Tracheostomy Supplies

Tracheostomy supplies are essential for caring for individuals who have a tracheostomy tube inserted to maintain an open airway. Here’s a list of common tracheostomy supplies used in patient care:

1. Tracheostomy Tubes and Accessories
Tracheostomy Tubes: Tubes vary in size, shape, and material (cuffed, uncuffed, fenestrated, etc.) and are selected based on the patient’s needs.

Inner Cannula: Some trach tubes have an inner cannula that can be removed and cleaned.
Obturator: Used during tube insertion to help guide the trach tube into place.
Tube Holder/Neck Strap: Secures the tube in place around the neck.

2. Suctioning Supplies
Suction Catheters: For removing mucus or other obstructions from the airway.
Yankauer Suction Tip: A rigid suction tool often used in oral suctioning.
Suction Machine: A portable or stationary device that provides suction to remove secretions.
Sterile Saline: Used for trach cleaning or for loosening secretions.

3. Cleaning and Dressing Supplies
Tracheostomy Cleaning Kit: Includes various items for cleaning the inner cannula and surrounding area.
Sterile Gauze Pads: For cleaning the stoma site and for absorbing secretions.
Split Gauze: Specifically shaped to fit around the tracheostomy tube to keep the area clean and dry.
Cotton Swabs: Used for detailed cleaning around the stoma.
Trach Ties: Used as an alternative to straps, often made of soft material to reduce skin irritation.

4. Humidification and Oxygen Supplies
HME Filter (Heat and Moisture Exchanger): Helps to provide humidification for the airway, especially if the patient is not on a ventilator.

Trach Collars: Provide humidified oxygen directly over the tracheostomy tube.
Nebulizers: For delivering medication or humidification directly to the lungs.
Oxygen Adapter: Attaches to the trach tube to provide supplemental oxygen.

5. Emergency Supplies
Replacement Trach Tube: Keeping an extra tube of the same size (and sometimes a size smaller) is recommended.
Ambu Bag (Bag-Valve-Mask): For manual ventilation in case of an emergency.
Sterile Water and Lubricant: For facilitating tube reinsertion if it comes out accidentally.

6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gloves: Sterile gloves are often needed for procedures around the trach site.
Face Masks and Eye Protection: Reduces risk of infection for both patient and caregiver.

7. Other Supplies
Sterile Containers: For storing and soaking parts for cleaning.

Disposable Trach Care Kits: Pre-packaged kits containing the essentials for cleaning and caring for a trach.
Mouth Swabs: For oral care, as some patients cannot breathe through the mouth and may experience dryness.
Using the right tracheostomy supplies ensures patient comfort and helps reduce infection risks. If you need a specific supplier or brand recommendations, many hospitals or home healthcare providers have partnerships with medical suppliers who can provide specialized kits.