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. 2025 Apr;88(2):264-277.
doi: 10.4046/trd.2024.0196. Epub 2025 Feb 18.

Home High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure: A Literature Review and Suggestions for Clinical Practice

Youjin Chang  1 , Moon Seong Baek  2 , Sei Won Kim  3 , Su Hwan Lee  3 , Jung Soo Kim  4 , So Young Park  5 , Jin Woo Kim  6 , Jae Hwa Cho  7 , Sunghoon Park  8
Affiliations

Home High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Failure: A Literature Review and Suggestions for Clinical Practice

Youjin Chang et al. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul). 2025 Apr.

Abstract

High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a noninvasive respiratory support system that delivers air that is heated at 31°C-38°C, humidified 100%, and oxygen-enriched at a constant high flow rate of 15-60 L/min. Because of its numerous physiological benefits, convenience, and minimal side effects, HFNC has been increasingly used over the past decade in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, yet the clinical benefits of long-term HFNC remain uncertain. Several studies have suggested its potential use as an alternative home oxygen therapy for patients with chronic stable lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, and bronchiectasis. The use of long-term home HFNC in patients with chronic respiratory failure is an emerging area with promising potential. Despite limited clinical research, this review aims to describe the physiology of HFNC use and summarize the current evidence on its long-term application, to provide healthcare providers with insights and perspectives on the potential role of long-term home HFNC.

Keywords: Chronic Lung Disease; High-Flow Nasal Cannula; Home; Oxygen.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest

Jae Hwa Cho is a deputy editor of the journal, but he was not involved in the peer reviewer selection, evaluation, or decision process of this article. No other potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.

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