Effect of cloth stoma covers on tracheal climate of laryngectomy patients.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of cloth stoma covers (bibs) to compensate for breathing unconditioned air after laryngectomy and loss of heat-moisture-exchange (HME) functions of the upper airways, which, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported. In addition, we compared the efficacy of inexpensive, simple, locally made, noncommercial fabric bibs with commercial bibs and stick-over-the-stoma HME devices and to determine whether wetting the bib improves the tracheal climate. METHODS Tracheal temperature and humidity were studied in 25 patients who underwent a laryngectomy with a purpose-built sampling device. RESULTS Noncommercial and commercial bibs effectively heat and humidify inspired air (p < .05). Both bibs compare favorably with commercial HME devices. There is no benefit in using a commercially produced Buchanan Bib over an inexpensive noncommercial bib. Wetting a bib proved to be counterproductive. CONCLUSION Inexpensive, noncommercial bibs are effective and improve tracheal climate and benefit patients with laryngectomies. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E480-E487, 2016.