Tracheostomy care is one of the most technically demanding aspects of nursing and respiratory therapy practice. With approximately 100,000 tracheostomies performed annually in the United States — and many patients living with long-term tracheostomies in SNFs, rehab facilities, and home settings — reliable access to the right tracheostomy care supplies is a patient safety imperative.
Tracheostomy Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes are the central supply item, available in cuffed and uncuffed configurations, multiple sizes (inner diameter and length), and various materials:
- Cuffed tracheostomy tubes: Used in patients on mechanical ventilation or at high aspiration risk. The inflated cuff creates a seal between the tube and tracheal wall. Available in standard, extra-length (XL), and adjustable flange configurations for patients with anatomic challenges.
- Uncuffed tracheostomy tubes: Used in patients who are weaning from ventilation or no longer require the cuff seal. Allow airflow around the tube for phonation with speaking valve or cap.
- Fenestrated tubes: Include openings (fenestrations) in the tube shaft to allow air to pass through the vocal cords for speech while maintaining tracheostomy access.
- Silver trach tubes: Reusable tubes traditionally used in long-term tracheostomy patients; require regular cleaning but have very long service life.
Leading tracheostomy tube manufacturers: Shiley (Medtronic), Portex (Smiths Medical), Bivona (Smiths Medical), and Kapitex.
Inner Cannulas
Disposable inner cannulas are changed every 8–24 hours to prevent mucus buildup and maintain airway patency. Each inner cannula must be size-matched to the outer trach tube — mixing brands or sizes creates misfit and potential airway compromise. Facilities should stock 2–3 spare inner cannulas per trach patient per day. Disposable inner cannulas are available in both standard and extended-length configurations.
Suction Supplies
Regular suctioning is required to clear secretions from the airway. Supplies needed:
- Suction catheters (6–14 Fr, matched to trach tube inner diameter)
- Closed inline suction catheter systems for ventilated patients (replaced every 24–72 hours per protocol)
- Yankauer suction tips for oral suctioning
- Portable suction machines for transport and home use
Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs)
HMEs — sometimes called "artificial noses" — attach to the tracheostomy hub and passively humidify and warm inhaled air by capturing exhaled heat and moisture. They are used in patients not on active humidification systems, particularly during transport and in ambulatory patients. HMEs are changed every 24 hours. Integrated HME-speaking valves (Passy-Muir style) allow phonation while maintaining humidification.
Tracheostomy Care Kits
Trach care kits consolidate the supplies needed for routine stoma and tube care: brush set for inner cannula cleaning, cotton-tipped applicators, trach gauze dressings, twill tape or Velcro trach holder, sterile drape, and normal saline or hydrogen peroxide solution. Kits simplify bedside supply management and ensure standardized care practices across nursing staff.
Procurement Considerations
Tracheostomy patients represent a high-acuity population with zero tolerance for supply interruptions. Facilities managing trach populations should maintain minimum 30-day supply buffers for inner cannulas, suction catheters, and HMEs. For SNFs and home health agencies, ensuring the supply chain extends reliably to these settings — not just acute care — is critical. Healix stocks comprehensive tracheostomy supplies for facilities of all types. Call (888) 585-6510 or browse our respiratory catalog.