A Clinical Test to Capture Humidity From Exhalation: Self-Humidification

Lung supportive devices are widely used for non-invasive positive airway pressure ventilation and respiratory therapy to help provide breathing support for patients with various lung diseases including Obstructive Sleep Apnea. These devices deliver air to the patient through a facial or nasal mask, and the use of these devices normally results in dryness in the upper airways. However, the exhaled air consists of very high humidity content hence the moisture content of this air can be reused in the inhalation process. This research focuses on testing clinically a previously developed element which can recover the moisture from the exhaled air and use it for re-inhalation. 21 healthy volunteers between the ages of 21 and 55, where 38.1% were females and 61.9% males, were invited to participate in this study. The results show a viable element which is able to trap water molecules from the expiration airflow and release them into the inspiration airflow.