Attachments, including adhesives and laryngectomy tubes, make it possible for you to use a Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) in front of your stoma. This is crucial for maintaining optimal lung health and function.
An adhesive is the most common and comfortable way to attach the HME in front of your stoma. Simply stick the adhesive over the stoma, following the instructions carefully, and attach the HME to it.
Sometimes it may be recommended to use a Provox LaryTube or LaryButton, in which case, you shouldn’t use adhesives until you have consulted your clinician.
There are different types of adhesives depending on the kind of activities you’re doing and how sensitive your skin is.
Use Provox StabiliBase for active days. It’s a strong and stable adhesive that seals the HME well. If you speak a lot, it’s the best choice to avoid putting greater pressure on the adhesive. It’s also well suited to hands-free speech.
Provox FlexiDerm is soft and flexible and can be adjusted to fit the shape of your stoma, without losing any stickiness.
Provox OptiDerm is less sticky compared to our other adhesives and is made of a material that is gentle on the skin. It is a good choice directly after surgery or radiotherapy, and particularly if you have sensitive skin that is prone to irritation.
Provox Luna is soft and smooth on the skin, and the ring is smaller, which can make it more comfortable for sleeping (link to product). We’ve also made it with a special “hydrogel,” which has a soothing, cooling effect. You might notice your skin feels less irritated, which will help when it comes to wearing your daytime adhesive.
It’s easy for the skin around your neck to become irritated if you are not careful when you change your adhesive. You may also struggle from time to time to get a good strong seal. That’s why we have developed the Change Routine Tool (link to page about the tool) to take you through how to REMOVE – CLEAN – PREPARE – APPLY your adhesive on a daily basis.
It’s important to look after the skin around your stoma. If you do, you’re less likely to get any skin damage or irritation, and your adhesives will stay in place for longer.
Tips to help care for your skin:
Sometimes your clinician may recommend using a Provox LaryTube or LaryButton.
The Provox LaryTube is a cannula that keeps the Provox HME in front of the stoma, while preventing the stoma from shrinking. It can be used instead of an adhesive directly after surgery, during radiotherapy when it is not possible to use an adhesive, and at times when the skin is irritated. The Provox LaryTube is attached with Provox LaryClips or a Provox TubeHolder.
The Provox LaryButton is also used to keep Provox HMEs in front of the stoma, and prevents the stoma from shrinking. It stays in the stoma by itself, or is kept in place with Provox LaryClips or a Provox TubeHolder.
The size and shape of your stoma will determine if you can use a LaryButton. The LaryButton should fit comfortably in your stoma without causing any irritation or discomfort – but you should always consult your clinician before using one.
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