Which device is used for patients with a tracheostomy to provide humidified oxygen?

The tracheostomy collar is specifically designed for patients who have undergone a tracheostomy procedure and need humidified oxygen. This device is placed over the stoma (the opening in the neck) to deliver humidified air directly to the trachea, bypassing the upper airway. The humidification is crucial because patients with a tracheostomy do not benefit from the natural humidification and filtration of air that occurs in the upper respiratory tract. Additionally, the collar can be adjusted to ensure a proper fit, allowing for effective delivery of oxygen while helping to maintain patient comfort.

Different devices serve various functions in airway management. The tracheostomy cuff is used to help seal the airway during mechanical ventilation or prevent aspiration but does not deliver oxygen. A tracheostomy mask is not typically designed for providing oxygen in a humidified form as effectively as the collar. The nasopharyngeal tube is an airway adjunct for maintaining patency in the upper airway and does not apply to delivering humidified oxygen directly to a patient with a tracheostomy.