Tips for a LaryTube or LaryButton

Key points

• The Provox Life LaryTube is inserted into your stoma and held in place by Provox LaryClips or the Provox TubeHolder
• The LaryTube with White Ring fits into an adhesive baseplate providing a less visible attachment
• The Provox Life LaryButton is inserted into your stoma and can be held in place by Provox LaryClips or the Provox TubeHolder if needed.

Introduction

Adhesives aren’t always for everyone. For example, if you are undergoing radiotherapy or if your stoma tends to shrink, your clinician may recommend you use a LaryTube or a LaryButton.

Introducing the Provox LaryTube

This soft tube (or ‘cannula’) keeps the HME in front of your stoma while making sure your stoma maintains its size.

Inserting the Provox Life LaryTube

• Lightly lubricate the tube (ensure the lubricant states it is ‘water soluble’ on the packaging)
• Insert the Provox Life LaryTube into your stoma.
• Attach the Provox Life LaryTube with Provox LaryClips or a Provox TubeHolder. If you wish to use the LaryTube with an adhesive you should use the LaryTube with Ring.
• Insert a Provox Life HME or Provox Life FreeHands HME into the Provox Life LaryTube.

Always take care

Make sure the end of the LaryTube does not ‘hook’ onto your voice prosthesis and cause movement. There is a Fenestrated (i.e. with holes) LaryTube that you can use if you speak with a voice prosthesis or your clinician can create fenestrations in a standard tube that align with the opening of your voice prosthesis.

Introducing the Provox LaryButton

The shape of your stoma will determine if you can use a LaryButton. The LaryButton may stay in the stoma by itself but results may be better if secured in place with the Provox LaryClips or a Provox TubeHolder. Either way, it should fit comfortably without causing any irritation or discomfort – but you should always consult your clinician before using one.

Inserting the Provox Life LaryButton

• Fold the narrow end in half with your fingers and hold the sides firmly together.
• Insert the narrow end into your stoma and let go.
• Make sure the LaryButton is in the right spot and that it isn’t pushing on your voice prosthesis.
• Secure in place with the Provox LaryClips, or a Provox TubeHolder.
• Insert a Provox Life HME or a Provox Life FreeHands into the LaryButton.

It may take some time to get used to

Wearing a Provox Life LaryButton for the first time can take time to get used to. If you cannot tolerate it at first, wear it for as long as you can and then take it out. Keep track of how long you were able to wear it, and slowly increase the number of hours as you go. You will soon stop noticing your LaryButton and it will become a practical, comfortable attachment to your HME.

Helpful tips

• If you are having trouble inserting the LaryButton you can apply a small amount of water-soluble lubricant on the end.
• Your stoma may stretch as a result of using the button. If you do not require the button to maintain the size of your stoma, it is recommended to remove the button and use Provox Life Night during the night. If you are unsure whether your stoma might shrink, discuss with your clinician first.
• Many use two sizes LaryButton, one in the morning when the stoma is smaller, one in the afternoon when the stoma has stretched a little.