Supplemental Humidity
Definition
When the upper airway is bypassed with a tracheostomy air is not heated, warmed or filtered. This can result in thickening of mucus and an increased risk of infection. This function is compensated with various external forms of humidity.
- Airflow from compressor vaporizes water. Heating element warms the water.
- Connects to child with tubing and trach mask.
- Most efficient approach to adding heat and humidity to inspired air.
- Particles are small and able to travel deeper into the airways of the lungs
- Particles are too small to be seen
- Needs AC power source and is not mobile.
- Different manufacturers available
|
High pressure airflow creates small water droplets that can be seen. - Not heated.
- May have internal battery for portability.
|
- Plastic piece with filter material that fits onto the trach
- Holds the exhaled warm and moist air in the airway.
- Helps to filter small objects from the airway
- Filter must be dry for proper function
- Used when child is awake
- Provides greater portability
|
-
Gently instill a few drops to avoid stimulating a cough
- is inefficient and should only be used as a back-up source of humidity
|
-
Environmental conditions will affect the amount of supplemental humidity that is required in any situation.
-
The target values for inspired air are temperatures of 32° to 34° C, 100% relative humidity, and absolute humidity of 33 to 37 mg of H2O/L.
-
No source of supplemental humidity is perfect. Factors to consider when choosing a device include efficacy, safety, cost, and convenience.
