Humidifier reduces pneumonia

The illness typically affects 10 per cent of patients in ICU, leading to further complications and an extended stay in hospital. The death rate is one of the highest for any hospital-acquired infection.

Existing active humidifiers add water to air inspired by a patient, but bacteria grow in the condensation in the breathing circuits and can cause VAP.

’A high proportion of the patients in intensive care need assistance with breathing. Normally as you breathe the air is warmed and humidified by the nose. However, for a patient on a mechanical ventilator this happens artificially, resulting in pools of condensation forming in the tubes. If colonised by bacteria, these can lead to VAP,’ said Dr Gilbert Park at the John Farman ICU at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

The Hydrator system, on the other hand, works by preventing such condensation and, unlike existing active humidifiers, incorporates a filter that contains the harmful bacteria. The Hydrator ensures that the air is fully humidified, meaning that the patient can use it for the full duration of their stay in hospital.