Changing or replacing the tracheostomy tube
An extra tracheostomy tube will be sent home with you. Below are the steps you should follow if your tracheostomy tube comes out or if you have been asked to change it. If you were asked to change your tracheostomy tube, change it one time each week.
- Have somebody with you to help.
- Get the clean tube ready. Put the ties into the opening in the neck plate. Put the obturator inside the outer cannula.
- Put a few drops of tap water or a small amount of water-soluble lubricating jelly on the lower part of the tube.
- Hold your dirty tracheostomy tube in place as you cut the ties.
- Take a deep breath before taking out the dirty tracheostomy tube.
- Put the clean tracheostomy tube in gently with a back and down motion. You may need to tip your head back a little bit.
- Take the obturator out of the outer cannula.
- Take a breath.
- Secure the tracheostomy ties.
- Put the inner cannula into the outer cannula and lock it into place.
Put the tracheostomy tube in with the obturator.
Remove the obturator.