What is a Thermovent used for?

The Thermovent T Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) is used for patients with tracheostomies that are fully ventilated or for those that practice spontaneous breathing. This tracheal care component controls the level of heat, preventing ventilation system heat loss.

What is Thermovent t2?

Portex® Sterile, single use heat and moisture exchanger. Provides effective humidification for spontaneously breathing patients whose upper airways are bypassed by a tracheostomy tube. Device can be used for a maximum period of 24 hours.

What is an HME for a trach?

An HME is a humidifying filter that fits onto the end of the trach tube and comes in several shapes and sizes (all styles fit over the standard trach tube opening). There are also HME’s available for portable ventilators. Bedside ventilators have built-in humidifiers.

How do you humidify a tracheostomy?

There are several ways to humidify (moisturize) the air before it reaches your child’s lungs. The method you use depends on how long your child has had the tracheostomy, the dryness of the air, and thickness of your child’s mucus. Humidify the air through a mist collar, a Humid-Vent®, a ventilator, or saline aerosols.

How often do you change HME?

Change the HME at least every 24 hours and more frequently, as needed. Change the HME when patient complains about increased breathing resistance, which may occur if the HME becomes saturated with mucus. DO NOT rinse out the HME cassette.

How often should an HME be changed?

Can you use distilled water for trach humidifier?

Use tap water, and your bound to set those lungs up for an infection. This goes the same for humidifiers for BiPAP, CPAP, ventilators and even room humidifiers. As far as using sterile or distilled water, water is more irritating to the airways and can cause lots of coughing compared to the normal saline.