Fun fact, all of that equipment you’ve been getting nice and acquainted with in the hospital is a little different for home. Most of the equipment operates the same, but looks and sounds entirely different. Don’t you just love change?
So let’s take a look at all of the different types of respiratory equipment your child might need for home.
- Oxygen. Some kids breathe fine on their own, but need some extra oxygen, either all the time, at night, or just as needed. If your child is prescribed oxygen for home, you will have a concentrator to use at home, and tanks for travel.
(E, B, D)
- Pulse oximeter. This small monitoring device also known as a Sat Monitor, measures heart rate and the amount of oxygen in the blood. It it is usually worn on a finger or toe. Depending on the size of your child, it may be placed on the foot or hand.
- Suction machine. If a child can’t cough to clear the airway, a suction machine may be needed. This device has a battery, and is portable so it can be with your child at all times.
- Apnea Monitor. This device will monitor your child’s heart rate and respiratory rate. You should complete CPR training before going home with this monitor. It does have a battery, so it can still monitor the patient during a power outage.
- Cough Assist. This is a safe, noninvasive alternative to suctioning. It can be used with a mouthpiece, a mask or with an adapter to a tracheostomy tube. This is generally prescribed if your patient has a weak or ineffective cough.
- Ventilator. The ventilator, or breathing machine, attaches to the tracheostomy tube or a mask, and provides respiratory support for the patient. The physician will determine if your child needs a Trilogy or an LTV ventilator. It will checked and maintained by a respiratory therapist once in your home.
- 50 PSI Compressor. Also known as a mist collar or large volume nebulizer. This will be prescribed if your child has a trach to provide them with the heat and humidty they lose from having a tracheostomy.
- Nebulizer. If you need to deliver a breathing treatment to your child, you will more than likely be prescribed a nebulizer.
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