> 1. It was my understanding that cuffed trachs, as well as foam
> trachs, should have the pressure relieved daily. A nurse of mine
> claims this is unnecessary. She has a hands off policy. Is she
> wrong, over her head in training, and/or just being lazy?
>
Yes you should deflate the cuff for a while each day. You may want to
increase the volume to compensate for the leak. Or just hold your
breath.
> 2. I have an insufficient (at least for my crooked and cratered
> trachea) #8 Shiley trach. It is too short and requires far too
> much air pressure. The old Portex (my provider switched to
> Shiley) must have been an inch longer. Not always too kewl at
> changes, but at least I was more confident in its placement and
> that it would stay put. The Portex didn't oozes crapola onto my
> chest, such as the Shiley. Wonderful sight, indeed. Does Shiley
> trachs come in longer sizes and/or a size #10 (with also a longer
> length)? I have lousy support and I am unable to access the
> Internet at this time.
>
I would think your medical supplier should be able to order supplies
from anywhere. Mine does. I tell them what I want and they order it.
They jack up the price of everything they buy anyway, so why would they
care where it comes from?
> 3. Are there better types of trach ties?
>
I use Dale ties that are velcro. The velcro makes it real easy to
adjust how tight you want it.
> 4. Are there any types of foot pumped ambu bags?
>
Not that I know of, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.
> 5. Does the PLV100 have a remote alarm and/or does anyone know
> how to jerry rig something effective?
>
Yes it does.
>
Eric