Tracheostomy Humidification

The nose and mouth provide warmth, moisture and filtration for the air we breathe. Having a tracheostomy tube, however, by-passes these mechanisms so humidification must be provided to keep secretions thin and to avoid mucus plugs. To keep the environment at an optimal humidity level, follow the procedures below.

Equipment

• Air compressor
• Nebulizer bottle
• Aerosol tubing
• Trach mask
• Sterile water
• Saline ampules (“bullets”)
• Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME) Also known by several other terms including: Thermal Humidifying Filters, Swedish nose, Artificial nose, Filter, Thermovent T.
• Room/home humidifiers

Attach a mist collar (trach mask) with aerosol tubing over the trach with the other end of tubing attached to the nebulizer bottle and air compressor. Sterile water goes into the nebulizer bottle (do not overfill, note line guide). Oxygen can also be delivered via the mist collar if needed.

Heated mist may be ordered. Heated mist is accomplished by an electric heating rod that fits into the nebulizer bottle. Extra care should be taken to be sure the bottle does not go dry, which could melt plastic. Many of these heating elements do not have automatic shut-offs and this could be a potential fire hazard. Also, more moisture will accumulate in the aerosol tubing with heated mist. Moisture that accumulates in the aerosol tubing must be removed frequently to prevent occlusion (blocking) of the tube and/or accidental aspiration (inhalation). Disconnect tubing at the trach end, empty into a container and discard. Do not drain fluid into the humidifying unit. Fluid traps (or drainage bags) are helpful in preventing occlusion and aspiration. These collection devices also need to be emptied frequently. Position the air compressor and tubing lower than the patient to help prevent aspiration from moisture in the tubing. A mist collar can also be worn during the day when mucus is thick or blood tinged. Sterile saline drops can be instilled into the trach tube if secretions become thick and difficult to suction. A saline nebulizer treatment is also helpful to loosen secretions if the patient has a nebulizer machine. Additional fluid intake also helps to keep secretions thinner.

Secretions can be kept thin during the day by applying a Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME) to the trach tube. An HME is a humidifying filter that fits onto the end of the trach tube and comes in several shapes and sizes (all styles fit over the standard trach tube opening). There are also HME’s available for portable ventilators. Bedside ventilators have built-in humidifiers. HME’s also help prevent small particles from entering the trach tube. Change HME daily and as needed if soiled or wet.

Source - http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/tracheostomy