12. Tracheostoma Barton Button
In 1988 our Barton Tracheostoma Button was developed with Mayo Clinic to provide leak-proof retention of tracheostoma valves. After nearly four decades serving patients it is a comfortable and trustworthy solution for laryngectomy patients.
Tracheostoma “buttons” are short, soft silicone sleeves that sit just inside the airway opening (stoma) after a total or near-total laryngectomy. Think of them as a gentle “socket” that keeps the stoma open and gives you a sturdy place to attach an HME (heat-moisture exchanger) and, if desired, a hands-free speaking valve. Because a button sits inside the stoma rather than sticking to skin, it can avoid adhesive-related irritation and provide a steadier connection for everyday wear.
Image Sources: 1.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AHead_neck_tracheostomy.jpg. 2.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3ATracheal_stoma.jpg
Why is this needed? After laryngectomy, breathing happens through the stoma, and many people also receive a small one-way voice prosthesis (via a tracheoesophageal puncture, or “TEP”) so exhaled air can be routed to create speech. An HME placed at the stoma helps warm and humidify incoming air—reducing coughing, mucus plugs, and dryness—so having a comfortable, reliable way to wear that HME (and an optional hands-free valve) really matters for daily life and lung health. Randomized and clinical studies have shown HMEs improve symptoms like coughing and secretion management, and centers report fewer mucus plugs with HME use.
Additional Sources: Cancer Research UKPMC; Fox Chase Cancer Center
Buttons also solve a practical problem: adhesive housings don’t work well for everyone. Skin contours, sweating, and movement can cause leaks or detachment, which makes hands-free speech unreliable. In a well-known MD Anderson series, only 9% of people succeeded with peristomal (adhesive) attachments, while 68% succeeded using a Barton button—standard or customized—highlighting the value of a well-fitted intraluminal device. Other surgical/rehab series similarly show strong hands-free speech rates when a button is used and fitted correctly.
PubMed Article
Why the Barton Button? Our Barton Tracheostoma Button was developed with Mayo Clinic to provide leak-proof retention of tracheostoma valves for total and near-total laryngectomy patients. It’s designed to support hands-free, “glue-free” speech, is compatible with HME cassettes and speaking valves, offers positive stoma sealing, and is available in a wide range of sizes (with clinician sizing tools) to match individual anatomy—features that also help limit stoma contraction over time. It’s a purpose-built, clinically proven solution that stands out when you want dependable, comfortable, everyday use. It came to market in 1988, and is a tried and true solution for the practitioners and patents that depend on these devices.
We’re growing our distributor network and welcome introductions to care teams supporting head & neck care. If you can introduce us to ENT/Head & Neck teams, speech-language pathologists, or laryngectomy support leaders whose patients might benefit, please reach out to me at Josh@miiq.com