Nonventilated

Nonventilated refers to spaces, devices, or patients that do not receive mechanically supplied ventilation or air exchange. In building and architectural terms, a nonventilated space is one that lacks active ventilation systems such as HVAC equipment designed to introduce outdoor air and remove indoor air. Such spaces may rely on passive or natural ventilation, infiltration, or be effectively sealed. The status of nonventilation has implications for indoor air quality, occupant comfort, humidity control, and energy use; without deliberate air exchange, pollutants, odors, and high carbon dioxide levels can accumulate, especially in occupied rooms.

In medical settings, nonventilated describes a patient not connected to a mechanical ventilator. This can include patients breathing spontaneously or receiving noninvasive oxygen therapy or other support, but not intubation with a ventilator. Decisions about ventilation involve clinical assessment of respiratory function, gas exchange, and underlying condition. Noninvasive ventilation uses interfaces such as masks to support breathing, while invasive ventilation uses endotracheal or tracheostomy tubes; both change the patient’s exposure to ambient air and infection risk.

Management: For buildings, ventilation rates are guided by standards (for example, recommended air exchange per person or per area) and can be improved by installing or upgrading mechanical ventilation, increasing outdoor air intake, or using air filtration and sealing measures. For clinical care, monitoring of respiratory status, oxygenation, and respiratory effort guides the use and escalation of ventilatory support. Nonventilated does not imply absence of care; it defines the ventilation status relative to supportive devices.