In hypoxemic ARF, NPPV can be successful in selected populations. When patients have a higher severity score, an older age, ARDS or pneumonia, or fail to improve after 1 h of treatment, the risk of failure is higher.

NIV was more effective than SMT in preventing postextubation respiratory failure in a population considered at risk of developing this complication.

The PM significantly reduced skin breakdown while improving patient comfort, compared to the CMs.

We conclude that a suitable gas exchange and pneumatic stabilization in a flail chest condition can be achieved using minitracheostomic ventilation. At the same time, this treatment could reduce some side effects of traditional tracheal intubation.