After a laryngectomy, your nose and upper airway are no longer working to "condition" the air you breathe. This often leads to excessive mucus and subsequent coughing, shortness of breath and a decrease in energy. However, if you wear an Atos Provox HME (Heat and Moisture Exchanger) over your stoma, you will begin to relieve these complications.
The temperature of the inhaled air will increase and will be humidified. Your "breathing resistance" will increase (this is very important for maximum utilization of the lungs).
The "climate" of your breathing system will be constant and not as susceptible to seasonal changes or indoor/outdoor changes in temperature and humidity. Multiple studies have found that regular usage of an HME improves the quality of life. This is because you will cough less and produce less sputum.
Cassettes work by collecting moisture and warmth from the air you exhale and returning it to the air you breathe in. Another benefit of the Provox® HME Cassette is that the air enters and exits through side openings, which prevents wet stains on clothing.
The new XtraMoist HME comes even closer to mimicking normal nasal function. The humidification is improved and good airflow is maintained for easy breathing. XtraMoist is recommended for patients who have recently undergone a total laryngectomy, and for accustomed users of HMEs.
The new XtraFlow HME delivers superior airflow. XtraFlow is great to use when exercising, adapting to using an HME, and for those who prefer lower resistance breathing.
The Provox® HME Cassettes are disposable and should be replaced at least every 24 hours.
Base Plates: (To order, see below) The Provox® HME cassette is held in place by an adhesive "base plate". The adhesive and shape of the base plate
is very important since its primary purpose is to hold the HME and seal it tightly against your skin. Also, if the base plate does not stick to the skin tightly, some of the exhaled air will leak out during speech, resulting in a weaker voice and/or distracting noises. Base plate adhesives:
- FlexiDerm is very flexible and has the strongest adhesive properties. It is especially suitable for persons with a deep and/or irregular stoma or those who prefer a very soft and flexible adhesive. Average durability: 48 hours.
- Regular is an easy-to-remove, easy to handle transparent adhesive that is less flexible than FlexiDerm and leaves less residual glue. Recommended for persons with a regular (normal) stoma and skin. Average durability: 24 hours.
Package of 30 Cassettes. Approximately $4.17 per Cassette.