Medela Suction Pumps, Canisters & Liners
Medela is a Swiss medical device company best known for breastfeeding products, and it also makes medical vacuum and suction pumps. MEC stocks Medela's medical suction range: the Basic surgical suction pump in carry-handle and trolley setups, the Clario airway suction pump for home and tracheostomy care, and the reusable jars, disposable liners, filters and mounting accessories that go with them.
Medela Basic or Clario?
| Medela Basic | Medela Clario | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Clinics, practices, day surgery and wards: general surgery, endoscopy, wound drainage | Clearing the airway through the nose, mouth or a tracheostomy tube, at home or on the go |
| Vacuum | Adjustable, 0 to –90 kPa | Three preset levels: –18, –36 and –80 kPa |
| Free airflow | 30 L/min or more | 15 L/min |
| Noise | 40 dB(A) or less at 1 m | About 64 dB(A) at 1 m |
| Power | Mains only | Mains, with a battery version that runs for more than 50 minutes on a full charge |
| Weight | About 9.5 kg (portable), 16 kg on trolley | 1.7–2.0 kg |
Medela Basic Setups at MEC
The Basic is the same pump in each setup. Choose by how it moves and which canister system you prefer:
- Carry handle with reusable 1 L jar or disposable 1.5 L liner
- On a trolley with reusable 1 L jar or disposable 1.5 L liner
The trolley stand has four antistatic castors with brakes and an integrated foot switch. A clamp holder attaches jars to the pump's rail.
Reusable or Disposable Canisters?
Reusable Collection System. 1 L and 2 L polysulphone jars with a universal lid and built-in overflow protection. They can be autoclaved up to 134 °C, and Medela states they can be reprocessed more than 500 times. This suits sites with sterilising facilities and high use.
Disposable Collection System. A rigid 1.5 L canister holds single-use 1.5 L liners. The whole liner, with its contents, goes to clinical waste, so there's no emptying or jar cleaning. This suits infection-sensitive settings and sites without reprocessing.
Filter: Use a disposable overflow protection and bacteria filter between the canister and the pump. Replace it if it becomes wet or blocked, or as directed by the instructions for use.
Important — Airway suctioning: The Clario's tubing must be connected to the suction catheter prescribed by the treating clinician. Suction level and technique for tracheostomy or oral suctioning should follow the clinician's instructions, particularly for children.
Medela Suction FAQ
Can the Medela Clario run without mains power?
The battery version runs for more than 50 minutes on a full charge, and takes about 5 hours to recharge. A car connection cable is also available. Check the product listing for which version is supplied.
Does MEC sell Medela breast pumps?
No. MEC stocks Medela's medical suction range only.
Browse the Medela range above, or explore our wider suction range, including Laerdal portable emergency suction units. For clinic or hospital orders, contact the MEC team.