A tracheostomy bypasses the normal upper airway mechanisms for humidification, filtration and warming of inspired gases.

Without supplementary humidification, secretions in the airways get thick and sticky, and may block the tracheostomy tube or cause infection.

There are various methods to provide supplementary humidification, and these can be tailored to the patient’s needs:

Buchannan™ protector

If the patient is not on oxygen but experiencing copious secretions.

Swedish nose (aka Heat and Moisture Exchanger)

If the patient is not experiencing copious secretions.

Swedish nose with entrained oxygen

If the patient is not experiencing copious secretions but requires supplementary oxygen.

Saline nebuliser

For patients with thick secretions.

Cold water venturi humidification aquapak™ system

For patients on oxygen and/or high secretion load.

AIRVOTM humidifier

For patients on oxygen.