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Air Compressors
Compressors are used to provide humidification for a patient with a tracheostomy. When you bypass the nose you lose that function which was to filter, warm, and humidify the air that you breathe in. The compressor provides air, not oxygen, and the humidifier provides an adjustable amount of humidity. The adjustable ring at the top of the humidity bottle regulates the amount of air the bottle delivers. At the same time this adjustment controls how much moisture passes through the system. The louder the air sounds, the more flow and moisture the bottle provides.

When we add oxygen to this system everything becomes more complicated. How complicated depends on how your doctor ordered the oxygen. If you are using the little colored connecters to attach the oxygen, then any adjustment to the humidity bottle affects the percentage of oxygen you are receiving. If we are simply “bleeding” in the oxygen and then measuring it, again an adjustment to the humidity bottle will affect the percentage you are receiving. We could just go on explaining this situation but then we would have to go over the gas laws and that’s pretty boring. Just remember, when the machines are set up and measured, try to leave them set where they are.

The amount of humidity that you need should be judged by how thick your secretions are. If they are very thick and difficult for you to clear or suction, then more humidity will be helpful. When you find that the trach collar and or your neck are moist, or when you have to suction often and the secretions are very thin, turn the humidity down. You don’t need to see pillowing clouds of mist coming from your tubing. A wet area becomes a breeding ground for bacteria so find a comfortable level and try to stay there. The problems and complications from too much humidity can be very serious so please contact Respira with any questions or concerns you may have.
 
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