[mhb]

A ventilator always requires intubation

Can you elaborate? This ventilator documentation[0] says for invasive and noninvasive ventilation

[0] https://www.usa.philips.com/healthcare/product/HCNOCTN98/res...

[Mvandenbergh]

Many vents can also operate in BiPAP or CPAP modes or as pure demand O2 supplies for people who can still breathe. That can be done with a mask.

[greedo]

When treating bilateral interstitial pneumonia, you're almost always intubating. Patients presenting BIP require higher oxygenation than a CPAP style mask can provide. Using a limited availability ventilator with just a mask is a waste at this time.