The function of your nose

Your nose does more than just smell. It also warms, humidifies, and filters the air you breathe. This ensures that the air is at the right temperature and has enough moisture when it reaches your lungs. This is important for proper lung function.

With a tracheostomy, cold, dry, unfiltered air enters your lungs through the tracheostomy tube. As a result, your lungs may produce more mucus, leading to increased coughing and irritation. Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) are designed to compensate for the lost functions of the nose and can help maintain a better “climate” in the lungs.