Airflow Resistance of Heat and Moisture Exchange Filters with and without a Tracheostoma Valve

Abstract

Rehabilitation of laryngectomees has been furthered by the introduction of heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters, placed over a tracheostoma or on a tracheostoma valve (TSV). The airflow resistance of HME filters is an important factor with regard to the comfort of the patient. The goal of this study was to determine the airflow resistance (defined as the pressure drop over the device divided by the squared airflow through the device) of 4 commercially available HME filters with and without a TSV. The pressure drop over and the airflow through the devices were measured in vitro. Distinct differences among the devices were found. The mean airflow resistance of the HME filters ranged from 135 to 346 Pa • s2/L2, that of TSVs was between 66 and 297 Pa • s2/L2, and that of the combination was between 263 and 454 Pa • s2/L2. The Stom-Vent 2 HME filter and the Adeva Window TSV with an Adeva filter had the lowest airflow resistance of the devices measured in this study.