Respiratory care
Suction Therapy Equipment & Support
Learn about suction machines, collection systems, tubing, filters, patient interfaces, replacement supplies, and support available from MedPro.
✓ Equipment and supply guidance
✓ Patient and caregiver support
Suction Therapy at a Glance
What to know
Secretion Management
Suction equipment may help remove saliva or mucus that cannot be cleared effectively.
Individual Care Plan
The method, equipment, settings, and supplies must be determined by the healthcare team.
Equipment Maintenance
Machines, containers, tubing, filters, and reusable accessories require model-specific care.
Understanding suction therapy
What Is Suction Therapy?
Suction therapy uses a suction machine connected to compatible tubing, a collection system, and an appropriate patient interface to remove secretions that a person cannot clear effectively on their own.
Depending on the individual care plan, suction may involve the mouth, upper airway, or an artificial airway such as a tracheostomy. These pathways use different equipment and require different levels of clinical training.
The healthcare team should determine whether suction is appropriate and provide the patient or caregiver with individualized instruction before the equipment is used independently.
Important to Know
✓ Use suction equipment only when recommended by a healthcare professional.
✓ Follow the written care plan and equipment instructions.
✓ Do not independently change settings, catheter type, or technique.
✓ Caregivers should receive appropriate hands-on training.
Individual care needs
Suction Support Depends on the Care Plan
The equipment and supplies required depend on where suction is performed, the patient’s airway, and the instructions provided by the healthcare team.
Oral Suction
Oral suction may be used to remove visible saliva or mucus from the mouth using an appropriate oral suction device.
- Yankauer-style oral suction tips
- Compatible connecting tubing
- Collection container
- Replacement and care supplies
Upper-Airway Suction
Upper-airway suction may involve specialized soft catheters and should only be performed by someone trained to follow the patient’s care plan.
Equipment selection and technique must come from the healthcare team.
Tracheostomy & Artificial-Airway Suction
Artificial-airway suction requires airway-specific equipment, prescribed settings, compatible catheters, and formal clinical training.
Suction pressure, catheter selection, insertion depth, treatment timing, and technique must follow the patient’s individualized clinical training and care plan.
Equipment & supplies
What Equipment May Be Needed?
The appropriate system depends on the care plan, suction pathway, portability needs, power requirements, and compatible accessories.
Suction Machines
The suction machine creates the vacuum required by the prescribed system. Equipment options may support home or portable use.
- Stationary home suction machines
- Portable suction machines
- Battery-supported models
- Power accessories and carrying cases
Collection Containers
Suction systems use a compatible container or collection assembly to collect removed secretions.
- Reusable collection canisters
- Disposable collection liners
- Canister lids and seals
- Overflow-protection components
Tubing, Filters & Connectors
These components connect the suction machine, collection system, and prescribed patient interface.
- Suction tubing
- Bacterial or hydrophobic filters
- Elbows and connectors
- Machine-specific adapters
Suction Interfaces & Catheters
The patient interface must match the prescribed suction pathway, patient requirements, and clinical care plan.
- Yankauer-style oral suction tips
- Soft suction catheters
- Tracheostomy suction catheters
- Adult and pediatric options
Choosing equipment
Finding Equipment That Fits the Care Routine
Equipment selection should reflect the clinical care plan, location of use, required portability, and compatible supplies.
Home Use
- Expected frequency of use
- Machine size and noise
- Available electrical power
- Collection capacity
- Storage location
- Cleaning requirements
Portable Use
- Equipment weight
- Battery capacity
- Charging options
- Carrying case
- Vehicle-power compatibility
- Required travel supplies
Care-Plan Compatibility
- Prescribed suction pathway
- Required machine performance
- Compatible tubing and filters
- Patient-interface type
- Adult or pediatric needs
- Backup-equipment plan
Patients who depend on suction for airway management should follow the portable, backup-equipment, and emergency guidance provided by their healthcare team.
What to expect
Getting Started With Suction Support
Clinical assessment and training come first. MedPro can then help coordinate compatible equipment and supplies.
01
Receive a Clinical Care Plan
The healthcare team determines whether suction is appropriate and specifies the method, equipment requirements, settings, and training.
02
Select Compatible Equipment
MedPro can help identify a suction machine and supplies that correspond with the care plan, documentation, and current equipment.
03
Complete Training & Setup
The patient or caregiver should receive hands-on clinical instruction before independently using the system.
Equipment, documentation, caregiver-training, availability, and funding requirements may vary according to the clinical care plan, patient age, airway, province, and care setting.
Quick access
Suction Therapy Resources
Quickly access equipment, maintenance, replacement, and clinic information.
Safe equipment use
Using Suction Equipment Safely
Follow the care plan, clinical training, and manufacturer instructions whenever the equipment is prepared or used.
Follow the Care Plan
Use the system only according to the method and settings established by the healthcare team.
Use Compatible Supplies
The machine, canister, filters, tubing, connectors, and patient interface must work together as intended.
Prepare Clean Equipment
Use clean hands, an appropriate work area, and properly maintained supplies according to the patient’s training.
Inspect the System
Check power, battery charge, tubing, collection capacity, filters, and required supplies as directed.
Care & maintenance
Keep Your Suction System Ready for Use
Cleaning and disinfection instructions differ among machines, collection containers, tubing, filters, and patient interfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s manual and the instructions provided by the healthcare team.
Some components are designed for a single use. Others may be reusable when cleaned and stored according to their product instructions. Do not assume that every part can be washed or disinfected in the same way.
Never submerge the suction machine, power supply, battery, or other electrical components unless the manufacturer specifically identifies a component as washable.
General Care Checklist
✓ Wash and dry hands before handling components.
✓ Keep the machine on a stable, dry surface.
✓ Check tubing and connections for damage.
✓ Monitor the collection container as instructed.
✓ Replace disposable components after intended use.
✓ Clean reusable components as directed.
✓ Inspect and replace filters when directed.
✓ Allow cleaned reusable parts to dry.
✓ Store clean and used supplies separately.
✓ Keep portable equipment charged as directed.
Replacement supplies
Maintain a Complete Suction System
Inspect supplies regularly and follow product-specific instructions for cleaning, disposal, and replacement.
Replace Damaged Components
Watch for cracked tubing, loose connections, damaged lids, worn seals, blocked filters, contamination, or reduced equipment performance.
Follow Product Instructions
Filters, tubing, containers, catheters, and interfaces have different requirements. Some are single-use while others may be reusable.
Confirm Compatibility
Use the machine manufacturer, model, canister type, tubing connection, and existing product numbers when requesting replacements.
Before Contacting MedPro
Photograph or record the machine manufacturer, model number, canister and lid style, existing filter, tubing connection, patient-interface packaging, and power-adapter information.
Preparing your system
Plan for Home and Portable Use
Power, portability, backup equipment, and required supplies should reflect the individual care and emergency plan.
Power Requirements
- Electrical requirements
- Battery availability
- Charging time
- Battery condition
- Vehicle-power compatibility
Portable Supplies
- Charged suction machine
- Compatible tubing
- Collection system
- Required filters
- Prescribed patient interfaces
- Care-plan information
Backup Planning
Patients who depend on suction for airway management should follow the backup-equipment and emergency plan established by their healthcare team.
Ordering information
Before You Order Equipment or Supplies
Documentation, equipment information, and coverage details can help make the ordering process easier.
Clinical Documentation
Certain equipment, funding programs, or benefit claims may require a prescription, referral, written care plan, or other supporting documentation.
Product Availability
Machines, canisters, filters, tubing, and interfaces may vary by clinic, manufacturer, model, and current inventory.
Insurance & Funding
Coverage depends on the province, public program, extended-health plan, equipment category, documentation, and individual eligibility.
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Tracheostomy Supplies Support
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Learn about pulse oximeters and the measurement of blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
Frequently asked questions
Common Questions About Suction Equipment
General answers about equipment, supplies, training, maintenance, and ordering.
What is a suction machine?
A suction machine creates a vacuum that works with compatible tubing, a collection container, and a prescribed patient interface to remove secretions.
Who may need suction support?
A healthcare professional may recommend suction when a person cannot effectively clear saliva or mucus through swallowing, coughing, or another usual airway-clearance method.
Do I need a prescription or care plan?
The healthcare team should determine whether suction is appropriate and provide an individualized care plan. A prescription, referral, or other documentation may also be required for equipment or coverage.
What is the difference between oral and tracheostomy suction?
Oral suction removes saliva or visible mucus from the mouth using an appropriate oral interface. Tracheostomy suction involves an artificial airway and requires airway-specific equipment and clinical training.
Can a family member or caregiver use the equipment?
A caregiver should only provide suction support after receiving appropriate instruction and demonstrating that they can follow the patient’s individualized care and emergency plans.
How do I know which suction machine I need?
The care plan should identify the clinical requirements. MedPro can then help review compatible machines, collection systems, power options, and supplies.
What supplies connect to a suction machine?
A system may include a collection container, lid, filter, connecting tubing, adapters, and a prescribed oral or airway interface. Compatibility varies by machine and care plan.
How do I identify compatible replacement supplies?
Check the machine manufacturer, model number, canister type, filter, tubing connection, and current interface packaging. Provide this information when contacting MedPro.
How should suction equipment be cleaned?
Follow the instructions for the exact machine and component. Disposable and reusable parts have different requirements. Do not submerge the machine or electrical components.
How often should filters, tubing, and containers be replaced?
Replacement timing varies by manufacturer, component, intended use, frequency of use, and condition. Follow product instructions and replace damaged or contaminated supplies promptly.
Are portable suction machines available?
Portable and battery-supported options may be available. Contact MedPro to discuss current models, power requirements, accessories, and clinic inventory.
What should I do if the suction machine is not working?
Follow the equipment and backup instructions in the patient’s care plan. Contact the equipment provider or healthcare team for assistance. For an airway emergency or severe breathing difficulty, call 911 or follow the emergency plan immediately.
Will insurance or a public program cover suction equipment?
Coverage varies by province, public program, insurer, benefits plan, product category, documentation, and individual eligibility. Confirm coverage before purchasing.
Does every MedPro clinic carry suction supplies?
Equipment and supply availability may vary by clinic and current inventory. Contact your preferred location with the manufacturer and model information before visiting.
Important: This page provides general equipment information and does not replace clinical training, an individualized suction plan, manufacturer instructions, or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Suction equipment should only be used by people who have received appropriate instruction. For severe breathing difficulty, an airway emergency, or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 911 or follow the patient’s emergency care plan.
Personal support
Need Help With Suction Equipment or Supplies?
Connect with MedPro for help identifying compatible machines, collection systems, tubing, filters, patient interfaces, and replacement supplies.