Suction & oral care equipment
Equipment used to clear mucus and fluids from the mouth or airway
What is it, and what does it do?
Suction uses controlled negative pressure through a catheter or oral suction wand to remove saliva, mucus or secretions. In the ICU it may be used for mouth care, airway clearance or management of a breathing tube.
Why might someone need it?
- A person cannot clear oral secretions effectively.
- There are secretions in a breathing tube or tracheostomy tube.
- Mouth care and secretion control help maintain comfort and hygiene.
What might families notice?
- A suction canister, tubing and a curved handheld oral suction wand (Yankauer).
- A nurse or respiratory therapist using suction intermittently.
- Coughing or brief discomfort during certain suctioning procedures.
What does it mean for my loved one?
Suction equipment is common in critical care and does not by itself mean infection, pneumonia or imminent death. The amount and type of secretions matter in context.
What to look for: common versions and parts
Oral suction wands clear the mouth.
Inline suction systems may connect to a ventilator breathing circuit.
Tracheostomy suction requires training and sterile or clean technique as directed.
Descriptions are for recognition only. They do not identify or verify a particular patient's equipment.
For safety at the bedside
Do not insert suction catheters or suction a breathing tube yourself. Ask the team whether supervised oral care by family is appropriate.
Questions you can ask the ICU team
- What is suction being used for?
- Is the person having trouble clearing mucus?
- How are oral care and comfort managed?
- Can family help with mouth care, and what is safe to do?
Written from patient-education references. Content and images clinically reviewed by an advanced practice nurse, October 2026. Educational content may be updated as guidance changes.
MedlinePlus: Tracheostomy careCarePath provides general educational information and does not replace advice or decisions from your healthcare team. Legal & Educational Disclaimer
General education only. Equipment, medications, alarms and care plans differ from patient to patient. Never adjust or disconnect equipment. The treating team can explain the specific situation.