Humidification

Using humidification at home

People’s noses and mouths are warm and moist to help filter and humidify the air they breathe. This natural process does not happen with a tracheostomy (trach) tube. People with a trach tube need to add humidification to keep their airway from drying out. This helps to thin out secretions (mucus). 

  • Your child must have either a trach collar or Heat Moisture Exchanger (HME) for humidification to be used.
  • Do not use an HME when your child is: 
    • Alone
    • Sleeping
  • You should use a trach collar mist overnight while your child is sleeping.

What supplies do I need to put my child on humidification?

  • The right size tracheostomy collar (pediatric or adult)
  • Corrugated tubing (of a length that will work best for you and your child)
  • Condensation drainage bag
  • Large volume nebulizer
  • Distilled or sterile water
  • Air compressor unit (please know that air compressors are very loud)
  • Oxygen (if your doctor tells you it is needed)

Humidification using a large volume nebulizer trach collar and using HME

Download the following education sheet for step-by-step instructions on humidification using a large volume nebulizer trach collar, and humidification using HME (when your child is awake and you are watching him or her).

Humidification education pdf

Important tips

When giving humidification and general trach care, it’s important to:

  • Know your child’s usual breathing rate (breaths per 1 minute) while your child is asleep and awake.
  • Know your child’s pulse rate and oxygen saturation as it reads on the oximeter. Call your doctor if either number is out of the normal range.
  • You can use a small volume nebulizer with normal saline for additional humidification when you are not at home with your usual mist setup. Please note: You need a power source for gas flow.

When should I call my child’s doctor?

Call your child’s primary care doctor or respiratory/airway care provider if your child has:

  • Increased oxygen need for either trach mist or HME
  • If your child needs emergency attention, call 911 right away.
  • For questions about equipment, call your Durable Medical Equipment (DME) company.