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ENFit: Frequently Asked Questions

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Troubleshooting

How do I go about disconnecting the ENFit temporary adapter piece? -

Patient families have two options in this situation:

1. You can transition over to the complete ENFit system, eliminating disconnection due to the twist-in mechanism of the ENFit connection.

2. If you are not ready to transition, PHS recommends removing and thoroughly washing and drying the ENFit adapter between feedings. Left over formula may cause the ENFit temporary adapter to disconnect from the feeding tube or extension.

Do you have any recommendations to eliminate the potential of a choking hazard with the ENFit temporary adapter? -

To eliminate the choking hazard, we recommend families transition over to the complete ENFit system. Transitioning will eliminate the use of the temporary adapter.

Extensions & Tubing

Are you able to cap the extension, or does it have a valve that prevents leaking? -

The ENFit adapter has a cap, however this adapter does not have a valve.

Is there a way to use the new extensions with the old bags? -

No. Once the transition is complete, bags will no longer be packaged with the temporary adapter. However, the transition time frame will be generous to ensure the entire hospital and home care community is able to transition without waste. Because payers support ordering one month at a time, there should not be excess supply beyond one month in a patient home.

Temporary adapters are not available with ENFit Farrell Valve Bags, however Legacy Farrell Valve Bags are available.

Feeding & Venting

Will the diameter of the new connectors be the same in order to accommodate patients using home blended diets since these are thicker? -

The new ENFit connectors will be the same diameter as the current connectors and will work for thicker formula and Home Blended Formulas.

Will Farrell valve bag connections also be changing to fit the new products? -

Yes, these are currently available with ENFit connectors.

Note: Legacy and ENFit Farrell Valve Bags do NOT have temporary adapters.

Temporary Adapter

Will the temporary adapter be automatically packaged with the bags, or will families need to order it separately? -

Temporary adapters are no longer included inside feeding sets, but we will include one with your order for the time being. Please note that manufacturers are not all following the same timeline, so inventory based on production may impact supply availability.

Note: Farrell Valve Bags are available in Legacy with no need for a temporary adapter or ENFit with no need for a temporary adapter.

Do you have any recommendations to eliminate the potential of a choking hazard with the temporary adapter? -

To eliminate the choking hazard, we recommend families transition over to the complete ENFit system. Transitioning will eliminating the use of the temporary adapter.

How do I prevent disconnections when using a temporary adapter? -

Patients and families have three options:

1. You can transition over to the complete ENFit system, which will prevent the disconnection due to the twist in mechanism of the ENFit design.

2. If you are not ready to transition, PHS recommends removing and thoroughly washing and drying the temporary adapter in between feedings. Left over formula may cause the temporary adapter to disconnect from the feeding tube or extension.

What does the temporary adapter look like? -

ENFit Temporary Adapter

Syringes

Is the catheter tip syringe being redesigned to have a different type of tip, or will the extension fitting be the same design/fit as a luer lock syringe? -

During the transition to ENFit PHS will continue to stock and provide the catheter, oral, and luer tip syringes as well an ENFit syringes in all sizes (1, 5, 10, 20, 35, 60ml). Once transition is complete oral and luer lock syringes will still be available for non-enteral use and the catheter tip syringe will be discontinued.

Medication Delivery

Many families use push in bottle adapters (PIBA's) to draw up liquid medications. Do manufacturers make PIBA's that are compatible with the new ENFit connectors? -

While PHS does not dispense oral medications, this is a question we have heard quite a bit. Manufacturers do create PIBAs – one option is the NeoConnect Fill Cap Coupler. The coupler works with the current oral bottle adapters.

A medicine straw, also called a milk straw, can be used to draw up liquid medicine. For more information visit our medicine delivery page.

Cleaning

How do I clean my ENFit products? -

As soon as the feeding is complete, place the extensions, syringes, and feeding bag tubing directly into hot soapy water. This prevents buildup of product in the tubes.

If you are not at home when a feeding or medication administration takes place, PHS recommends you pack a wide mouth water bottle filled with soapy water. Place used products in the water bottle to start the cleaning process.

Watch this video for more information on cleaning your ENFit products.

Are there specific products used to clean tube products such as extensions and medication straws? -

You may use a pipe cleaner or medicine tube cleaning device to clean the inside of the extension and medication straws.

Watch this video for more information on cleaning your ENFit products.

NEVER clean enteral supplies while connected to a patient.

How should I clean the ENFit connection ends? -

When not attached to the patient, PHS recommends families soak ENFit connections in hot soapy water to loosen any built up medicine or formula. A toothbrush may then be used to clean the ENFit connection ends.

Watch this video for more information on cleaning your ENFit products.