Humidification of Noninvasively Ventilated Patients

INTERVENTION: Patients prescribed to receive noninvasive ventilation will be randomized to receive either: Humidification delivered at 31°C and 32 mg H2O/L or No humidification added They will receive this therapy for as long as noninvasive ventilation is given to them. Study data will be collected for a maximum of 24 hours. CONDITION: Acute respiratory failure being treated with NIV PRIMARY OUTCOME: Patient agitation levels as measured every hour by the Riker Agitation index. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Failure/success rate of NIV ICU length of stay Need for mechanical ventilation during or after the study period. Patient perceived comfort. Therapy outcomes INCLUSION CRITERIA: Receiving bi‐level ventilation for more than 60 minutes.