May 20, 2025   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

New Study Confirms Vapotherm's Unicorn(TM) Cannula Provides Comparable Efficacy at Lower Flow Rates

Published Research in Critical Care Explorations Highlights Benefits of Single-Prong Cannula Design for Hypercapnic Patients(1)

EXETER, N.H., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vapotherm, Inc., the global leader in mask-free noninvasive respiratory support, is proud to announce the publication of a new clinical study, Effect of Single-Prong Cannula Design with High Velocity Therapy: Comparable Efficacy at Lower Gas Flow Rates, in Critical Care Explorations. The study demonstrates that the ProSoft® Unicorn(TM) Cannula, a single-prong high velocity therapy cannula, provides comparable relief of dyspnea at significantly lower flow rates compared to traditional dual-prong cannulas.

The study, led by Dr. Charles Atwood, evaluated 26 hypercapnic COPD patients in a randomized crossover trial. The results showed that patients using the Unicorn Cannula experienced comparable relief of dyspnea at a median flow rate of just 15 LPM, compared to 25 LPM for traditional dual-prong cannulas.

"The bore-size of a nasal cannula matters. By flushing the upper airway dead space with high velocity fresh gas, HVT improves ventilation and reduces the work of breathing," said Dr. Jessica Whittle, Chief Medical Officer at Vapotherm. "As a practicing emergency physician, it's so exciting to see a single prong cannula in the adult space for all patients - including those with broken noses, cleft palates, NG tubes, and other challenges."

A New Standard for Efficiency in Respiratory Care

One of the most significant findings of the study is the potential for oxygen conservation, making the Unicorn Cannula an ideal option for rural hospitals, international healthcare settings, and future home care patients who need effective therapy while reducing oxygen consumption.

"We're excited to see the Unicorn Cannula delivering the same clinical benefit at lower flow rates," said Joe Army, President and CEO of Vapotherm. "For oxygen-limited facilities, transport of patients within the hospital, and for home patients, this can mean a more sustainable and comfortable therapy option. Patients who switch nostrils throughout the day may experience less irritation leading to greater compliance--all while maintaining effective CO? clearance."

Key Takeaways from the Study:

    --  Comparable Dyspnea Relief at Lower Flow Rates: The Unicorn Cannula
        achieved similar dyspnea relief as traditional dual-prong cannulas at
        lower flow rates.
    --  Enhanced Comfort and Versatility: The Unicorn Cannula is an option for
        patients with facial deformities, trauma and for those requiring
        nasogastric tubes, offering an effective alternative to dual-prong
        systems.
    --  Increased Comfort may mean increased Compliance for Future Home
        Patients: The single-prong design allows patients to alternate the nasal
        prong from one naris to the other to minimize irritation.

Expanding the Clinical Understanding of High-Velocity Therapy

The study, now available in Critical Care Explorations, adds to the growing body of evidence supporting high velocity therapy as an alternative to non-invasive ventilation, for spontaneously breathing patients.

Healthcare professionals interested in learning more can access the full publication here: Critical Care Explorations Study Link

For more information about the Unicorn Cannula or to explore how it can enhance patient care, visit Vapotherm.com or contact MedicalAffairs@vtherm.com for any questions.

About Vapotherm

Vapotherm, Inc. based in Exeter, NH, is dedicated to improving respiratory care through innovation and clinical excellence. By developing advanced solutions like high velocity therapy, Vapotherm empowers healthcare providers to deliver superior patient outcomes while enhancing the care experience and reducing the total cost of care.

    1. Atwood, Charles MD; Sethi, Jigme MD; Bergeski, Amy MHA, RRT-NPS; Dungan,
       George C. II MPhil (Med); Volakis, Leonithas I. MS, PhD; Whittle, Jessica
       S. MD, PhD. Effect of Single-Prong Cannula Design With High Velocity
       Therapy: Comparable Efficacy at Lower Gas Flow Rates. Critical Care
       Explorations 7(2):p e1209, February 2025. | DOI:
       10.1097/CCE.0000000000001209

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SOURCE Vapotherm, Inc.