2009 Comment: Leaving invasive ventilation behind

PMA Calverley a. The Lancet, Early Online Publication, 13 August 2009doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(09)61462-8
The ability to assist ventilation, usually by addition of inspiratory pressure support with increased expiratory pressure, is the essence of non-invasive ventilation. This technique reduces the work of breathing, decreases ventilatory drive and respiratory rate, boosts tidal volume and alveolar ventilation, and can be applied with a nasal or full facemask without compromising the defences of the upper airway.1

Go to Lancet here.