Choosing the membrane
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The
FreeHands Starter kit contains three different membranes; light (white),
medium (blue), and strong (green). The valve comes with the blue membrane
and most patients are found to be comfortable with this membrane. When
fitting the FreeHands it is advised to try to speak with the other membranes
as well in order to select the optimal membrane for the patient. The white
membrane closes at a lower air pressure then the blue membrane and the
green one closes at a higher air pressure. During excessive breathing
the air pressure might equal the pressure needed for closing the membrane.
Therefore, the membrane that might seem optimal for voicing might be less
optimal for breathing in some patients. It is advised to check with the
patient when exhalation starts to close the valve. Check not only in rest,
but also during slight physical activity. When the patient is aware of
this, he or she is usually capable of controlling exhalation in order
to avoid inadvertent closure of the membrane. For increased exhalation
during physical exertion it is advised to use the ‘walk’ position of the
device (see walk and talk position). The video clip enlightens this part
of the fitting procedure.