Table 1

Selection criteria for noninvasive ventilation candidates

Conscious and cooperative patient (the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be an exception)
No need for urgent intubation to protect the airways or to remove copious secretions
No acute facial trauma (helmet interface may permit an exception in selected cases)
No recent gastroesophageal surgery
No active gastrointestinal bleeding
No impairment in swallowing
Hemodynamic and rhythm stability
Adequate fitting of the interface

Antonelli et al. Critical Care 2005 9:98   doi:10.1186/cc2933