Tracheostoma protection
Healthy respiratory tracts are very efficient at moistening and warming the air, even under extreme temperatures. The nose and throat anatomically ensure that the air temperature in the lower respiratory tract reaches 37 °C and 98 % air humidity.
Patients who have undergone laryngectomy and tracheotomy no longer have functioning regulatory mechanisms in their upper respiratory tracts. In contrast to healthy people, their tracheas are exposed to drier, colder and unfiltered air. The resulting irritation leads to increased production of mucus with a consequent danger of the secretion drying up and becoming crusted. In addition to a considerably increased susceptibility to infection, this phenomenon significantly impairs patients’ quality of life. Appropriate tracheostoma protection is essential, not only for these reasons, but also because of the necessary increase in respiratory resistance for maintaining the lung capacity and to conceal the tracheostoma.
In our range of products you will find various products which can be used according to individual requirements to replace the physiological protective and filtering functions of the nose:
- Larynx neckerchiefs, protection bibs and rollis
offer a considerable protective function. They are available in many colours and designs, and you can individually coordinate this form of tracheostoma protection with your wardrobe. The products can be easily cleaned in a washbasin using a mild detergent. Here we recommend that you always keep the Velcro strips closed. This ensures that their fastening properties are retained.
- Tracheofix
are small inconspicuous foam filters which are fastened directly over the tracheostoma with an adhesive strip. A quick solution for all patients who no longer wear a cannula. - HME filters
are above all a hygienic possibility of closing the tracheostsoma to enable talking for all patients with a shunt valve (so-called voice prosthesis). They are fixed into place using adhesive systems or tracheal cannulas with appropriate uptake. - Artificial noses
are made for being attached to a 15 mm standard connector of a tracheal cannula.
A practical tip:
The disposable filter should be changed at least every 24 hours, and even more frequently if required. Tracheostoma protection should be worn day and night to achieve the best possible effect. As a rule, it takes several weeks until the pulmonary symptoms improve (e.g., mucous obstruction).
