HumidVent HME (3034)

Key points below

Humid-Vent®

Purpose

The HME/Humid-Vent, also called the artificial nose, is used when your child is not able to use the home humidification system that provides heat and moisture to your child’s tracheostomy tube and airway.

Types of artificial noses

1. This type is used with a ventilator.

2. This type is used only for a child with a trach.

Guidelines

Use it only with a doctor’s order.
Use it to provide heat and moisture to your child’s trach when the home humidification system is not used.
If your child uses oxygen, always use oxygen when using the artificial nose.

trach diagram

Your home healthcare provider may offer you different options to add in oxygen.
Use the percentage of oxygen closest to or above the percentage ordered, never below.

Caring for the artificial nose

Do not wash the nose. The filter paper will become harder to breathe through, and this may cause respiratory distress.
If your child coughs or throws the nose on to the floor, wipe it with rubbing alcohol. Let it dry and put it back on your child.

Special directions

If your child has more secretions than normal, do not use the nose. The secretions can make breathing hard for your child.
Replace the nose every 24 hours.
Have your child wear the nose when traveling and for portability at home.
Increase length of time as your child tolerates. Watch for increased secretions. This may take up to 24 hours.
Use only while awake.

ALERT

Call your child’s doctor, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if your child has special health care needs that were not covered by this information.