Whitepaper Tracheostomy HMEs: Exploring the standards in humidification

A tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that creates a permanent or temporary opening (stoma) in the neck.

Indications for the surgery vary, but patients with a tracheostomy must then contend with the lack of heat and humidification, normally provided by the nose and other parts of the upper airways, that keeps the lungs and tracheal climate moist and functional. While active sources of humidification are well-established in tracheostomy patients, especially those in hospital environments, passive humidifiers such as Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) can provide quiet, portable and effective humidification. Both a review of the literature on tracheostomy HMEs and user evaluations using the TrachPhone device show positive results in patients, and offer ideas for further research in this promising area.

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