Table 2

Evidence-based indications for humidified high-flow therapy

Clinical indication	Effects
Acute hypoxaemic respiratory failure [8, 25]	Similar rates of intubation compared with NIV and facemask oxygen
	Reduced risk of intubation in patients with moderate or severe hypoxaemia (P_aO₂:F_IO₂ ≤200)
	Reduced ICU and 90-day mortality
	Improved breathlessness following treatment initiation
Prevention of post-extubation respiratory failure [9, 26]	Low-risk patients: HFT superior to conventional oxygen
	High-risk patients: HFT noninferior to NIV
Breaks from positive airway pressure [27]	Permits oral intake (medication, nutrition) and communication
Breaks from positive airway pressure [27]	More comfortable than conventional nasal cannula and NIV
Oxygenation during airway procedures [28, 29]	Pre-oxygenation prior to and during endotracheal intubation
Oxygenation during airway procedures [28, 29]	Improves oxygenation during bronchoscopy compared with conventional nasal cannula

P_aO₂: arterial oxygen tension; ICU: intensive care unit.