Proper cleaning and changing of an adult tracheostomy tube is crucial to prevent infections and further complications. In today’s blog, we’ll cover the essential steps needed to successfully clean and change an adult trach tube.  

Remember: It’s important to always remember to listen carefully to instructions given to you by your doctor.  

Steps for Cleaning an Adult Tracheostomy Tube

  1. Gather Your Supplies  

  • Gathering your supplies first will help make the cleaning and changing process easier and help you stay organized. You may need gloves, a sterile tracheostomy tube, saline solution, gauze pads, clean towels, and tracheostomy ties or Velcro ties if needed.  

  1. Find a Comfortable and Clean Area 

  • Be sure to find a comfortable, clean, and well-lit area and ensure that all of your supplies are near you.  

  1. Wash Your Hands 

  • To prevent infections and maximize cleanliness, wash your hands with soap and warm water. After you have done this, put on a clean pair of powder-less gloves.  

  1. Gently Remove the Inner Cannula  

  • Once the patient is in a comfortable position, carefully unlock and remove the inner cannula. Placing your hand on the neck plate will help prevent any dislodgement.  

  1. Effectively Clean the Inner Cannula  

  • This step will depend on if you are using a disposable or reusable inner cannula. Disposable inner cannulas do not need to be cleaned and can be disposed of at this step. Reusable inner cannulas will need to be cleaned and soaked in saline solution or the solution provided to you by your doctor. You can use a trach tube brush to effectively clean the inner cannula. Then carefully place it back into the outer cannula once cleaned and lock it into place.  

  1. Gently Clean the Tracheostomy Site 

  • Clean the skin around the tracheostomy site using clean gauze or towels with the saline solution or solution given to you by your doctor. After you have cleaned the skin, you can place a new gauze pad under the neck plate. Never cut the gauze, as frayed edges can be dangerous.  

  1. Change the Trach Ties  

  • If the trach ties are soiled, then it is time for them to be changed. Trach ties require assistance from another person to ensure that the placement of the neck plate doesn’t change. It is important to change the trach ties one at a time and be extremely careful. Loosen and remove the old ties and gently replace them with new ones.  

  1. Discard Waste 

  • Discard any waste and materials used when cleaning to ensure maximum safety and cleanliness!  

With these eight helpful steps, you can easily clean and change an adult tracheostomy tube. Remember to always listen to directions given to you by your doctor to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness when cleaning and changing a tracheostomy tube. At Advent Medical, our tracheostomy care program can help make your life easier! Learn more about how our team can help you by visiting our website or contacting us for more information.