Pediatric Suction Machine
Essential device for airway clearance and mucus removal in children
A suction machine is a medical device that removes mucus, saliva, blood, or other fluids from a child's airway. This guide provides practical information for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on safe and effective use of suction devices in pediatric care.
What is a Suction Machine
A suction machine (also called suction pump or aspirator) creates negative pressure to extract fluids and secretions from the airway passages. The device helps maintain clear breathing passages when a child cannot clear secretions independently due to illness, weakness, or medical conditions.
The basic components include a motor or pump that creates suction, a collection container for fluids, connecting tubing, and a catheter or tip that enters the airway.
Purpose and Where They Are Used
Primary Purpose
- Remove excess mucus from nose and throat
- Clear airway obstructions to improve breathing
- Prevent respiratory complications from secretion buildup
- Assist children who cannot cough or clear secretions effectively
- Maintain airway patency in tracheostomy patients
Common Settings of Use
- Hospitals: Emergency departments, intensive care units, pediatric wards, operating rooms
- Home Care: For children with chronic respiratory conditions, neuromuscular disorders, or tracheostomy
- Clinics: Pediatric clinics, respiratory therapy centers, ENT specialist offices
- Ambulances: Emergency medical transport vehicles
- Nursing Facilities: Long-term care facilities for children with special needs
Medical Conditions Requiring Suction
- Respiratory infections with excessive mucus production
- Chronic lung diseases like bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- Neuromuscular conditions affecting cough reflex
- Tracheostomy care
- Aspiration risks
- Post-surgical airway management
- Cystic fibrosis
Types of Suction Machines
| Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bulb Syringe | Manual rubber bulb that creates gentle suction when squeezed and released | Newborns, nasal clearing, home use for minor congestion |
| Manual Suction Pump | Hand-operated pump device with collection chamber | Emergency situations, areas without electricity, travel |
| Electric Portable Suction | Battery or AC powered compact unit | Home care, travel, moderate suction needs |
| Wall-Mounted Suction | Hospital-grade unit connected to facility vacuum system | Hospitals, clinics, high-volume professional use |
| Nasal Aspirator | Specialized device for nasal suction only | Infants and young children with nasal congestion |
Suction Categories by Power Source
- Manual: No power required, operated by hand compression
- Battery Operated: Portable, rechargeable, suitable for home and travel
- Electric AC Powered: Plugs into wall outlet, consistent power
- Combination Units: Both battery and AC options for flexibility
How to Use: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation Steps
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Gather all equipment: suction machine, catheter, collection container, clean gloves, saline if needed
- Check that the suction machine is working properly and all connections are secure
- Position the child comfortably, usually sitting upright or with head elevated
- Put on clean gloves (sterile gloves for tracheostomy suctioning)
Performing Nasal Suctioning (Basic)
- Measure catheter depth by placing tip at nostril and measuring to earlobe (do not insert beyond this length)
- Turn on suction machine and test pressure (typically 80-120 mmHg for children, 60-80 mmHg for infants)
- With suction OFF, gently insert catheter into nostril to pre-measured depth
- Apply suction by covering the vent hole or connecting to suction
- Slowly withdraw catheter with a rotating motion while suction is applied
- Entire process from insertion to removal should take no more than 10 seconds
- Allow child to breathe and rest for 30 seconds before repeating if necessary
- Repeat for other nostril if needed
- Do not suction more than 2-3 times per session
Post-Procedure Steps
- Turn off suction machine
- Dispose of catheter if single-use or clean according to instructions if reusable
- Empty and clean collection container
- Remove and dispose of gloves properly
- Wash hands again
- Monitor child for breathing comfort and any adverse reactions
Suction Pressure Guidelines
| Age Group | Recommended Pressure Range |
|---|---|
| Newborns and Infants | 60-80 mmHg |
| Children 1-8 years | 80-100 mmHg |
| Children 8+ years | 100-120 mmHg |
| Adolescents | 120-150 mmHg |
Always start with lower pressure and increase only if needed. Higher pressure increases risk of tissue damage.
Precautions and Safety Measures
General Precautions
- Never suction for more than 10 seconds at a time
- Do not insert catheter too deeply (can cause trauma or trigger gagging and vomiting)
- Use appropriate catheter size for child's age
- Always use sterile technique for tracheostomy suctioning
- Monitor child's color, breathing, and heart rate during procedure
- Stop immediately if child shows signs of distress, turns blue, or heart rate drops significantly
- Do not force catheter if resistance is felt
- Ensure adequate oxygenation between suction attempts
Potential Dangers and Complications
- Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen from prolonged suctioning
- Tissue Trauma: Damage to delicate airway tissues from excessive pressure or improper technique
- Bradycardia: Slowed heart rate from vagal stimulation
- Bleeding: From traumatized tissues
- Infection: From contaminated equipment or improper technique
- Bronchospasm: Airway constriction triggered by irritation
- Vomiting and Aspiration: From gagging reflex stimulation
When to Stop and Seek Medical Help
Stop suctioning immediately and seek emergency medical care if:
- Child turns blue or pale
- Breathing becomes more difficult after suctioning
- Heart rate drops significantly or becomes irregular
- Bleeding occurs and does not stop quickly
- Child becomes unconscious or unresponsive
- Severe coughing or choking occurs
- Signs of respiratory distress worsen
Catheter Selection Guide
| Age Group | Catheter Size (French) |
|---|---|
| Premature Infants | 5-6 Fr |
| Newborns to 6 months | 6-8 Fr |
| 6-12 months | 8 Fr |
| 1-3 years | 8-10 Fr |
| 3-8 years | 10-12 Fr |
| 8+ years | 12-14 Fr |
Keeping the Device Safe and Maintained
Daily Maintenance
- Empty collection container after each use
- Rinse tubing with clean water after each use
- Wipe exterior surfaces with disinfectant wipe
- Check all connections for secure fit
- Inspect tubing for cracks or damage
Weekly Cleaning
- Disassemble all removable parts
- Wash collection container with warm soapy water
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry completely
- Replace tubing if discolored or damaged
- Clean filters according to manufacturer instructions
Storage Guidelines
- Store in clean, dry location away from direct sunlight
- Keep away from heat sources
- Store catheters in clean, sealed packages or containers
- Keep suction machine upright to prevent fluid backflow
- Ensure power cord is safely coiled without kinks
Equipment Replacement Schedule
- Suction Catheters: Single-use (dispose after one use) or replace reusable types every 24 hours in home care
- Tubing: Replace every 1-2 weeks or when visibly soiled
- Collection Container: Replace if cracked or cannot be cleaned properly
- Filters: Replace monthly or per manufacturer guidelines
- Gloves: Always single-use, dispose after each procedure
Machine Performance Checks
- Test suction pressure regularly with gauge
- Listen for unusual motor sounds
- Verify battery holds charge (for portable units)
- Check for proper vacuum seal
- Ensure all alarms function properly (if equipped)
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I suction my child?
Suction only when necessary based on visible secretions, breathing difficulty, or as prescribed by healthcare provider. Avoid routine suctioning on a fixed schedule. Over-suctioning can cause irritation and increased secretion production.
Can I use tap water to rinse the suction catheter?
For nasal suctioning, clean tap water is acceptable for rinsing between passes during the same session. For tracheostomy suctioning, always use sterile water or saline. Never reuse water for cleaning equipment.
Is it normal for my child to cry during suctioning?
Yes, children often cry or resist suctioning because it is uncomfortable. However, ensure crying is from discomfort and not distress. If child shows signs of breathing difficulty, turns blue, or appears in severe distress, stop immediately.
What should I do if the suction machine loses power?
Have a backup manual suction device available. For children dependent on suctioning, always have alternative equipment ready and inform healthcare provider about equipment failures.
Can I use saline drops before suctioning?
Yes, a few drops of sterile saline can help loosen thick secretions. Use only sterile saline solution and follow healthcare provider's recommendations for amount and frequency.
How do I know if suction pressure is too high?
Signs include tissue trauma, bleeding, severe coughing, or child showing extreme distress. Always use a pressure gauge and stay within recommended ranges for child's age. Start with lower pressure and increase only if needed.
Should I suction before or after feeding?
Generally suction before feeding to clear airways and reduce vomiting risk. If suctioning after feeding, wait at least 30-60 minutes to reduce aspiration risk. Follow your healthcare provider's specific recommendations.
Can I travel with a portable suction machine?
Yes, battery-powered portable units are designed for travel. Carry backup batteries, manual suction device, and necessary supplies. Inform airlines in advance if traveling by air, as medical equipment may require documentation.
What is the difference between sterile and clean technique?
Sterile technique uses sterile gloves and equipment, required for tracheostomy and deep airway suctioning. Clean technique uses clean (not sterile) gloves and is acceptable for nasal and oral suctioning. Always follow healthcare provider's instructions for your child's specific situation.
How long can secretions stay in the collection container?
Empty the collection container after each use or when it reaches the fill line. Never allow fluids to sit for extended periods as this promotes bacterial growth and can damage the machine.
Training and Education Resources
Proper training is essential for safe suction device use. Seek training from:
- Hospital respiratory therapists
- Home health nurses
- Pediatrician or specialist
- Medical equipment suppliers (often provide training with equipment)
Recommended Reference Materials
For additional information, consult these authoritative sources:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) official website and publications
- World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on airway management
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) MedlinePlus resources
- Pediatric nursing textbooks such as "Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children"
- Respiratory care textbooks like "Egan's Fundamentals of Respiratory Care"
- Equipment manufacturer's instruction manuals and training materials
Emergency Preparedness
- Primary electric suction machine (fully charged if battery-powered)
- Backup manual suction device
- Extra batteries for portable units
- Adequate supply of suction catheters
- Sterile saline solution
- Clean gloves
- Emergency contact numbers readily accessible
- Written emergency plan from healthcare provider
Create an emergency action plan with your healthcare team that includes when to call for help and what steps to take if equipment fails.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding your child's medical condition or equipment use. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Suction machine use requires proper training. Do not attempt to use a suction device without receiving hands-on instruction from a qualified healthcare professional. Each child's medical condition is unique, and techniques may vary based on individual needs.
In case of emergency or severe respiratory distress, call emergency services immediately.
Content reviewed and verified by a qualified Pediatrician
Last Updated: January 2026
Labels: Therapeutic-Devices