Provox HME Cap is a reusable dome-shaped ring that allows you to use HME
cassette during sleep, or without the use of the Provox FreeHands FlexiVoice
Speaking Valve. Provox HME Cap is made of titanium.
Provox HME attachment devices are products that are used to hold products
of the Provox HME system in front of the stoma, e.g., Provox Adhesives, Provox
LaryTubes and Provox LaryButtons.
Removal Aid can be used to help to remove the HME from the speaking valve.
3. Troubleshooting information
In case of problems during use, remove and inspect the device. Below are some
common problems and the recommended actions.
"The device leaks" – Inspect the speaking valve for leakage or damage. Replace
the device if it is damaged. Clean the device as described in section "Cleaning
and disinfection". Also check the attachment device and HME cassette and
replace if needed. If there is still leakage after the cleaning process, replace
with a new speaking valve.
"The device closes if I increase breathing just slightly" – Use a device with
a stronger membrane. Alternatively, use a stronger membrane when physical
activity is expected.
"The membrane closes when I breathe heavily" – Unintended closing can
occur while breathing heavily. To prevent this, use the locked mode position
for the device in foreseeable situations. Speaking is still possible using manual
occlusion. Unlock the device again to enable handsfree speech (Fig. 2).
"The membrane doesn't close" – First check that the device is set in speaking
mode. Inspect the speaking valve and membrane position. The membrane could
be stuck behind the hook. This may occur after being re-positioned wrongly
when coughed out. Gently position the membrane correctly between the hook
and hole (Fig. 3). If you find any damage to the speaking valve, replace it.
"The membrane pops out when I speak" – The membrane is too light for
you. Try using a stronger membrane.
"The membrane pops out when I cough" – This is normal. Remove the device
with the attached HME cassette from the adhesive. Put the membrane back in
position with your finger (Fig. 14). If this occurs frequently, you may want to
try a stronger membrane.
"The speaking valve components came apart" – Do not try to re-assemble.
Replace the device.
"It is hard to breathe" – The HME cassette may be clogged by mucus. Change
to a new HME cassette and check again. If the problem persists, clean the device
according to section "Cleaning and disinfection". Inspect the device and make
sure it is undamaged. Replace if damaged.
"The clothes I use to cover my neck interfere with my breathing" – Assemble
the provided Arch to the speaking valve (Fig. 6).
"I hear a popping noise when I start to speak" – Try to initiate your speech in
a gentler, less abrupt manner. Try a stronger membrane that closes less abruptly.
"I hear air escaping when I start to speak" – Try to initiate your speech in
a more sudden way so that the membrane closes faster. Try a lighter membrane
that closes faster.
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