How do I suction my tracheostomy tube?
Suctioning gets rid of secretions that you cannot cough out or clear from your airway. It keeps your airway open and helps you breathe better.
You will need these supplies:
- Suction catheter (keep the package)
- Connection tubing
- Suction machine
- Clean tap water
To suction:
- Turn on the suction machine with the pressure set on the low-to-medium setting.
- Connect the suction catheter to the tubing on the suction machine.
- Dip the suction catheter tip into the clean tap water.
- Take 4 to 5 deep breaths.
- Gently put the suction catheter into your tracheostomy tube as far as you can without forcing it.
o Do not cover the suction control vent with your thumb while putting the catheter into your tracheostomy tube. - Pull the suction catheter back out a little bit before you start to suction.
- Cover the suction control vent with your thumb to start suctioning. Do not suction for more than 10 seconds each time. Turn or twist the suction catheter as it is taken out.
o Take your thumb off the suction control vent if you feel the catheter pull during suctioning.
o Wait 20 to 30 seconds between each suction try. After 3 tries, wait 5 to 10 minutes before suctioning
again.
Put the suction catheter into the tracheostomy tube.
Cover the suction control vent with your thumb to start suctioning.
Cleaning and storing suction supplies
- Rinse the suction catheter and connection tubing with clean tap water after each use.
- Store the catheter in the original package until the next use.
- Do not reuse the catheter if it touches anything else.
- 1 suction catheter can be used for as long as your medical supply company tells you, unless you have an infection.
o If you have an infection, use a new suction catheter each time you suction. - The suction machine needs to be kept clean. Empty and clean the bottle and tubing with hot, soapy water each day. Always rinse with clean tap water and let it air dry.