Background
LEAKAGE
High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) oxygen therapy is a new noninvasive respiratory support method that is being increasingly utilized in clinical practice. HFNC oxygen therapy provides heated and humidified oxygen at adjustable concentrations and flow rates through the nasal route. It is essentially a constant-flow, noninvasive support system that allows air leakage and is similar to a noninvasive ventilator operating in constant-flow mode. HFNC oxygen therapy is utilized in a variety of conditions, such as hypoxemic respiratory failure and obstructive sleep apnea. Notably HFNC oxygen therapy can improve clinical outcomes through a variety of mechanisms, including improvement in oxygenation [