Effect of Two Different Temperature Settings on Patient Comfort Level during Respiratory Therapy by High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Abstract Background  Hypoxemic respiratory failure may require high flow O 2 therapy (>15 L/m), which can be delivered using a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) device. There are three variables: FiO 2 , flow, and temperature that can be controlled while using HFNC. This study was planned to assess the degree of comfort level of patients at two different temperature settings. Methods  A prospective interventional cross-over study was performed on 40 hypoxemic respiratory failure patients, who were on HFNC. Primary outcome was to assess patient comfort during HFNC therapy at two different temperatures (31 and 37°C), at the flow of 60 L/m for 30 minutes at each temperature setting, leaving FiO 2 unchanged. After 30 minutes of each temperature setting, the comfort level was assessed using 11 score visual numerical scale (ranging from 0 to 10) together with other vital parameters. Result  Patients were found to be more comfortable at temperature settings of 31°C than at 37°C ( p -value < 0.05%). Also, an increase in blood pressure was observed at 37°C after completion of 30 minutes, which was statistically significant but not clinically significant. Conclusion  Starting HFNC therapy at lower temperature gives better patient acceptance and reduces chances of failure due to discomfort.