How to Clean a Tracheostomy Tube

A tracheostomy tube, also called a trach tube, lets a person breathe without using his or her nose or mouth. A trach tube may be made up of one tube called an outer cannula. Or, it may be made up of an outer cannula and a second tube called an inner cannula.

Keeping a trach tube clean helps prevent infection. It also makes breathing easier.

Supplies needed:

• Towel.
• Suction supplies.
• Sterile trach care kit. The kit should contain:
  • 4 x 4 inch (10 x 10 cm) gauze pads.
  • Cotton-tipped swabs.
  • Trach bandage (dressing).
  • Container.
  • 0.9% salt-water (saline) solution.
  • Small brush or an inner trach tube that can be thrown away (disposable inner cannula).
  • Roll of twill tape, trach ties, or a hook and loop trach holder.
  • Scissors.
• Clean gloves.

How to clean a trach tube

1. Have all supplies ready.
2. Suction the trach tube as needed.
3. Wash your hands well.
4. Put on a clean pair of gloves.
5. Fill the container with 0.9% saline solution.
6. Give oxygen as needed.
7. If the inner trach tube cannot be thrown away (is nondisposable):
   1. Touch only the outer part of the trach tube as you unlock and take out the inner tube.
   1. Put the inner tube into 0.9% salt-water solution.
   1. Use a small brush to clean the inside and outside of the inner tube.
   1. Hold the inner tube over the container, and rinse the tube with 0.9% salt-water solution.
   1. Pat the inner tube with gauze to help it get dry.
   1. Replace the inner tube.
   1. Lock the tube into position.
   1. Give oxygen as needed.
8. If the inner trach tube can be thrown away (is disposable):
   1. Take the new tube out of the packaging.
   1. Touch only the outer part of the trach tube as you take out the inner tube.
   1. Replace the old tube with the new tube.
   1. Lock the tube into position.
   1. Throw away the old tube.
   1. Give oxygen as needed.
9. Use gauze or cotton swabs to clean the outer tube. Clean 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) in all directions under the neck plate.
10. Use a cotton swab to clean the opening in the neck, making circles. Start from the opening and go outward.
11. Dry the skin and the outer tube by gently patting the area with a dry gauze pad.
12. Keep the trach tube in place with twill tape, trach ties, or a trach holder.
13. Put a bandage around the trach site.
14. Give oxygen as needed.
15. Throw away any used supplies.
16. Take off your gloves.
17. Wash your hands.