> Hi
> Have been reading the emails about Passy-Muir valves. I am a speech
> patholgist and help people learn to speak while on their ventilators.
> Trachs, speaking vales are confusing and in addition some
> customization
> can be done for individuals which can make it even more confusing.
> The
> Passy-Muir valve is a one way speaking valve. You must use it with
> the
> cuff down or a cuffless trach. There are other one way speaking
> valves
> some attach on or near the trach and some attach to the exhilation
> port.
> These valves permit speaking on exhalation. When the cuff is down
> (and
> you are not wearing a one way speaking valve, you should be able to
> speak
> during the inspiratory cycle only. The one way speaking valve permits
>
> speaking on exhalation and therefore speaking without a pause making
> for
> more natural speech (which is what speech pathologists like:) ). If
> you
> feel short of breath when using a one way speaking valve, you can
> "stack
> breaths" by closing your vocal cords (which happens when you bear down
>
> like as though you need to lift something heavy). Then more air will
> stay
> in your lungs. After awhile you get used to using a one way speaking
> valve but it is tiring at first. I have worked with two people who
> just
> could not use one for several reasons. We tried a peep valve attached
> to
> the exhilation port. This permitted longer talking on the inspiratory
>
> cycle (trach is cuffless). A 12 peep valve seemed to work well for
> them
> but we had to do some experimenting first.
>
> Anyway, when people are first learning how to speak while on a
> ventilator,
> I have found the team approach a must with the client leading the team
> of
> respiratory therapy, caregiver, doctor and myself. I find myself
> still
> learning more information especially as the technology changes so I
> really
> appreciate being a part of a listserve such as this and learning what
> people like and don't like and why! Thanks
>
> Kathy Smith, M.S., C.C.C.
> Augmentative Communication Center
> Assistive Technology Clinic
> University of Washington Medical Center
> phone:(206)543-3134
> email ksmith(AT)u.washington.edu
Hi, Kathleen Im on a LP6 vent and cuffless without the aid of a valve
able talk. lately I ve been blowing out air on inspiratory cycle every
now & then. Is that vent related? or leak? or just a personal problem??
:)
Cody Namesnik