Home Mechanical Ventilators: Indications for Use in Chronic Respiratory Failure.
Home mechanical ventilators (HMV) are positive pressure devices that allow patients with chronic respiratory failure to live in the comfort of their own homes. HMV are more advanced than standard respiratory assist devices, providing features including internal and external batteries for daytime use outside the house, unique modes such as volume-assured pressure support with auto expiratory positive airway pressure and mouthpiece ventilation, and more alarms to provide safety for patients with severe disease. The process of prescribing HMV in the United States can be complex.