system. Moreover, fluctuation of the airway pressure was minimal with the flow-by mode. These results suggest that the flow-by mode is beneficial to patients breathing spontaneously with continuous positive airway pressure.