Abstract: A tubular applicator is releasably connected at a first end to the collar of an adhesive peristomal baseplate to assist the user in positioning the baseplate around a tracheostoma on the user's neck, where the applicator defines an internal flowpath which is placed in fluid communication with the tracheostoma via the collar of the baseplate, and the flowpath opens outwardly via at least one outer aperture in the applicator, and where the at least one outer aperture has a total section area greater than a first section area of the flowpath at the first end of the applicator.

Abstract: A shower shield for use with a tracheostoma, having a chamber with a port for connection to a speaking valve or tracheostomy base plate, and a downwardly-facing aperture, and further provided with a resiliently-deformable wall region so that a user's finger pressure on the wall region said region can actuate the speaking valve or occlude a tracheostoma.

Abstract: A speaking valve for use with a tracheostomy and voice prosthesis having a valve element movable by finger pressure between a first position in which the valve allows air to pass through it and a second position in which the passage of air is substantially resisted or prevented. A biasing element such as foam or a spring is provided to bias the valve element towards the first position when no finger pressure is applied. The valve element is arranged such that expiration through the valve at a rate in excess of predetermined rate causes it to move into a third position in which air resistance through the valve is less than when the valve element is in its first position. This allows for air release if e.g. a user should cough.

Abstract: A speaking valve for use with a tracheostomy and voice prosthesis, that, in a first configuration, allows inspiration and expiration through the valve; and in a second configuration resists expiration. Increasing the pressure difference across the valve by increasing the rate of expiration to a predetermined threshold causes the valve to transition into the second configuration; and the second configuration the valve continues to resist expiration until a predetermined negative pressure difference across the valve causes it to transition back into the first configuration.

Abstract: A medical securing device (1) comprising a flexible strap (2) including a longitudinal slot (4) proximal to a transversely narrow bridge section (3) disposed between distal end portions (6, 7), wherein the end portions are connectable to a medical neckband.

Abstract: A tracheostoma cannula mounting, a cannula assembly incorporating such a mounting, and a method of mounting the same within a stoma are described. The mounting includes a generally planar sheet portion (2) provided with an aperture (4) therein of suitable size and shape to engage a channel portion of a tracheostoma cannula (21) in interference fit so as to present a rearward mounting face (18) adapted in use to lie against the skin of the tracheostoma patient in the vicinity of the stoma. The material from which the sheet (2) is fabricated comprises tacky gel material such as silicone gel at least in the vicinity of the mounting face (18), and is preferably made essentially entirely from such material.

Abstract: A tracheostoma cannula mounting, a cannula assembly incorporating such a mounting, and a method of mounting the same within a stoma are described. The mounting includes a generally planar sheet portion (2) provided with an aperture (4) therein of suitable size and shape to engage a channel portion of a tracheostoma cannula (21) in interference fit so as to present a rearward mounting face (18) adapted in use to lie against the skin of the tracheostoma patient in the vicinity of the stoma. The material from which the sheet (2) is fabricated comprises tacky gel material such as silicone gel at least in the vicinity of the mounting face (18), and is preferably made essentially entirely from such material.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve is described for use within a tracheostoma to facilitate speech by use of a vocal prosthesis, which consists of a valve housing defining a valve cavity having an airflow passage therethrough between at least one rearward and at least one forward aperture, and a valve member. The valve member includes a fixed rear portion connected to a forward portion by a collapsible sleeve such that the forward portion is deployable from a collapsed configuration under vegetative breathing pressure wherein the air flow passage is open to an expanded configuration under speech pressure whereat the forward portion acts to restrict flow through the air flow passage.