High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC): An Overview (2025)

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy has emerged as a highly effective and increasingly preferred method of oxygen delivery in both pediatric and adult respiratory care. Unlike traditional nasal cannulas, HFNC systems are designed to deliver heated, humidified oxygen at significantly higher flow rates—meeting or exceeding a patient’s inspiratory demand.

This advanced therapy not only ensures a more stable fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) but also offers additional physiological benefits, such as improved carbon dioxide clearance and mild positive airway pressure.

Over the years, HFNC has gained widespread adoption for treating conditions ranging from hypoxemic respiratory failure to post-extubation support, thanks to its comfort, effectiveness, and noninvasive nature. In this article, we’ll explore how HFNC works, its key components, benefits, clinical indications, and potential complications.

Free Access

RRT Course and Quiz Bundle (Free)

Get free access to 15+ premium courses and quizzes that cover the most essential topics to help you become a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT).

Get Free Access

What is a High-Flow Nasal Cannula?

High-flow nasal cannula therapy is designed to deliver a precise and consistent concentration of oxygen at flow rates much higher than those offered by standard nasal cannulas. Traditional systems typically max out at around 6 liters per minute, but HFNC can deliver flow rates as high as 60 liters per minute in adults.

This high flow not only matches but often exceeds a patient’s peak inspiratory demand, which helps maintain a fixed FiO₂ and reduces room air dilution during inhalation.

One of the key features of HFNC is the use of heated and humidified gas. This conditioning of the air prevents mucosal dryness, promotes better secretion clearance, and enhances patient comfort—factors that significantly improve compliance.

In addition, the high flow of gas creates a mild level of positive pressure in the airways, often estimated at around 1 cm H₂O for every 10 L/min of flow. This can assist in alveolar recruitment and help maintain functional residual capacity, improving overall oxygenation.

Key Components of How High-Flow Nasal Cannulas

Every HFNC setup includes three essential components:

1. Patient Interface: The interface typically consists of wide-bore nasal prongs designed to accommodate higher flow rates without causing excessive backpressure or discomfort.
2. Flow Generator and Oxygen Blender: These units allow clinicians to regulate both the total flow and the oxygen concentration being delivered. Advanced systems can precisely blend oxygen and air to achieve a desired FiO₂, even under varying patient breathing patterns.
3. Heated Humidifier: A built-in humidification system warms and humidifies the gas before it reaches the patient, helping to preserve mucociliary function and prevent complications like dry airways and thickened secretions.

Note: Together, these components allow HFNC to deliver an effective, comfortable, and versatile form of respiratory support for a wide range of patients.

Clinical Indications and Uses of High-Flow Nasal Cannula

High-flow nasal cannula therapy is increasingly used across a broad spectrum of clinical settings due to its versatility and ease of use. Initially popularized in neonatal and pediatric care, particularly for conditions like bronchiolitis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, HFNC has now become a valuable tool for adult patients as well. It is commonly employed in emergency departments, intensive care units, and step-down units to manage various types of respiratory distress.

One of the most well-established indications for HFNC is acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, where patients require higher levels of oxygen support but may not yet need intubation. HFNC can improve oxygenation by delivering a high and consistent FiO₂ while reducing the work of breathing and enhancing alveolar ventilation. It’s also used during the preintubation and postextubation periods, helping to stabilize patients and reduce the risk of respiratory deterioration.

Another valuable use case includes support for patients at high risk of reintubation following extubation. By maintaining oxygenation and providing a low level of positive airway pressure, HFNC helps bridge the transition and may reduce the need for reintubation. In certain cases, it has even been used for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or hypercapnic respiratory failure, although more research is still emerging in this area.

HFNC is also used in palliative care settings, where comfort is a priority. Its quiet operation and noninvasive design make it an ideal option for providing respiratory support without the discomfort of masks or invasive procedures.

Physiological Benefits and Mechanisms of Action

High-flow nasal cannula therapy provides several physiological advantages that go beyond simple oxygen delivery. One of the primary benefits is its ability to deliver a consistent and precise FiO₂, even during rapid or irregular breathing. By matching or exceeding the patient’s inspiratory flow rate, HFNC minimizes the entrainment of room air, ensuring that the oxygen concentration delivered to the lungs remains stable.

Another key mechanism is the washout of carbon dioxide from the upper airway, particularly the nasopharynx. This helps reduce anatomical dead space, meaning less CO₂ is re-inhaled with each breath. As a result, overall CO₂ levels in the blood may decrease slightly, which is particularly beneficial in patients with mild hypercapnia or those struggling with ventilation.

HFNC also generates a low level of positive airway pressure, similar in effect to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but in a more comfortable and less invasive form. This mild distending pressure—typically estimated at 1 cm H₂O for every 10 liters per minute of flow—can help recruit collapsed alveoli, improve ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) matching, and enhance gas exchange.

Additionally, the delivery of heated and humidified gas plays a vital role in maintaining mucosal integrity, preventing drying of the airway, and supporting mucociliary clearance. This is especially important in patients with thick secretions or compromised pulmonary hygiene, as it promotes easier secretion mobilization and lessens the risk of mucus plugging.

Together, these physiological effects make HFNC a comprehensive respiratory support modality that improves oxygenation, reduces work of breathing, and enhances overall comfort.

Advantages of High-Flow Nasal Cannula

One of the biggest reasons for HFNC’s widespread adoption is its patient comfort. Compared to face masks or noninvasive ventilation systems, the nasal prongs used in HFNC are less restrictive and more tolerable for long-term use. Patients can eat, talk, and rest more easily, which improves overall compliance.

Another significant advantage is the system’s ability to deliver heated and humidified oxygen, which reduces mucosal dryness, prevents nosebleeds, and supports mucociliary clearance. This helps avoid the complications that often arise from delivering dry, cold oxygen at high flows.

HFNC also provides consistent oxygen delivery even in the face of varying respiratory demands, making it especially useful in patients with irregular breathing patterns. The added positive airway pressure assists in alveolar recruitment, helping to maintain lung expansion and improve gas exchange without the need for invasive ventilation.

Clinically, HFNC has shown benefits in reducing the need for intubation in selected patient populations and serves as a useful bridge therapy in both preintubation and postextubation care. It may also be beneficial in certain cases of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure, although more evidence is still emerging in this area.

Potential Limitations and Complications

Despite its many benefits, HFNC is not without its drawbacks. One limitation is the inability to precisely monitor the amount of positive pressure delivered, as this can vary depending on patient anatomy, mouth position, and cannula fit. While the pressure is generally low, improper sizing of nasal prongs—especially in neonates—can lead to excessive pressure and, in rare cases, skin breakdown or nasal erosion.

Nasal obstruction is another contraindication; HFNC cannot be used effectively in patients with severely blocked nasal passages, as this limits the flow and effectiveness of the therapy. Additionally, while HFNC is often used in cases of mild hypercapnia, it is not a substitute for ventilatory support in patients who are unable to protect their airway or are experiencing severe hypercarbic respiratory failure.

Complications such as dry mouth, headaches, retained secretions, and nosocomial infections can still occur—especially if the humidification system is not properly maintained. And most importantly, over-reliance on HFNC without proper clinical reassessment can delay necessary escalation of care, including intubation in deteriorating patients.

Clinical Settings and Patient Populations for HFNC Use

High-flow nasal cannula therapy has proven effective across a wide range of clinical environments, from neonatal intensive care units to adult critical care and emergency departments. Its flexibility makes it a valuable tool for managing patients with varying degrees of respiratory distress while avoiding the invasiveness of intubation or the discomfort associated with traditional noninvasive ventilation.

In neonatal and pediatric care, HFNC is frequently used to treat conditions such as bronchiolitis, respiratory distress syndrome, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In these populations, HFNC provides a gentler alternative to CPAP, delivering respiratory support with fewer complications and greater ease of use. Careful monitoring is essential, however, to avoid the risk of excessive pressure in the small airways of infants, especially if nasal prongs fit too tightly.

Among adult patients, HFNC is commonly applied in cases of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, pneumonia, postextubation support, pulmonary edema, and even in some patients with chronic lung diseases like COPD during exacerbations. It is particularly useful in step-down units, emergency rooms, and high-dependency care areas, where continuous oxygenation support is needed but intubation is not immediately warranted.

HFNC is also gaining traction in perioperative and palliative care settings. For postoperative patients, it can be used to maintain oxygenation and reduce respiratory effort. In palliative care, it offers a more comfortable and dignified option for patients with respiratory distress who may not be candidates for invasive interventions.

While not suitable for all patients—such as those who are unable to protect their airway or tolerate high flow—HFNC is often the preferred choice for those who need effective oxygenation with minimal interference in daily activities like speaking or eating. This broad applicability, combined with its comfort and physiological benefits, makes HFNC a valuable asset in modern respiratory care.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula Use in Special Populations

• Neonates and Infants: HFNC offers a gentler alternative to CPAP for apnea of prematurity and bronchiolitis, but cannula size and flow limits must be respected to avoid excessive nasopharyngeal pressure.
• Immunocompromised Patients: HFNC is well‑tolerated and may reduce intubation‑related complications in hematologic malignancy or post‑transplant respiratory failure by preserving mucosal integrity and enabling effective sputum clearance.
• COVID‑19 and Emerging ARDS: Early pandemic concerns about aerosolization have shifted toward widespread HFNC adoption with appropriate airborne precautions. Observational studies report lower intubation rates and shorter ICU stays without increased nosocomial infection in negative‑pressure environments.

Key Facts and Clinical Tips About High-Flow Nasal Cannula

Here is a detailed list of essential tips and key facts about HFNC that every respiratory therapist should be familiar with:

• HFNC is capable of delivering oxygen at flow rates that exceed a patient’s inspiratory demand, often reaching or surpassing 60 liters per minute in adults. This high flow ensures a consistent and stable delivery of the prescribed fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂), even in patients who are tachypneic or experiencing respiratory distress.
• The gas administered through HFNC is both heated and humidified, typically to body temperature and 100% relative humidity. This is not just for comfort—humidification preserves mucosal integrity, prevents drying of secretions, and supports optimal ciliary function, which reduces the risk of airway damage or infection.
• By flushing the anatomical dead space in the nasopharynx, HFNC minimizes CO₂ rebreathing. This improves the efficiency of ventilation and helps reduce the overall work of breathing. This mechanism is especially helpful in patients with increased ventilatory demand or those with CO₂ retention.
• HFNC provides a low level of positive airway pressure, particularly when flow rates are high and the patient’s mouth is closed. Although it is not a replacement for CPAP, this mild pressure can contribute to alveolar recruitment and improved oxygenation, especially in patients with mild to moderate hypoxemia.
• Patients generally tolerate HFNC much better than face masks or nonrebreather masks, due to its lightweight, open design. It allows them to eat, speak, and engage in conversation while still receiving effective oxygen therapy, making it ideal for long-term use or step-down oxygen support.
• Common clinical uses for HFNC include acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, post-extubation oxygen support, COPD exacerbations with a need for precise FiO₂ delivery, cardiogenic pulmonary edema, and neonatal respiratory distress. It is also frequently used during the perioperative period to prevent atelectasis or to reduce the need for mechanical ventilation.
• The delivered FiO₂ increases with flow, and while exact FiO₂ may vary slightly based on patient breathing patterns, approximate values on 100% oxygen include 10 L/min ≈ 60%, 20 L/min ≈ 90%, and 30 L/min ≈ 95%. This makes HFNC an excellent alternative when nonrebreathers or standard nasal cannulas are insufficient.
• A thorough setup process is essential for safe and effective therapy. This includes verifying that the air/oxygen blender is set to the correct FiO₂, confirming that the humidifier is filled and warming properly, checking tubing and connections for leaks, and ensuring that the nasal cannula is the correct size for the patient and comfortably fitted.
• Close monitoring of the patient is critical, especially in the first few hours after initiating HFNC. Watch for improvements or declines in oxygen saturation (SpO₂), respiratory rate, heart rate, and patient comfort. Adjust flow and FiO₂ settings as needed based on the patient’s response.
• If the patient fails to show clinical improvement despite appropriate HFNC therapy, it may indicate worsening respiratory failure. In such cases, prompt escalation to noninvasive ventilation (e.g., BiPAP) or invasive mechanical ventilation should be considered to avoid further deterioration.

High-flow nasal cannula therapy combines precision, humidification, and mild positive pressure in a way that meets the complex needs of patients with a wide range of respiratory conditions.

Understanding how HFNC functions, when to apply it, and how to monitor its effectiveness is essential in clinical practice. Whether managing acute respiratory distress, supporting post-extubation recovery, or improving outcomes in chronic respiratory disease, HFNC plays a vital role.

With proper setup, close observation, and timely adjustments, it can be a powerful tool for improving respiratory support without the need for invasive interventions.

High-Flow Nasal Cannula Practice Questions

1. What is a High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)?
A nasal interface that delivers heated, humidified gas at flow rates exceeding a patient’s inspiratory demand.

2. Why is humidification required when using HFNC?
To prevent drying and damage to the nasal mucosa.

3. What is HFNC considered an alternative to?
Traditional nasal CPAP interfaces.

4. What is an important consideration when selecting an HFNC cannula?
The cannula should not completely occlude the patient’s nares.

5. Why must HFNC deliver flow rates that exceed the patient’s inspiratory demand?
To maintain a stable FiO₂ and avoid entraining room air.

6. What are the proposed mechanisms of action of HFNC?
Dead space washout, reduced inspiratory resistance, and delivery of low-level positive airway pressure.

7. What are the estimated inspiratory flow requirements for a preterm infant under 3.0 kg?
0.7–1.3 L/kg/min.

8. What is the estimated inspiratory flow range for a neonate weighing 3–4.9 kg?
0.6–1.2 L/kg/min.

9. What is the estimated inspiratory flow range for an infant under 1 year weighing 5–9.9 kg?
0.5–1.1 L/kg/min.

10. What are some potential benefits of HFNC therapy?
Ease of administration, patient tolerance, reduced cost, and minimized nasal trauma.

11. What are limitations or risks of using HFNC?
Unpredictable distending pressure, uncertain FiO₂ delivery, and limited high-quality evidence.

12. HFNC is especially effective for what patient group?
Patients experiencing mild to moderate respiratory distress.

13. What is the maximum FiO₂ HFNC can deliver?
Up to 100%, depending on the system and flow rate.

14. How does HFNC help reduce CO₂ levels in the upper airway?
By flushing out anatomical dead space with continuous gas flow.

15. Besides oxygenation, what respiratory support function does HFNC provide?
It delivers a small degree of positive airway pressure.

16. How does HFNC affect mucociliary function?
Heated and humidified gas improves ciliary action and secretion clearance.

17. What therapy is typically used for patients with refractory hypoxemia?
Oxygen in combination with CPAP.

18. Where does HFNC fit among oxygen therapy options?
Between a large-volume nebulizer and CPAP for patients not yet requiring full positive pressure.

19. What is considered the optimal level of humidity for HFNC gas delivery?
44 mg/L at 37°C (body temperature with full saturation).

20. How is humidity and temperature maintained in HFNC systems?
Using a passover humidifier and heated wire tubing to condition the gas.

21. What happens to the mucociliary escalator without proper humidification?
It becomes ineffective, reducing airway clearance.

22. What occurs when the gel layer of airway mucus loses moisture?
It becomes less fluid and flows poorly.

23. What is the impact of a reduced aqueous layer on the mucociliary escalator?
Ciliary function becomes impaired.

24. How does a temperature lower than core body temperature affect cilia?
It decreases the effectiveness of ciliary movement.

25. As gas is warmed by the airway mucosa, what occurs?
Additional moisture is lost from the airway surfaces.

26. When is accurate delivery of up to 100% oxygen achieved with HFNC?
When the patient’s inspiratory flow demand is met.

27. What does minimizing room air entrainment accomplish during HFNC therapy?
It prevents dilution of prescribed oxygen and humidity levels.

28. What daily activities can a patient continue while using HFNC?
Eat, drink, talk, and sleep comfortably.

29. What is the purpose of washing out anatomical dead space with HFNC?
It reduces rebreathing of CO₂ and improves respiratory efficiency.

30. What part of the airway is continuously flushed with oxygen-enriched gas during HFNC?
The upper airway (nasopharynx and oropharynx).

31. How high can HFNC gas flow rates reach?
Up to 50 L/min into the nasopharynx and oropharynx.

32. What does the upper airway reservoir created by HFNC contain?
Fresh, oxygen-rich gas available for every breath.

33. What does HFNC provide throughout the respiratory cycle?
Inspiratory and expiratory positive airway pressure support.

34. What level of CPAP is unintentionally provided by HFNC?
Approximately 2–3 cm H₂O.

35. What is the relationship between flow and pressure during HFNC therapy?
As flow increases, airway pressure increases.

36. How does HFNC optimize mucociliary clearance?
By keeping secretions mobile and reducing infection risk.

37. Which types of patients benefit from HFNC therapy?
Obstructive, restrictive, and atelectatic patients.

38. What is the heated humidifier used in the Optiflow system?
MR850.

39. What must the Optiflow system be connected to in order to function properly?
A 50 PSI air and oxygen source.

40. What will happen if the Optiflow system detects improper pressure from a gas source?
An alarm will sound indicating a disconnected or inactive gas source.

41. How does HFNC minimize room air entrainment?
By reducing the dilution of prescribed oxygen and humidity levels.

42. What activities can a patient typically continue while using a high-flow nasal cannula?
Eating, drinking, talking, sleeping, and receiving oral care.

43. What effect does washing out anatomical dead space have when using HFNC?
It reduces rebreathing of expired CO₂ and improves respiratory efficiency.

44. What is continually flushed with oxygen-enriched gas during HFNC therapy?
The upper airway.

45. In addition to oxygenation, what pulmonary condition can HFNC help prevent or treat?
Atelectasis

46. What design feature allows HFNC to deliver higher oxygen flow rates?
Specially designed nasal prongs with larger diameters.

47. What comfort-enhancing feature is added to the gas delivered by HFNC?
It is both heated and humidified.

48. How does HFNC help remove CO₂ from the upper airway?
Higher flows wash out CO₂ from the nasopharynx, so it’s not the first gas inhaled.

49. What is the benefit of HFNC delivering 10 L/min of flow?
It generates approximately 1 cmH₂O of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP).

50. How does this generated pressure help the lungs?
It splints open airways and helps recruit and maintain alveolar inflation.

51. How does HFNC therapy affect PCO₂ and the work of breathing?
It reduces PCO₂ by 3 to 5 mmHg and decreases the work of breathing.

52. How does HFNC improve ventilation and perfusion (V/Q) matching?
By enhancing ventilation in previously perfused but under-ventilated lung areas.

53. What is an indication for initiating HFNC therapy?
To prevent or treat atelectasis.

54. What are contraindications for using HFNC therapy?
Hypercarbic respiratory failure, inability to protect the airway, and poor tolerance to high flow.

55. What are potential hazards and complications of HFNC therapy?
Nosocomial infection, hypercarbia, headache, drying of the upper airway, and secretion impaction.

56. What should be monitored regarding HFNC device performance?
Cannula or mask fit, flow rates, FiO₂, and gas temperature.

57. What patient parameters should be monitored during HFNC therapy?
Respiratory rate, heart rate and rhythm, mental status, skin color, breath sounds, blood pressure, SpO₂, and intracranial pressure if applicable.

58. What imaging or tests might be used to evaluate HFNC effectiveness?
Chest X-ray (CXR) when clinically indicated.

59. What subjective measure should be assessed during HFNC therapy?
The patient’s reported comfort and tolerance to therapy.

60. What are the expected outcomes of effective HFNC therapy?
Improved chest X-ray findings, better breath sounds, increased oxygenation, and enhanced patient comfort.

61. What primary condition is HFNC often used to manage in neonates and infants?
Bronchiolitis.

62. How does HFNC compare to noninvasive CPAP in terms of patient tolerance?
HFNC is generally better tolerated due to increased comfort and ease of use.

63. What type of humidification system is commonly used with HFNC?
Heated passover humidifier.

64. What gas sources are required to operate an HFNC system with a blender?
50 psi oxygen and air.

65. Which clinical setting has seen increased use of HFNC during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Emergency departments and intensive care units.

66. How does HFNC reduce the risk of intubation in some patients?
By improving oxygenation and reducing the work of breathing.

67. What is one sign of inadequate humidification during HFNC therapy?
Nasal dryness or bleeding.

68. What key respiratory measurement improves due to HFNC flushing the upper airway?
Tidal volume efficiency due to reduced dead space.

69. Why should HFNC prongs not fully occlude the patient’s nares?
To prevent excessive pressure buildup and ensure patient safety.

70. In what condition might HFNC be avoided due to the risk of worsening hypercapnia?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with CO₂ retention.

71. What is the maximum flow rate typically delivered via HFNC in adult patients?
60 L/min

72. What should be done if a patient on HFNC shows signs of increasing respiratory distress?
Escalate care—consider CPAP, BiPAP, or intubation as clinically appropriate.

73. Why is heating the gas in HFNC important?
To preserve mucociliary function and enhance comfort.

74. How does HFNC benefit post-extubation patients?
It provides support and reduces the likelihood of reintubation.

75. What is one potential cardiovascular benefit of using HFNC in hypoxemic patients?
Improved preload and afterload due to decreased work of breathing.

76. What lab value is commonly monitored to assess HFNC effectiveness?
Arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂).

77. Can HFNC be used during feeding in pediatric patients?
Yes, it allows feeding without removing respiratory support.

78. Which anatomical structure is most impacted by the flushing effect of HFNC?
Nasopharynx

79. What flow setting range is typically used in infants on HFNC?
2 to 8 L/min depending on weight and condition.

80. What step should be taken before discontinuing HFNC therapy?
Wean flow and FiO₂ gradually while monitoring for signs of respiratory compromise.

81. What is one reason HFNC is often preferred over face masks in pediatric patients?
It allows for easier communication and interaction with caregivers.

82. What clinical sign may indicate that HFNC flow is set too high?
Nasal flaring or patient discomfort.

83. What setting on an HFNC device must be carefully adjusted to avoid mucosal drying?
Temperature and humidity settings.

84. Why is it important to monitor the patient’s skin around the nares during HFNC therapy?
To prevent pressure ulcers and skin breakdown.

85. In which patient population is HFNC particularly effective in reducing apnea episodes?
Preterm infants

86. What feature of HFNC helps support end-expiratory lung volume?
Generation of low-level positive airway pressure.

87. Why must FiO₂ settings be individualized when using HFNC?
To avoid both hypoxemia and oxygen toxicity.

88. What can be used to assess the effectiveness of HFNC in real-time at the bedside?
SpO₂ and respiratory rate.

89. What is one potential indicator that HFNC is failing to meet a patient’s respiratory needs?
Increased work of breathing and tachypnea despite therapy.

90. How does HFNC reduce inspiratory resistance?
By delivering a high flow of gas that matches or exceeds peak inspiratory demand.

91. What is one of the earliest signs of improved oxygenation on HFNC?
Increased SpO₂ with reduced supplemental oxygen.

92. Why is HFNC beneficial for patients with interstitial lung disease during exacerbations?
It reduces dyspnea while maintaining adequate oxygenation.

93. What effect does HFNC have on carbon dioxide levels in mild hypercapnic patients?
It can reduce CO₂ by flushing dead space.

94. What should always be available at the bedside in case HFNC fails?
Backup noninvasive or invasive ventilation equipment.

95. In patients with nasal obstructions, what is a limitation of HFNC?
Reduced effectiveness due to impaired flow delivery.

96. Why must clinicians monitor for gastric insufflation in HFNC patients?
Because high flows may increase swallowed air, leading to bloating or distension.

97. What role does HFNC play in palliative care settings?
It improves comfort and reduces dyspnea without using masks.

98. What parameter is typically adjusted first when titrating HFNC settings?
FiO₂, to achieve target oxygen saturation.

99. How does HFNC improve sleep quality in some patients?
By decreasing nocturnal hypoxemia and minimizing respiratory effort.

100. What type of tubing is used in HFNC to help maintain gas temperature?
Heated wire circuit

Final Thoughts

High-flow nasal cannula therapy has reshaped the way clinicians manage respiratory distress by offering a powerful blend of efficiency, comfort, and physiological support. From neonates with bronchiolitis to adults recovering from extubation or managing hypoxemic respiratory failure, HFNC has become a trusted option across a variety of clinical scenarios.

Its ability to deliver high flow rates of heated and humidified oxygen helps optimize gas exchange, reduce work of breathing, and enhance patient comfort—without the invasiveness of other respiratory support modalities.

Despite its advantages, HFNC is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Patient selection, proper setup, and close monitoring are essential to ensuring safety and effectiveness. When used appropriately, HFNC can improve outcomes, reduce the need for intubation, and support a smoother recovery for many patients. As research continues to uncover new applications and refine best practices, HFNC is likely to remain a cornerstone in the evolving landscape of noninvasive respiratory support.