HME (Heat and Moisture Exchanger)

An HME, or Heat and Moisture Exchanger, is a device used in medical settings to help warm and humidify the air a person breathes when their normal airway pathways are bypassed, such as during mechanical ventilation or after certain surgeries. It captures the heat and moisture from the person's exhaled breath and then uses that stored warmth and humidity to condition the incoming dry, cool air, making it more comfortable and healthier for the lungs. This helps protect the respiratory tract, prevent dryness, and promote better respiratory function.