Two disposable condenser humidifiers were evaluated in nine ventilated intensive care patients. The Portex “Humid Vent” delivered end-inspired absolute humidities of 22-26,3 g/m3 at end-inspired temperatures of 27-28.3 °C. Corresponding humidities and temperatures with the Servo “Humidifier 150” were higher and were constant, at 27.7-29 g/m3 and 29.3-29.7°C respectively. These disposable devices can be used for humidification in intensive care, but only for patients breathing room air, or on a short term basis.
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