Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) is the most common organ failure and cause of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) among patients with COVID-19. As with all forms of AHRF, ICU management is supportive while treating the underlying cause. Because the traditional respiratory support of invasive ventilation, ie, intubation and coupling of the patient to the mechanical ventilator, carries high morbidity and mortality, less invasive respiratory support methods have been studied for decades. The overwhelming demands on ICU resources seen during waves of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have accelerated interest in the applicability of alternative respiratory support.