Clinical Evidence Supporting Use of TrachPhone Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME)

New study shows patients and nurses prefer the TrachPhone HME over a Conventional External Humidification System (CEHS) in hospitalized patients.

Study objectives

Study outcomes

Seventy-one patients with tracheostomy were enrolled in this study.

• 97% (69/71) of patients tolerated TrachPhone HME immediately post-op
• 3% of patients (2/71) did not tolerate the HME due to elevated suctioning needs via tracheostomy
• None of the patients developed respiratory distress, air trapping, or mucus plugs
• 89% of nurses preferred TrachPhone HME over traditional CEHS
• The primary reasons for nursing preference of the TrachPhone HME over CEHS were improved patient mobility, decreased noise in the patient’s room, and ease of set-up

Additional positive results included:

• Patient satisfaction. The authors reported that several patients reported the HME was more comfortable than CEHS and the reduction in noise allowed them to sleep better
• Cost savings. The projected annual cost reduction was $68,000 (based on projected annual 325 tracheostomy procedures, based on 1 HME/day, in the USA)
• Increased patient communication. Nurses reported that with use of the TrachPhone speech valve function, patients had earlier ability to communicate compared to the CEHS. With an increase in effective communication, less anxiety regarding care and improved overall well‐being was reported
• Less training for patients and caregivers. The authors reported ease of patient and family training when HMEs were substituted for CEHSs and stated that patients could often apply the HME independently which promotes self‐care
• Decrease in suction requirements. The authors mention that tracheostomy collars are sometimes displaced and misaligned which prevents optimal and steady humidification. They surmise that because the HME is attached directly to the tracheostomy tube, more consistent heat and humidification is delivered which may decrease the tenacity of secretions

Study conclusions

Replacing CEHS with the TrachPhone HME for tracheostomy patients in the acute care setting was found to be safe, cost-effective, and improved patient comfort and nursing satisfaction. Education, focused training, and positive outcomes with HME implementation were helpful in garnering support for HME use and changing protocols in their humidification process.

Clinical summary

It is well-known that HME use has distinct advantages in the laryngectomy population (Ward et al. 2023). We now have research demonstrating positive outcomes with HME use in the tracheostomy population as well. This data shows that the TrachPhone HME may be the optimal method of humidification for patients with tracheostomy due to the distinct advantages for patients, families, clinicians, and the facility.

Ward EC, Hancock K,Boxall J, et al. Post-laryngectomy pulmonary and related symptom changes following adoption of an optimal day-and-night heat and moisture exchanger (HME) regimen. Head & Neck. 2023;45(4):939‐951. doi:10.1002/hed.27323

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TrachPhone is a lightweight heat and moisture exchanger (HME) that optimizes breathing and pulmonary health with additional features for suctioning and administering supplemental oxygen. It also allows speech by pressing the top of the HME to occlude for voicing.

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