humidifiers

Question 1

passover humidifier

Answer 1

this type of humidifier functions by gas flow over the surface of the water
water evaporates into the gas becomes humidified
not very efficient, only provides less than 30% relative humidity at normal temperatures.

Question 2

bubbles humidifier

Answer 2

gas enters and is directed to the bottom of the water where it is diffused into many bubbles.
the bubbles float to the surface and H2O evaporates into them. efficiency is dependent on surface area, flowrate and temperature

Question 3

wick humidifier

Answer 3

uses a paper membrane and air flows around this membrane. (more surface area is created)

Question 4

heat moisture exchanger

Answer 4

also known as artificial nose or art nose
patient’s exhaled moisture and heat are absorbed into the HME then when they inhale back in the air picks back up the warmth and humidity.

Question 5

humidifier technical awareness

Answer 5

• always check water supply
• monitor temp
• temp can never exceed 37 degrees
• never combine active and passive humidifiers (HME and heated passover) HME would clog up with water droplet thus creating airway resistance

Question 6

Risk of humidifiers

Answer 6

• burns if temp not monitor
• leaks
• infections