Helmet CPAP as NIV for COVID-19 Patients

academic.oup.com March 21, 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems globally, highlighting the need for effective respiratory support strategies. Helmet continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has emerged as a potential noninvasive ventilation (NIV) method for COVID-19 patients.

The use of helmet CPAP for the treatment of respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19 showed comparable intubation rates and shorter ICU and hospital stays without increasing mortality or adverse events.

Three RCTs involving 580 patients were included in this analysis. There was no significant differences (P > 0.05) in mortality at 28 d, or 180 d between the helmet CPAP group and the control group as well as similar intubation rates and times to intubation. However, helmet CPAP was associated with significantly shorter ICU stays and hospital stays.