Introduction:

The use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation has become widespread in the world, with widespread use even in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Objective:

To identify what is known about the use of non-invasive ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome and to analyze its application in this complication in COVID-19.

Development:

Non-invasive mechanical ventilation could appear as one more resource to give respiratory support in patients with COVID-19 infection, however, the scant scientific evidence on its effectiveness in acute respiratory distress syndrome and the risk of contagion by the particle scattering, generates controversy over its use.

Conclusions:

In adults with COVID-19 and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, the use of non-invasive mechanical ventilation should be contraindicated, only assessing its use in very specific and justified cases.

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