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. 2023 Apr;45(4):939-951.
doi: 10.1002/hed.27323. Epub 2023 Feb 20.

Post-laryngectomy pulmonary and related symptom changes following adoption of an optimal day-and-night heat and moisture exchanger (HME) regimen

Elizabeth C Ward  1   2 , Kelli Hancock  3 , Jenni Boxall  3 , Clare L Burns  4 , Ann-Louise Spurgin  4 , Belinda Lehn  4 , Juliet Hoey  4 , Rachelle Robinson  5 , Adele Coleman  1
Affiliations

Post-laryngectomy pulmonary and related symptom changes following adoption of an optimal day-and-night heat and moisture exchanger (HME) regimen

Elizabeth C Ward et al. Head Neck. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

Background: This study examined post-laryngectomy pulmonary and related symptom changes following establishment of an optimal day/night regimen (all day/night wear of devices with improved humidification) using a new generation range of heat and moisture exchanger (HME) devices.

Methods: In Phase 1 (6 weeks), 42 post-laryngectomy HME users transitioned from their usual HME regime to equivalent new device/s (i.e., "like-for-like"). In Phase 2 (6 weeks) participants used the full range of HMEs to achieve an optimal day/night regimen. Pulmonary symptoms, device use, sleep, skin integrity, quality of life and satisfaction were examined at baseline, and weeks 2 and 6 of each Phase.

Results: From baseline to end of Phase 2, cough symptoms and impact significantly improved, as did sputum symptoms, sputum impact, duration and types of HMEs used, reasons for HME replacement, involuntary coughs, and sleep.

Conclusion: The new HME range supported improved HME use, with pulmonary and related symptom benefits.

Keywords: heat and moisture exchanger; laryngectomy; pulmonary; speech pathology.

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References

REFERENCES

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