In noninvasive mechanical ventilation, the mask interface selection and design are the first physical contact with the patient and the more relevant determinant in their tolerance and response. There are a great number of designs and studies that focus on this topic. However, there is no practical book that incorporates deep analysis, rational physical determinants and patients' responses. This book aims to offer comprehensive expert review chapters on the most significant recent developments in the field of mask interfaces for noninvasive mechanical ventilation, detailing the technology, practices and clinical implications in pulmonary and critical care by providing clear insights and interpretations. Chapters are intended to serve as a reference to those involved in technology, mask selection and patient interaction to properly deliver noninvasive ventilation (incorporating comfort, gas exchange, work of breathing, lung physiology, and interactions of positive pressure) in treatment of acute and chronic respiratory disorders. This aims to offer physicians and researchers a key cornerstone book to understand the basic technology of noninvasive ventilation interfaces and noninvasive ventilation response. The book describes how mask interface technology influences noninvasive ventilation in four main aspects: 1) patient response (comfort, adaptation, noninvasive ventilation failure); 2) methodology (ventilatory modes, mechanical ventilators as a scientific reference for researchers, respiratory technicians and physicians); 3) New mask interface technology and new indications of noninvasive ventilation; and 4) Summary of key practical elements about mask interfaces to understand indications of noninvasive ventilation.
