Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Preoxygenation Techniques for Tracheal Intubation in Critically Ill Adults Utilizing Oxygen Mask and Noninvasive Ventilation
Published on: December 5, 2025
[Application of CPAP improves oxygenation during normobaric and hypobaric hypoxia]
Robert Koch1, Evelyn Punter, Hannes Gatterer
1Klinische Abteilung für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. robert.koch@i-med.ac.at
Abstract:
This pilot project was performed to investigate the possible application of a portable CPAP helmet (continuous positive airway pressure) to treat high altitude diseases. Arterial oxygen saturation increased from 80.6 +/- 3.4 % to 90.6 +/- 3.8 % (p < 0.01, n = 14) when using the CPAP helmet (PEEP (positive endexpiratory pressure): 10-15 cm H2O) in normobaric hypoxia (FiO2 12.9 +/- 0.4 %, corresponding to about 4300 m). Furthermore arterial oxygen saturation was enhanced (88.1 +/- 1.9 % to 93.5 +/- 3.0 %; p < 0.01, n = 11) at real altitude (3150 m) after a 20 minute application of the CPAP helmet. There was a correlation between differences in PaCO2 and arterial oxygen saturation during CPAP (R = -0.97, p < 0.01, n = 6). Further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness, its mechanisms in context with altitude diseases, and the applicability of this treatment under extreme environmental conditions.
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