10
Manual Occlusion
The Provox FreeHands FlexiVoice can also be manually occluded for speaking
by occluding the front opening with a finger (Fig. 13). To breathe in, release the
finger occlusion so that the front opening is open again. Manual occlusion can
be used in both Automatic Speaking Mode and in Locked Mode.
Coughing
In automatic speaking mode, the membrane can pop out when coughing. If this
happens, breathe normally and push the membrane back through the opening
with your fingertip (Fig. 14). If necessary, remove the Provox FreeHands
FlexiVoice and re-position the membrane.
Removal of the HME cassette from the Speaking Valve
The HME cassette is intended for single use. It should be removed at the end
of each day before cleaning of the speaking valve. It should also be replaced if
it is clogged by mucus and the breathing resistance has increased.
Caution:
Do not attempt to wash the HME cassette since this will wash away
the impregnation essential for its function.
1. Hold the speaking valve (or cap, if used) with one hand, place the Removal
Aid over the HME cassette with the other hand (Fig. 15).
2. Press the handles together (Fig. 16). The HME cassette will crack and loosen
(Fig. 17).
3. Discard the HME cassette (Fig. 18).
Cleaning
In order to keep the speaking valve in a good working condition and to avoid
build-up of microorganisms, it should be cleaned and disinfected daily.
Caution:
Do not clean or disinfect the speaking valve in any other way than
described below. Do NOT boil the device and do NOT use hydrogen peroxide
for disinfection since these actions will damage the device.
1. Remove the HME cassette from the speaking valve as described above.
2. Rinse the speaking valve carefully on both sides under lukewarm
(20-40 °C / 68-104 °F) drinking water while rotating the lid back and forth
for 2 minutes (Fig. 19).
3. Mix 2 drops of dish soap in 250ml warm (35-45 °C / 95-113 °F) drinking
water. Do not use boiling water since this may damage the speaking valve.
4. Put the speaking valve in speaking mode and place the speaking valve in
the mixture for 15 minutes (Fig. 20).
5. Rinse the speaking valve on both sides in warm (35-45 °C / 95-113 °F)
drinking water for 15 seconds (Fig. 21). In order to reach all parts of the
speaking valve, be sure that it is switched between speaking and locked
mode a couple of times during rinsing.
6. Inspect the device regarding mucus and debris residues. Repeat the steps
above if necessary.
7. After cleaning, place the speaking valve in speaking mode on clean gauze
and leave it to air-dry for at least 2 hours (Fig. 23). When the speaking valve
is completely dry, it can either be used again or be placed in a clean, closed
container for storage.
Caution:
Do not use the speaking valve until it is completely dry. Inhalation
of disinfectant fumes can cause severe coughing and irritation of the airways.
Disinfection of the speaking valve
Disinfection might be needed if the speaking device looks dirty or there
has been a risk of contamination. A risk of contamination could exist if the
device has been dropped on the floor or if it has been in contact with a pet,
someone with a respiratory infection, or any other gross contamination. Then
Unregistered
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