Tracheostomy Tubes and Caps

Types of Tracheostomy Tubes

1. Cuffless Tube

   • Used to provide access to the airway.

2. Silicon Tracheostomy Tube

   • Features a balloon or cuff.
   • The balloon virtually disappears into the tube body when deflated.

3. Standard Tracheostomy Tube

   • Commonly used when a person first receives a tracheostomy in a hospital or ICU.
   • Comes with a syringe for the cuff.
   • Cuffs should only be inflated or deflated if trained by a healthcare provider.

4. Jackson Tracheostomy Tube

   • Made of metal.
   • Used for patients with long-term tracheostomy needs.
   • Can be cleaned and reused.
   • Cuff is used for patients on a ventilator or with poor or non-functioning swallow.

Testing Cuff/Balloon Integrity

• Load syringe with air.
• Attach to pilot balloon.
• Slowly inflate to check for ruptures or tears.
• Deflate before disconnecting the syringe.
• Warning: Never cap a trach tube with an inflated balloon or cuff as it prevents breathing.

Types of Tracheostomy Caps

1. Speaking Valve

   • One-way valve that opens on inhalation and closes on exhalation.
   • Forces air over vocal cords, enabling speech.
   • Used when a patient shows improvement, has an effective swallow, and is strengthening their breathing muscles.

2. Decannulation Cap (Red Cap)

   • Completely blocks the trach tube.
   • Forces the person to use their upper airway for breathing.
   • Used when a person is nearing trach tube removal and can breathe on their own using their nose and mouth.