The Process of Cleaning Mucus from the HME

by Hospital Product Directory CEO

Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) filter support as the stoma covers and produces a tight seal around the stoma. In addition to sifting dust and other larger flying particles, HMEs preserve some of the humidity and heat inside the respiratory tract and stop their loss, and add resistance to the airflow. HME filters bought from HME Filter Dealers support reinstating the temperature, moisture, and cleanliness of the inhaled air to the same condition as before the laryngectomy.

There are two kinds of HMEs – one that needs sealing by pressing on it with one’s finger, and the other where the sealing is triggered mechanically (Hands-Free) whenever speaking is initiated.

The HME is not straight devoted to the stoma; so an interface is required to keep the HME in place. Patients may opt for either glue, around the stoma (peristomal) addons, or inside the stoma (intraluminal) machines such as laryngectomy tubes and buttons. Glue and peristomal add-ons work best for patients with flat neck topography or huge and irregular stomas. Laryngectomy tubes and keys are preferred for patients with deep-set stomas, uneven neck topography, and/or smaller, round stomas.

For patients who picked not to use HME filters supplied by HME Filter Dealers, it remains vital to keep the stoma covered to defend the airway from matter such as dust, pollen, insects, and other airborne particulates. It is vital, however, to identify that stoma covers (i.e., laryngospasm TM filter, ascot, bandana, etc.) purpose only to filter and not to dampen or warm the air. Stoma covers may also serve a beautifying function to minimalize the visibility of the stoma. Stoma covers array from small foam quadrangles that stick to the neck above the stoma to “dickie” mock t-shirts. Patients are often imaginative in using items like mufflers and jewelry to “mask” the stoma as well.

It is usual for laryngectomee to cough and clear oozes throughout the day. With continued use of an HME, these oozes generally become more controllable. Many individuals observe that the number of their oozes reduces and becomes less thick. This does not arise overnight and several weeks may be obligatory to notice this change.

When the HME is used right after laryngectomy there is not much alteration desired, because up to the surgery, the nose and throat were still functioning. Though, when the laryngectomee starts using an HME not right away after the surgery, it takes time to regulate it. This is because air resistance with the HME is higher than that with an open stoma inhalation, and some patients may feel some uneasiness. This can be evaded by starting with a lower resistance HME and swapping after a few days up to a week to a consistent resistance HME.

More secretion is originally formed by laryngectomee after starting using an HME when this is not finished after the operation. This is because the airway of these individuals got used to yield more mucus and dampness which were lost during exhalation. These vapors are seized by the newly worn HME and the laryngectomee experiences retaining more mucus. This normally lasts a few days until the airway alters to the effects of the HME.

When slippery is coughed, it will rest against the back of the HME case where plastic bars recognized as “mucous guards” are stopping the mucous from deeply penetrating the foam. When this occurs, it may become problematic to respire until the mucous is cleared. It is significant, therefore, to wipe off the mucous from the HME case (using a soft cloth, a tissue, or a devoted soft toothbrush) as frequently as essential to ensure one is breathing comfortably and their oozes are well managed. When acceptable cleaning is not likely the HME filter bought from HME Filter Dealers must be replaced.