Improving heat and moisture exchanger therapy with a hydrogel base adhesive in laryngectomised patients: an open, randomised, crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess individual preference, symptoms and compliance between habitual use of Provox XtraFlow and the combination of Provox XtraFlow during the day and Provox Luna during the night for heat and moisture exchanger therapy in laryngectomised patients.

METHOD: This was an open, randomised, crossover trial for 25 days. After this first study period and a 5-day wash-out period, treatments were switched for another 25 days.

RESULTS

A total of 28 patients were enrolled. Differences were found (p = 0.009) in the incidence of dermatological problems with XtraFlow (46.4 per cent) versus Provox Luna (14.3 per cent), as well as in the need to abandon the use of adhesives (46.4 per cent vs 10.7 per cent; p = 0.003). A total of 60.7 per cent of the patients preferred the Provox Luna system as their preference for heat and moisture exchanger therapy.

CONCLUSION

The Provox Luna system is a viable additive to heat and moisture exchanger therapy, especially in the setting of compliance concerns and in patients who desire dermatological relief overnight.