Trach-ties
Tracheostomy Accessories
Trach-ties
Trach Accessories
There are many accessories for use with a trach as well as many types of trach tubes:
Trach Bibs
When trachs were just tracheal stomas there were "trach bibs" to cover the stoma and give some filtration. They also indirectly worked as a heat and moisture exchanger in the crudest form. They were mainly used for esthetics.
They are also useful to prevent the projection of "rockets",
as my children call them, from the stoma or trach tube if the trached person
should happen to cough or sneeze. They can also protect the person with the
trach from particulates in the air, acting like a filter. Unfortunately after
months of search I have been unable to find any in the commercial marketplace.
So with the time I have on my hands I have learned to crochet them myself. It
isn't really all that difficult!
They can be anything from very plain to a little frilly for females, to a
more "dressy" look with colored trim for any person or to coordinate with any
wardrobe. I can also make them in any size from XS for children to XL for
larger adults.
If you are interested in learning more about trach bibs or how to obtain them
you can email me.....trachties@comcast.net
HME
There are HME (Heat & Moisture Exchanger) that many use. They act in the same way your nose and upper airway would do, to filter, moisten and maintain temperature of the air you are breathing. They come in a variety of shapes, most are universal in size so they fit any size trach tube.
Tracheolife HMET-vent oxygen adapterThermovent T
images courtesy of Mallinkrodt/Nellcor and Portex
Speakeasy - combination HME and speak valve
sorry don't know who carries them anymore
Speaking Valves
Once someone has a trach tube usually their voice isn't as good quality as it once was. If the vocal cords and folds can still move, those with a trach are still capable of talking, even with a non-fenestrated trach tube. Without something to help divert the air back up through the throat and mouth it gets weak and you get winded easily. There are "speaking" valves that can be attached to the trach tube to help with this. They are a one way valve, that allows air to come in through the trach tube, but then seals to divert the exhaled air up through the cords, upper airway and mouth. This way someone with a trach that is capable of talking may do so and not get as winded and have a relatively normal projection to their voice.
Passy Muir Valves
images courtesy of PassyMuir
Portex Speaking Valve
image courtesy of Portex
Trach Tube Holders
There are a variety of devices used as trach holders as well:
Not everyone can manage the twill ties that come in some trach cleaning kits. Others find them uncomfortable. For these and many other reasons people with trachs or their caregivers have become
quite resourceful in finding alternatives.
Twill tape;The old standard twill tape trach ties are still around. They are used by some. If you are doing your own trach care they can pose a problem trying to get them through the flange holes. They also tend to fray leaving small threads that can find their way to the trach opening.
Velcro Trach Tube holders;Others use the commercial trach tube holders that have velcro as fasteners. The velcro is easier to slip through the flange to secure to the trach. These are my particular favorite since they are easy to use when you are alone. One disadvantage is that more of the neck is covered, depending on the type used. Some have an elastic section to accomodate coughing. The cotton neck strap is about an inch wide, but can be cut by the user to fit anyone. Some find that it retains moisture and get some skin breakdown from that. They are an added expense. They need to be changed every 48 hours and it is not recommended by the company to wash or reuse them, but some have found that they can for a limited time successfully.
Chains;Another alternative is to use chains similar to the ones the military uses for "dog tags". Once again it is personal preference. There is no cloth to retain moisture. I have heard of many that prefer this. More can be seen about them on Aaron's Tracheostomy Page
Snappy Trach holders; These look comfortable, colorful and fashionable! They are ties with some elasticity to them, but without the chafing of elastic. They have rust-proof snaps as closures so no more catching your fine knits/delicates with velcro. They can be seen and ordered at Snappy Trach-holders
Combination; Some have taken clean suction tubes and threaded the twill tape through them for children or others that tend to drool or have alot of perspiration. Doing this they have found that they don't get the breakdown of the skin and is easier to clean around.
More Creative Alternatives; Some have gotten even more creative in developing trach ties. Some use homemade crochetted neck bands, decorative cloth with velcro attachment ties, or decorative shoelaces. It is all up to anyone's imagination as to what can be used as long as it works safely.
Trach Guards
Tilson Trach Guards are designed to prevent objects or body parts from occluding the trach tube. They keep clothing, barriers, and chins off the opening of the trach tube. It also prevents larger foreign objects from being introduced into the trach tube.
Tilson Trach Guard
Most are relatively simple to acquire with a physician's order. Contact your supplier or any of the links below that sell supplies to obtain more information if needed.
Trach Accessories
Passy Muir Valves
"Trachs.com" Boston Medical
Marpac Trach Tube Holders
Snappy Trach Holders
Pepper Medical
Luminaud
Kapitex Healthcare
Alex Tracheostoma Accessories
Deanrosecrans
Disclaimer; In no way are these web pages or links intended to replace care by a qualified medical professional. They are here for information only. If you feel you fit any of the symptoms listed in any of these links you should seek care from a qualified medical professional.
Contact Trach-ties at
Email: trachties@gmail.com
