Simple and easy to attach, adjust and use!
The Trachi-Naze range features two styles of Hands Free Valve - to provide the widest choice to individuals.
- The Type A and Type B Hands Free Valves have been designed to cover a wide variety of breathing patterns and strengths to enable a compatibility for the individual; use which he or she may not have with other systems.
- The extensive research and evaluation which took place when developing the Trachi-Naze Hands Free Valve revealed three key issues for suitability for use:
- (a) Breathing patterns/strength
- (b) Exhalation pressures
- (c) Effectiveness of Baseplates sealing
Pressures and Lung Volume
- In order for the diaphragm to close, pressure is required to force the air to push the diaphragm to the closed position. As a general guide, exhalation pressures between 25 - 40 cm of water will be required for the Hands Free Valve*. Higher pressures are possible - as long as the baseplate remains adhered and leak free.
- If a person has a very low breathing rate/lung volume, they will not be able to close the valve - or sustain speech due to poor volume.
- If too high pressures are present (air being forced very hard) keeping an adhesive baseplate or a stoma stud in place without creating an air leak will prove extremely difficult. This could mean it would not really be suitable for a Hands Free Valve to be used.
For your comfort
When starting to use the hands free valve, we recommend that it is used together with the orange filter cassette.
* Pressure manometers are available from certain voice prosthesis manufacturers, normally used by Speech Therapists.
Type A LA TNV 1001
The component parts of the Trachi-Naze Hands Free Valve Type A. The Over Pressure Release is bonded into the Top Cap, and the Diaphragm is bonded into the Housing.
Suitability
- The Type A valve is best suited to those with a low lung volume and who breathe lightly. As a general observation those who are of slight build and have a quiet voice when finger occluding would be good candidates for the Type A Hands Free Valve.
Easy adjustability
- The adjustable settings change the closing position of the diaphragm within the valve. The diaphragm is pushed up when air pressure is increased for speech to make contact against the sealing rim of the cap.
- Once the valve is closed (when exhaling) air is diverted through the voice prosthesis into the oesophagus, pharynx and mouth.
- The multiple adjustment settings allow the valves sensitivity to be set to best suit the individuals breathing and speech.
Cough release
- The Type B valve diaphragm when faced with extreme pressure will simply pop out of the housing. The diaphragm can then be gently pushed back into position. The diaphragm will automatically reshape and will function as normal.
Easy to breathe
- The Type B valve features a cross bar, this helps to keep clothing away from the top cap and therefore allows free air flow.
Type B LA TNV 2001
The component parts of the Trachi-Naze Hands Free Valve Type B. The Diaphragm is adjusted by rotation of the top cap. The Type B Valve is supplied as a complete unit.
Suitability
- The Type B valve is more suitable for Laryngectomees with good lung function and volume. The person will be of a larger frame and their voice will sound more normal when finger occluding.
Easy adjustability
- The adjustable settings change the closing position of the diaphragm within the valve. The diaphragm is pushed up when air pressure is increased for speech to make contact against the sealing rim of the cap.
- Once the valve is closed (when exhaling) air is diverted through the voice prosthesis into the oesophagus, pharynx and mouth.
- The multiple adjustment settings allow the valves sensitivity to be set to best suit the individuals breathing and speech.
Cough release
- If coughing occurs, the over pressure release valve will rise allowing excessive air pressure to be released. Please note: if coughing persists, remove the hands free valve and re-apply.
Easy to breathe
- Easy to breathe through, the Type A top cap will prevent clothing blocking the valve.
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| Attachment of the Hands Free Valve to a Trachi-Naze baseplate is simple by way of a special push fit occlusion cap. |
With Trachi-Naze +Plus the hands Free valve simply clicks directly onto the filter cassette. |
Ratchet/click points on both valves, allow easy adjustment to the desired setting. |
Baseplate Sealing
- There are a variety of Baseplates within the Trachi-Naze range. It is important to ensure that you have a good seal onto the skin around the stoma. We recommend the Trachi-Naze Clear Round Baseplate (LA NNZ 0007) which has the strongest adhesion.
- It is important that no air leakage is present around the Baseplate whilst using the Hands Free Valve. If pressures do loosen the Baseplate we suggest the use of a silicone adhesive and skin wipes which will enhance adhesion.
- Depending on the anatomy, adhesive baseplates may not be suitable. Trachi-Naze Plus Stoma Studs could be a useful alternative. It is important that the correct size is fitted into the stoma.
- Kapi-Gel Spacers will create a better seal between the skin and the stoma stud thereby promoting effective us of the Hands Free valve. (see pages 10 & 11).
- A Speech Therapist should be able to advise on the suitability of baseplates and the correct size of Stoma Stud.
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| Type B Valve in open position |
Type B Valve in closed position |
Adjusting the sensitivity of the Hands Free Valve Type B is easy by rotation of the Top Cap |
Pages within the 'Trachi-Naze — Hands Free Valve' section:
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [index] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27]
