HME re-use

I realize HME units are not terribly expensive, but it can add up if only used once a day. Being simply a small piece of sponge, I'm wondering why they can't simply be rinsed out, dried, and re-used several times. Thanks for your thoughts.
Jim

What's an HME? If you're talking about machine filters, of course they can be re-used.

The HME is the substitute for a humidifier used on some travel machines,
like Transcend. If this is what you mean, probably not. It is not the same.
A filter is just fiber, but an HME (heat and moisture exchanger)
uses hygroscopic salts, which are neutralized in use, and likely washed away by water.

From the US Department of Health and Human Services, an article dated 2012:

"Passive humidifiers do not need to be changed daily for reasons of infection control or technical performance. They can be safely used for at least 48 hours, and with some patient populations some devices may be able to be used for up to 1 week."

Many hospitals do not change HME's daily.

I believe the Transcend site mentions moderate extended use beyond the first night.
The hygroscopic salts may be restored by dehydration, but I would hesitate to try this myself.
Still, it might be an emergency option. Only a dedicated tinkerer could say.
Don't expect the whole story from the "experts".

paprt wrote:From the US Department of Health and Human Services, an article dated 2012:

"Passive humidifiers do not need to be changed daily for reasons of infection control or technical performance. They can be safely used for at least 48 hours, and with some patient populations some devices may be able to be used for up to 1 week."

Many hospitals do not change HME's daily.

If you remove the HME unit and keep it in a sealed container between uses, then it appears as if it can be used for a total of 48 hours before discarding - that would be about 6 days of therapy of 8 hours per night. In addition, it would be safer is there was included in the air circuit, an ultrafine bacterial filter to insure that no airborne contaminants get into your system.

Here is a link to one that I have used:
http://www.directhomemedical.com/1-H160 ... -frhctTHow
Other suppliers like our hosts, may have similar products at lower costs.