Speaking valves

[Angel 1]

Hi!

Cheyanne has now been given a speech valve and is doing really well but the only thing is that when she coughs she has the tendancy to shoot the valve off. I was just wondering if there was anything out there that will help to keep the valve on her trach.

Any advise would be greatful.

[Niff]

When you put it on, give it a slight twist in either direction.... although I think, regardless of the valve, it will still come off (and SHOULD come off) when there's enough pressure.

[JWorthington]

That used to happen with Sam too at first. Niff is right, just give it a twist. hope she's soon talking up a storm!

[Ainsley's Mom]

PMV brand valves come with a tether. They don't always work great. Ainsley has bitten off more than one. And like someone else said, they should be able to pop off if too much pressure is generated. So in my opinion it's not great to have them on too tight, also because they can decannulate trying to pull it off it it's on too tight. But at least the tether keeps it where you can find it.