Portable Suction Machine For Home Use: A Step-By-Step Guide
With more than 100,000 adults receiving a tracheostomy in the US every year, a higher incidence of airway-obstructing respiratory conditions is evident. The procedure allows for more stable breathing, especially among patients with chronic respiratory conditions. However, apart from this invasive process, there is a need to keep the airways clear as well. In this regard, having a portable suction machine for home use is considered necessary for home-bound patients.
Patients with chronic respiratory illnesses often need a portable suction machine for home use
In this article, we will learn about a portable suction machine for home use in terms of its usage procedure in a step-by-step manner. In addition, some of the well-known suction machine brands have also been linked for the reader’s convenience.
What is a Portable Suction Machine for Home Use?
A portable suction machine for home use is a respiratory-aid product that clears semi-solid or solid substances from the airways to facilitate unobstructed breathing. These are needed by patients who have certain respiratory illnesses that make them prone to a restricted airway passage, leading to hindrances in breathing.
The device works by generating a vacuum that pulls the obstructed material out of the airways and, as a result, clears them out. The use of a portable suction machine for home use is considered mandatory for patients dealing with chronic respiratory illnesses and neuromuscular disorders, along with those who have recently undergone a tracheostomy.
Portable Suction Machine for Home Use: Step-by-Step Usage Guide
When it comes to using a portable suction machine for home use, the following steps should be followed to achieve the best results with minimal risks:
Prepare Yourself
Before handling a portable suction machine for home use, the first step is to wash your hands. For this purpose, using an antibacterial soap with warm water is recommended. The soap should be applied on the hands in a rotary motion for 1 to 2 minutes, followed by rinsing with running water. Using a clean towel or paper towel, hands should be dried.
Prepare the Portable Suction Machine
The next step in learning how to use a portable suction machine for home use is to prepare the device. To do so, follow the given steps:
Placement
Place the suction machine on a flat and firm surface.
Plugging
Take the plug of the suction machine and attach it to the grounded outlet.
Connecting the Canister
Attach the holding canister to the suction machine. Press the lid in place firmly to achieve a tight seal. This is necessary to ensure that the risk of accidental spillage or leakage is minimal. Moreover, a proper seal also helps achieve an adequate suction pressure that is necessary for airway clearance.
Attachment of the Tubing
A portable suction machine for home use comes with two tubes. Use the shorter one (i.e., connecting tubing) to connect the suction tubing from the hydrophobic filter to the canister lid. As for the longer one, it is to be connected to the patient port on the lid of the canister.
Setting the Suction Pressure
Now, switch the suction machine on while blocking the end of the patient tube. By adjusting the regulator knob, adjust the vacuum or suction pressure to the required level. Keep in mind that these vacuum pressures also depend on the patient’s age i.e. the pressure suitable for infants is between 80 and 100 mm Hg, and for children is between 100 and 120 mm Hg. For adults, a pressure value between 100 and 150 mm Hg is considered suitable.
Operate the Suction Machine
At this stage, your portable suction machine for home use is ready to operate. Turn it on and block the suction end with your hand. If you can feel the suction, the device is working properly. If not, tightening the connectors might solve the issue.
Swelling in the lungs often leads to obstructed breathing
Using a Portable Suction Machine for Home Use: Troubleshooting
While learning about a portable suction machine for home use, it is important to look into some of the commonly encountered issues with the device that can be solved easily. Some of these have been mentioned as follows:
| Problems | Action |
| The device does not turn on | Adjust the power sources Adjust the connections Ensure wall outlet is live by plugging in a lamp Ensure that the installed battery is fully charged In case of an internal battery, ensure the unit has a battery installed |
| Pump runs, but there is no vacuum | Make sure the float shut-off is inactivated Ensure there are no leaks or cracks in the container assembly and tubing Check all the tubing connections properly |
| Low vacuum | Check system for any leaks Increase the vacuum level through vacuum regulator |
| Battery does not charge | Ensure the charge light turns on Ensure wall outlet is live by plugging in a lamp Check all electrical connections are charging properly |
Caution
To ensure patient safety while employing a portable suction machine for home use, always keep in mind the following:
- Never use a portable suction machine while bathing.
- Avoid storing the device in a place where there is a risk of falling.
- Never place or drop the suction machine in water or any other liquid.
- Ensure that all the tubing is properly inserted so that the risk of leakage or slippage is avoided.
- Avoid moving the suction machine when the holding canister is full.
- Maintain the bacteria filter to prevent the entry of foreign materials into the device to lower the risk of contamination and poor performance.
- Never use dirty tubing. It is recommended to clean it at least once a week by soaking it in a solution of one part vinegar and three parts hot water for at least 20 minutes. Once cleaned, rinse with hot tap water and air dry.
Diseases like COPD increase mucus production which leads to obstructed breathing
Suction Machines at Health Supply 770: Features and Specifications
Among patients with respiratory disorders, needing regular breathing assistance is common. This means there is a constant need for oxygen cylinders, a portable suction machine for home use, etc. As for these portable suction machines, they clear out the airway passage and allow unobstructed breathing.
However, when it comes to learning about portable suction machine for home use, it is also essential to look into some of the products that many brands manufacture. Some of these well-known suction machine brands are also available at Health Supply 770 and have been detailed below, along with their features and purchase links:
Drive Medical 18600 Suction Pump Portable Home Heavy Duty Aspirator Machine ~NIB
US$279.99
Product Details
Drive Medical 18600 portable home heavy duty suction pumps are the aspirators that are one of the best products for clearing the airway passage. These are known for their superior performance when it comes to sucking out blood, vomit, or mucus from the airways. As for the suction power, the product can be operated at different vacuum levels, the maximum of which reaches up to 560 mm Hg.
In addition, this Drive Medical 18600 heavy duty portable suction machine for home use has a reliable design and is easy to operate. Moreover, the smaller and compact size of the product allows easy storage even in homes where space is an issue. In this regard, the wrap-around power cord also comes in handy.
Furthermore, these Drive Medical 18600 portable home heavy duty suction pumps have been affixed with an anti-vibration vacuum that does not let the device shake during the pumping process. To prevent the spillage of the collected material, the portable suction machine for home use also comes with an overflow protection bottle.
Drive Medical 22330 Universal Suction Machine Tubing and Filter Replacement Kit with Canister Pack of 1
US$28.49
Product Details
Drive Medical 22330 Universal suction machine tubing and filter replacement kits are a collection of a disposable suction canister and tubes that connect the canister to the vacuum pump. The holding canister has a capacity of 800 cc, while the length of the tubing is 10 inches, which is enough to link the vacuum pump with the holding canister. The tube also has a universal elbow connector that allows attachment with almost all kinds of suction machines.
Moreover, these Drive Medical 22330 Universal suction machine tubing and filter replacement kits also comprise a 72-inch suction tube, which is inserted into the patient’s airway tract. Once the machine is switched on, this tube pulls in all the mucus, blood, vomit, or any other obstruction material and transfers it into the holding canister. Furthermore, the product also contains a hydrophobic filter that restricts the backflow of the collected material into the suction machine.
Drive Medical 610-12B Disposable Suction Canisters 800CC Pack of 12
US$61.89
Product Details
Drive Medical 610-12B disposable suction canisters are products that are used to hold the collected material until it is disposed of. As these canisters are single-use items, there is no need to clean them after every use. This way, there is a minimal risk of infection transfer from coming into direct contact with the collected material.
Moreover, these Drive Medical 610-12B disposable suction canisters can hold all kinds of materials, including blood, mucus, vomit, as well as solid foreign objects. The material holding capacity of the product is up to 800 cc. For the ease of the user, the product has been etched with increments in cc so that the volume of the collected fluid can be measured.
Furthermore, these Drive Medical 610-12B disposable suction canisters also have an auto shut-off float valve on the product lid that minimizes the risk of overflow or spillage of the collected material.
The presence of the universal ports on the product allows it to connect to almost all suction devices. Being lighter in weight as well as smaller in size, the product is considered ideal for use in home settings as well as healthcare facilities where limited operation and storage space is available.
Drive Medical 18600-KITN Universal Suction Machine Tubing and Filter Replacement Kit
US$24.99
Product Details
Drive Medical 18600-KITN universal suction machine tubing and filter replacement kits have tubing that connect the holding canister with the hydrophobic suction filter. The product contains a universal elbow connector that works with all kinds of suction machines.
Moreover, the length of the suction tubing in these Drive Medical 18600-KITN universal suction machine tubing and filter replacement kits is 72 inches. This length allows easy insertion of the product into the airway passage.
The color of the tube is blue which allows its easy identification. As for the construction, the product is made up of medical-grade silicone, a material known for its softness and flexibility.
*Note: The prices of these items mentioned in the article are taken from the Health Supply 770 website. These may vary over time.
Narrowing of the airways causes a hindrance in the natural breathing process
The products linked in the article, while learning about portable suction machine for home use, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of healthcare products.
Conclusion
Among patients dealing with chronic respiratory illnesses, the production of excess mucus easily obstructs the airway passage, especially when the tract is inflamed. In such conditions, the patients experience breathing difficulties that lead to poor oxygenation.
In this regard, a portable suction machine for home use comes in handy as it helps clear out the obstructed substances from the airways. As a result, the blockage opens and breathing is assisted. In addition, the device is also easy to operate and carry around owing to its smaller size.
Considering their importance, portable suction machines should be kept in home settings to accommodate the patients in need. For purchasing different kinds of medical devices, including a portable suction machine for home use, reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 should be approached. They ensure the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
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