Optiflow is a product also manufactured by Fisher & Paykel. Optiflow is a type of mechanism designed for high flow nasal high flow therapy. This includes nasal cannulas and an interface with tracheostomies.

Mechanism of Action

Airvo has been designed as a humification technology to produce high flows of respiratory air for delivery via Optiflow interfaces or others. The Airvo systems can control the flow rate of air as well as control the temperature of the humified air delivered. 

Airvo systems comprise the following:

• The Airvo machine with appropriate internal filters
• An adapted water chamber for the humidification process on a heated plate
• An oxygen inlet portal
• A heated breathing tube which connects to a port in the machine
• The power connection cable and associated power buttons

Optiflow is the interface section of the humified breathing system for high flow oxygen delivery. The way the Optiflow works is through the following:

• The interface designs reduce dead space by clearing the upper airway, by lowering the rebreathing of carbon dioxide by patients and by improving ventilation that takes place in the alveola
• By providing a positive airway pressure dynamically through the slowing of breathing and improving ventilation that takes place in the alveola
• The technology hydrates the airways by protecting the epithelium found along the airways, and improving the clearing of mucus
• Improves patient comfort by lowering the load of work for nursing staff and provides a less invasive form of oxygen delivery. Patients also have the ability to interact with others and eat or drink, as well as sleep 
• The technology offers a supplementary supply of oxygen to patients when required, meaning that there is the option of meeting all breathing air needs of a patient

Technological Compatibilities

Airvo machinery is ideally used with Optiflow interfaces. Airvo can be used with nasal cannulas, tracheostomies and can also be used in combination with vented masks.

Optiflow interfaces can be used with Airvo machines or other humidifiers. However, studies showed that when Optiflow interface was used with a MR850 device, the humidity was less than with Airvo machinery.

Table of comparison between Airvo and Optiflow

Summary

Airvo machinery is ideal for the delivery for humidified high flow nasal oxygen delivery. Results show that when used with Optiflow interfaces, the results are most effective. Optiflow interfaces can be used as independent Optiflow systems, for example when coupled with a MR850 humidifier. However, the results show less ideal humidity results than when used with Airvo machinery. 

Airvo machines can accommodate nasal cannula, tracheostomies, and vented masks. Optiflow takes form as nasal cannula or an interface with tracheostomies. 

Airvo offers the benefits of controlling the temperatures and flow rates of humidified air. Optiflow interfaces, on the other hand, offer benefits such as improved airway functions and better experiences for the patient. Optiflow also has the added benefit that allows the patient to be physically mobile while receiving therapy instead of being bed bound and unable to speak.

In summary, Airvo and Optiflow are both used for the delivery of high flow respiratory air in patients. Where Airvo is typically the mechanical component heating and humifying the air, Optiflow is typically the interface component for the actual delivery of the air. Although both are compatible with other technologies, they are best designed when used with each other.

FAQ

What is the difference between high flow nasal cannula and Optiflow?

Optiflow is a type of high flow nasal oxygen through the form of a nasal cannula but provides humified oxygen. Therefore, the difference is in the humidity in the oxygen provided via cannula in normal nasal prongs and Optiflow nasal cannula.

What does the Airvo machine do?

The Airvo machine is a device which delivers humified oxygen via Optiflow nasal cannulas, a typical vented oxygen mask, or an adapted or original tracheostomy method.

What type of ventilation is Airvo?

Airvo is a technology designed for the delivery of high flow oxygen therapy by Optiflow. The type of ventilation offered is therefore humidified high flow oxygen therapy where the temperature of the air can be controlled as well as the flow rate. 

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