Heat and Moisture Exchanger Filter

Core Product Overview

Also known as an "Artificial Nose," the Heat and Moisture Exchanger (HME) Filter is a disposable medical consumable used in respiratory therapy. Functioning similarly to the human nasal cavity, it heats, humidifies, and filters inhaled and exhaled gases.

Composed of a medical-grade plastic shell, paper-based filter material, and a humidification pad, the product is equipped with standard air inlet and outlet. During use, the HME retains part of the moisture and heat from the patient’s exhaled air and reintroduces them into the respiratory tract during the next inhalation. This increases the temperature and humidity of inhaled gases, reducing irritation caused by dry air to the respiratory tract.

The Heat and Moisture Exchanger Filter is suitable for clinical scenarios such as intensive care, anesthesia, and mechanical ventilation, and can be used with masks, breathing circuits, and other related consumables.

Working Principle & Core Functions

Humidification Function

The HME recovers moisture from exhaled air via internal hygroscopic material, providing appropriate humidity to dry inhaled gases. This helps prevent dryness of the respiratory mucosa, reduce discomfort, and lower sputum viscosity.

Thermal Insulation Function

By reusing heat from exhaled air, the product adjusts the temperature of inhaled gases to be closer to human physiological needs. It helps maintain a relatively stable airway environment for patients, improving the comfort of respiratory therapy.

Filtration Function

Equipped with a multi-layer filtration structure, it effectively traps dust, bacteria, and viruses in the air. Both bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) and viral filtration efficiency (VFE) exceed 99.99%, helping reduce the risk of cross-infection.

Anti-Reflux Design

The structural design minimizes the reflux of secretions or condensate into the ventilator circuit, protecting equipment cleanliness and extending the safety of system use.

Product Specifications & Structural Description

The Heat and Moisture Exchanger Filter features a white appearance, available in two specifications:

Adult Size: Recommended tidal volume: 150–1500 ml

Pediatric Size: Recommended tidal volume: 120–1500 ml

Key performance parameters:

Breathing resistance: ＜0.3 kPa (30 L/min)

Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE): ＞99.99%

Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE): ＞99.99%

Interface dimensions: Outer diameter of one end is 25 mm, and the other end is 22 mm. It complies with standard breathing circuit connection requirements for easy installation.

Application Scenarios

Mechanical Ventilation: Used to humidify and filter respiratory gases during ventilator therapy, reducing irritation to the respiratory tract.

Patients with Tracheostomy or Laryngectomy: Helps replace the bypassed nasal cavity function, improving dryness caused by direct breathing through the trachea.

CPAP / BiPAP Therapy: Can replace independent humidifiers in some scenarios, simplifying the system structure.

Product Features & Advantages

Effectively reduces moisture and heat loss during mechanical ventilation

Lowers the incidence of airway dryness, irritation, and dry cough

Filters airborne particles, bacteria, and viruses

Lightweight design with minimal wearing burden

Slightly increases breathing resistance, helping maintain normal lung function

Reduces reliance on active humidification equipment, controlling overall treatment costs

Usage & Precautions

Some patients may experience increased secretions during initial use, which usually alleviates gradually after adaptation.

The product requires regular replacement, generally recommended every 24 hours or as clinically required.

Unused Heat and Moisture Exchanger Filters should be stored in sealed packaging to avoid moisture absorption affecting performance.