Re: A question about the Passy-Muir valve.

James Lubin (jlubin(AT)eskimo.com)
Fri, 17 Apr 1998 18:43:38 -0700

I don't use a HME or any humidification while I'm in my chair and using the
Passy-Muir valve. I exhale through my nose and have never had a problem
with my mouth or windpipe gettitng dryed out. The only time my windpipe
gets dryed out is when I talk alot. I use a humidifer at night while in
bed. I usually only need to be suctioned once or twice during the day, I
can usually cough up secretions when I have the valve in. Need to be
suctioned more at night, 3 to 4 times average per night, but some nights
not at all.

At 08:26 PM 4/12/98 -0700, Blane N Beckwith wrote:
> 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!

Jim Lubin
http://www.eskimo.com/~jlubin
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