High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC): Extra Breathing Support Through Your Baby’s Nose
What Is High-Flow Nasal Cannula?
High-flow nasal cannula, often called HFNC or simply high flow, provides warmed and humidified air and oxygen through small prongs that rest in your baby’s nose.
It delivers gas at a higher flow rate than a standard nasal cannula. This can help support your baby’s breathing and may reduce some of the work it takes to breathe.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
You may hear your NICU team talk about two different settings:
Flow: Usually measured in liters per minute (L/min), this refers to how quickly the air and oxygen mixture is being delivered.
FiO₂: This is the percentage of oxygen in the mixture your baby is receiving. Room air contains about 21% oxygen.
Your baby’s care team adjusts these settings based on breathing effort, oxygen saturation and your baby’s overall condition.
Why Might My Baby Need High Flow?
HFNC may be used when a baby needs more respiratory support than a standard nasal cannula can provide but does not require—or is transitioning from—another type of support.
Some babies may move from CPAP to high flow as their breathing improves. Others may need high flow for different reasons based on their individual respiratory needs.
What Can Parents Expect?
The small nasal prongs allow much of your baby’s face to remain visible. Depending on your baby's condition and NICU practices, you may still be able to hold your baby, provide skin-to-skin care and participate in other aspects of care.
Respiratory support often changes during a NICU stay. Moving between different types or levels of support allows the care team to respond to what your baby needs at that time.
