A question about the Passy-Muir valve.

Blane N Beckwith (blane10(AT)juno.com)
Sun, 12 Apr 1998 20:26:21 -0700

I would like to ask another question about the Passy-Muir valve,
since I am finally in the process of getting one. I have been told that
using a Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME, aka "artificial nose") is useless
while using a Passy-Muir valve. This makes sense to me since the
exhalation port is bypassed when using a Passy-Muir valve. An HME
wouldn't do anything! My question is, how do you keep your windpipe from
getting dryed out?

I use a cascade humidifier when using my bedside vent, but depend
on a HME for humidification when I'm on my chair-mounted vent. I am a
bit concerned about drying out my windpipe, causing my secretions to get
thick and hard to manage. I would be grateful for any advice anyone can
give. Thank you!

Blane Beckwith
:-)

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