If you use a ventilator to breathe or if you have an artificial airway such as a tracheostomy tube or laryngectomy tube, receiving proper humidification is essential. The best way to deliver humidification to the airways is by using a heated humidifier. A heated humidification system provides the patient with comfort and will prevent damage to the airways and will prevent serious complications such as hypothermia and airway obstruction. Join me this week as I discuss heated humidification systems. I will cover topics such as who should use heated humidifiers, the proper settings for heated humidifiers, and I will share some basic trouble shooting tips.
A humidifier is a device which releases water vapor to increase moisture levels in the air. The amount of moisture in the air is called humidity.
There are two systems which provide humidification. There is active humidification and passive humidification. Active humidification is achieved via the use of a heated humidifier and passive humidification is accomplished via the use of a heat and moisture exchanger (abbreviated as HME). These two systems warm and humidify gases delivered to the airways.
Heated humidifiers operate actively to increase the heat and water vapor content of inspired gas. Heat and Moisture Exchangers operate passively by storing heat and moisture from the patient's exhaled gas and releasing it to the inhaled gas. In this video, my primary focus will be on heated humidifiers. For more information about heat and moisture exchangers, please see the video, Heat and moisture exchangers essential info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfhrqz--qps
Basic Troubleshooting TipsDuring routine assessments of the breathing circuit, it is important to look for small beads of condensation in the patient’s air hose to ensure optimal humidification. Follow this basic flow chart to check for any potential issues with the heated humidifier.
The first step is to inspect the circuit and look for condensation. If condensation is not visible, check the water level in the humidification chamber. If the chamber is empty, fill the chamber with distilled or sterile water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxeR0fMaKJU
If there is water in the water chamber, increase the humidifier temperature.
If there is condensation visible, check to see if there is excess condensation. Normal condensation in the circuit should look like small beads of water. If normal condensation is visible, no adjustment is needed. If there is excess water in the circuit, remove the excess condensation. Check the heater wires to make sure they are connected properly. If necessary, decrease the humidifier temperature.
After making any adjustment to the circuit, wait an hour and then reassess. Continue reassessing the circuit until proper condensation is achieved.
Please note, after several hours of running the heated humidifier, there may be a small collection of water in the circuit. This is normal and no adjustments to the heated humidifier need to be made.
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