Humidification system (1452)

What is a humidification system?

The humidification system has many parts. Together, the parts deliver warm, moist air and oxygen to your child's trach tube. This air helps keep the secretions thin. Secretions in the lungs can block the trach tube if they are too thick.

There are four parts to the system.

1. Compressor

Purpose

The air flow delivers the warm moist air through the water chamber, and to your child.

Guidelines

• Keep the compressor free from dirt and dust.
• Keep curtains and bedding away from the compressor.
• Do not put the compressor against the wall. Do not block the filter.
• Keep the compressor on the floor or other smooth, flat surface.

• To check the pressure, turn the compressor on.
• Block the outlet with your finger. The needle on the pressure gauge should read 15 PSI. Make sure you are eye level with the gauge. If it does not, adjust the dial.

• To check the pressure, turn on the CPAP device
• Be sure that the device is set to a pressure of 4
• Place the flow reducer adapter into the tubing as instructed by your home care provider.

• Switch the ventilator to the correct program which will be set by your home care provider.
• Place the flow reducer adapter into the tubing.
• Remove any exhalation valve, and replace it with the 6 inches of tubing and trach mask.

Troubleshooting

1. Is the electrical outlet working?
2. Is the compressor plugged into the outlet?
3. Is the filter clear and clean?
4. Is the compressor on?
5. Is the pressure set?
6. If the compressor still does not work, call your home healthcare provider.

2. Heater and temperature regulator

Purpose

To control the temperature of the air your child is breathing.

Guidelines

• Make sure the temperature probe in good working order.
• To see the temperature, your machine (Machine A) may display this on the front panel. For some machines (Machine B), you will need to push and hold the Alarm Silence button.
• Use a heater wire adapter to connect the circuit to the heater.
• Machine A sets its own temperature automatically. You will need to set the temperature for Machine B. To Set the temperature:

Note: The compressor and the heater work together. One cannot be on without the other.

Troubleshooting

1. Is the electrical outlet working?
2. Is the heater plugged into the outlet?
3. Is the heater on?
4. Is the temperature probe connected?
5. Is the temperature probe broken?
6. Is the heater wire adapter connected?
7. If all else fails, change the circuit.
8. If the heater still does not work, call your home healthcare provider.

3. Patient circuit for trach collar set up

Purpose

The air from the compressor and the water from the heater flow through the tubing to your child. The circuit is long enough to let your child move freely.

Supplies

• Trach collar (mask)
• 1-six inch length of corrugated tubing
• Package of corrugated tubing with wire
• Temperature probe
• Heater wire adapter
• Water chamber
• Bag of sterile water
• Oxygen tubing. If your child is on oxygen, you will have 2nd tubing.
• Reducing adapter
• Multi-access adapter, if using oxygen

Changing the circuit

1. Change the circuit as instructed by your home care provider.
2. Throw away and replace the corrugated tubing.
3. Throw away and replace the humidifier canister.
4. Replace or disinfect the plastic adapter that connects the corrugated tubing.
5. Wipe off the temperature probe with rubbing alcohol.
6. Continue to use any oxygen tubing unless they are cloudy, dirty, or wet inside.

Special directions

• If any water collects in the corrugated tubing, drain it away from your child.
• The corrugated tubing should always be kept below the level of your child’s chest (not draped over a crib railing or pack ‘n play).
• Always have a supply of inhalation water for the humidifier.

4. Oxygen (O2)

Purpose

The oxygen system allows your child to get the prescribed amount of oxygen, by using a set number called a liter flow.

Guidelines

Your oxygen system will consist of both a stationary system, and a portable one. Your home care provider will instruct you on how to use these.

• Use the oxygen system at all times, as ordered by your child’s physician.
• When your child is using the HME (Heat & Moisture Exchanger, or artificial nose) continue to use oxygen.
• Check the amount of oxygen in the portable tank before using

Special directions

• Portable liquid oxygen tanks should always be kept upright, and not transported in the trunk of a car.
• The portable compressed oxygen tanks may be transported in the trunk of a car or may lay flat.
• Keep the oxygen supply at least 5 feet from any heat source like a radiator or fireplace.
• Do not smoke with oxygen in use.
• Do not use electrical devices, including electric toys, blankets, etc. near the oxygen. They may cause sparks.
• Do not use petroleum or acetone based products on your child such as Vaseline™ or nail polish remover, as these items are flammable.
• Follow all directions provided by the home care provider.

Portable oxygen system for non-ventilated tracheostomy patients

When your child is using the artificial nose, you will use the Venturi System™ for oxygen. Use the percentage closest to or above the percentage ordered, never below.

1. Connect the Venturi System™ to your child's trach mask and oxygen system.
2. Set the oxygen liter flow as instructed by your home healthcare provider.

How do I clean the equipment?

• Dust the outside of the compressor to remove dust and dirt.
• Check the sponge-like filter on the compressor. If dusty or dirty, wash it in soapy water and rinse thoroughly in warm water. Let it dry completely before putting it back on the compressor.
• Change the air tubing.
• Wipe off the outside of the heater to remove dust and dirt.
• Follow all directions provided by the home care provider.

For other health and wellness information, check out this resource:

https://kidshealth.org/ChildrensWi/en/parents

This sheet was created to help you care for your child or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.