Breathing resistance (Provox HME Cassette Normal versus HiFlow)
The breathing resistance of the normal Provox HME Cassette is sometimes considered too high by some patients. Especially when the laryngectomy has been carried out already some time ago, the patient might have some problems adjusting to the increased breathing resistance when starting HME use. This might decrease the compliance of the patient (which is less the case, when starting with the HME immediately postoperatively, as mentioned above). Often, a careful explanation of the physiologic benefits of the (partly) restored breathing resistance, along with the more obvious heating and moisturizing benefits, is sufficient to convince the patient. Sometimes, however, the increased breathing resistance is not accepted by a patient. Therefore, a Provox HME Cassette with a lower resistance allowing a higher airflow, called HiFlow, has been created. It can be considered as a starter device, which can be replaced after some weeks by the normal HME Cassette. Also for patients, who are physically still very active, this HME might be used during exercises or sports activities. These patients might use both the Normal and the HiFlow Cassette alternately.