pala-nate palate guards

[jridky]

I have used the pala-nate at several hospitals and am trying to introduce it to another institution. One of the neos commented that she had used it in Tucson but that it was stopped several years ago because of a rise in infections. I believe she was referring to infections on the palate itself.

Questions:

If you are using the pala-nate or any similar product, do you have an issue with infection associated with the device?

Has anyone stopped using the devices and if so, for what reason?

If you are currently using a palate protection device, it is custom made?

How often is the device removed for cleaning and do you experience an increase in "accidental extubations" with the cleaning procedure?

Is anyone aware of any published articles which discuss use of these devices and related infection?

I have done a medline search and have not found even one article which mentions infection associated with the palate protection devices

Comments, references, polcies will all be appreciated. Thanks!:blushkiss