Answer: This is the reply we received from our manufacturer -
"I hope this message finds you well. Our ordering team forwarded an inquiry regarding impact of voice prosthesis on mucus production (message copied below). Here is my response:
Creation of a tracheoesophageal puncture and use of a voice prosthesis (or TEP) for speech doesn’t create more mucus if the prosthesis is maintained and the patient follows up as directed by their ENT or SLP when valve begins to leak. The device life for the prosthesis varies, as it functions like an implantable device that sits in the throat making contact with food, liquid, saliva, and other bacteria. Your doctor and SLP will work with you to maximize how long the prosthesis will last and most commonly people have it changed every 2-3 months (some longer, some less).
All of our bodies produce 1-1.5 liters of mucus per day. The reason it is much more noticeable is because your airway and stomach tube are disconnected when you have a laryngectomy and you now have to clear mucus from your stoma. Some tips to reduce amount of mucus would be to stay well hydrated and use an HME 24/7. If the HME you use currently does not keep the mucus at a low level, ask your doctor/SLP if you can try an HME with more moisture (such as Prox XtrvoaMoist HME: https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/p-atos-medical-provox-xtramoist-hme.html). Sometimes the LaryTube can contribute to mucus so you can also talk to doctor/SLP to see if another attachment is more comfortable."
We wish you better health in upcoming days and would like to inform you that if you require other Tracheal accessories compatible with the Provox products you are using, please browse through the below link and hopefully you will find it right here at HealthProductsForYou.
Provox Products: https://www.healthproductsforyou.com/b-provox.html
HPFY Customer Care
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