Humidification
Children with tracheostomies need to breathe air that is warmed and moistened for them.
This is called humidification. Humidification stops the lungs becoming dry and keeps secretions thin for suctioning [2, 5].
Humidifying filters are usually worn by children with tracheostomies. These filters humidify air and help to stop dust, fluids and small items from entering the tracheostomy. These filters are called ‘heat and moisture exchangers’ or HMEs [2, 5].
Filters come in different shapes and sizes. They simply fit onto the end of the tracheostomy tube. Sometimes children pull their filter off. Just put the filter back on if it did not fall on the ground, otherwise replace it. Filters should be thrown away when full of secretions [2].
Mini HME
Large HME