Why might patients experience nasal or oral dryness during noninvasive ventilation?

Patients may experience nasal or oral dryness during noninvasive ventilation primarily due to issues related to the fit of the mask. A poor mask fit can lead to leaks, causing the air delivered to flow unevenly and allowing for more unhumidified air to escape from around the mask. As a result, the air that is being breathed in may not be adequately humidified, which can lead to dryness in the nasal passages and oral cavity.

In scenarios where the mask fits poorly, patients may also tend to breathe through their mouths more often, exacerbating the dryness since the airflow through the mouth typically lacks the natural humidification provided by nasal airflow. Ensuring a proper fit is essential not only for the effectiveness of the therapy but also for the comfort of the patient, highlighting the importance of mask selection and adjustment in managing side effects such as dryness.

Investigating options such as adjusting humidity levels or looking into alternative ventilation strategies can also help mitigate this problem, but addressing mask fit remains a primary factor in managing dryness experienced during ventilation.