• Facilitates Infection Control: The PMV eliminates the need for finger occlusion of the tracheostomy tube which can lead to infections and offers protection from particulates entering the trachea. The PMVs redirect secretions through the upper airway allowing oral expectoration and reducing contamination of the patient's immediate environment.

• Reduces Decannulation Time: The PMVs can be utilized as an interim step in the decannulation process by allowing the patient to begin to adjust to a more normal breathing pattern through the upper airway on exhalation. This allows the patient to gain confidence and the physician to assess for airway patency and can significantly shorten the decannulation process.

• Interchangeability Between Tracheostomy and Ventilator Use: All PMVs can be used both on and off the ventilator with both pediatric and adult patients. This includes non-ventilator dependent tracheostomized patients, patients who are weaning from the ventilator and patients who are ventilator dependent. The PMVs can be placed in-line with the ventilator using disposable tubing (with PMV 007 only) or non-disposable flexible rubber tubing (with PMV 005, PMV 007, PMV 2000 and PMV 2001).