Tips if you are NEW to wearing a HME, or working towards 24-hour use
If you have breathed through an open stoma for a while, using an HME will take some getting used to. But it’s worth sticking with it, as you will see the benefits quite quickly.
Here are 4 things that people find they needed to get used to:
1. Breathing feels different
At first you may find it a little harder to breathe with your new HME. This is fairly common but it doesn’t take long before you get used to it.
Tip: If you find breathing hard, remove your HME for a few minutes, then attach it again. Over time, you’ll need to do this less and less. You could also try using Provox XtraFlow, which makes it easier to breathe when you’re active.
2. Coughing gets better over time
For the first few days, you may find that your mucus becomes thinner, and it can feel like you’re producing more of it. This will get better quite quickly. You’ll produce less mucus, and you’ll cough less. Your windpipe will also get less irritated. After about two weeks, you’ll notice a big improvement.
Tip: Make a note of the number of coughs every hour, for a few days. You’ll see the number drop!
3. Keeping your HME clean is important
You will cough from time to time. If you do, remove your HME and cover your stoma with a tissue to protect yourself and those around you. If you don’t have enough time to get ready and your HME catches the mucus on the surface, just remove your HME and wipe it clean with a dry tissue. If mucus gets inside the HME, change the HME. You should never wash the HME as it will not function properly.
Tip: After coughing, always clean your stoma and adhesive carefully. This will help make sure the adhesive doesn’t loosen and that your skin doesn’t get irritated.
4. Different HMEs work better in different situations
The Provox XtraMoist gives you the best humidification for lung health and most people find this a good choice 24 hours a day.
If you are active, Provox XtraFlow may be of benefit. Speak to your health care provider or talk to one of our customer care team for more information.
Tip: Get to know the different options for HMEs and other products.
References
Macri, G. F., Bogaardt, H., Parrilla, C., Minni, A., D'Alatri, L., de Vincentiis, M., Greco, A., & Paludetti, G. (2016). Patients' experiences with HMEs and attachments after total laryngectomy. Clin Otolaryngol, 41(6), 652-659. https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.12578
Parrilla, C., Minni, A., Bogaardt, H., Macri, G. F., Battista, M., Roukos, R., Pandolfini, M., Ruoppolo, G., Paludetti, G., D'Alatri, L., & de, V. M. (2015). Pulmonary Rehabilitation After Total Laryngectomy: A Multicenter Time-Series Clinical Trial Evaluating the Provox XtraHME in HME-Naive Patients. Ann. Otol. Rhinol Laryngol, 124(9), 706-713. https://doi.org/0003489415579219 [pii];10.1177/0003489415579219 [doi] (Not in File)
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