Medical suction equipment
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Medical suction removes secretions, blood or vomit from the mouth, throat or airway when a person can't clear them on their own. MEC supplies portable and mains-powered suction units from Laerdal, Medela and DeVilbiss for home care, aged care, first responders and hospitals, along with the suction catheters, Yankauers, canisters, filters and tubing they use every day.
Shop suction units, suction catheters and Yankauers, canisters and filters or suction accessories.
How to choose a suction unit
The main choice is where the unit will be used and how it will be powered.
| Type | Best suited to | At MEC |
|---|---|---|
| Portable suction unit | Home care, aged care and suctioning on the move. Compact units that run on mains power plus a rechargeable battery or car power. | DeVilbiss VacuAide 7325, Medela Clario |
| Emergency and first-responder suction | Rugged, lightweight units for ambulance, first aid and emergency trolleys. | Laerdal LCSU 4, Laerdal LSU |
| Mains-powered suction unit | Clinics, procedure rooms and wards where the unit stays near a power point, on a trolley or with a carry handle. | Medela Basic |
| Manual suction pump | A hand-operated backup for power failures, travel and emergency kits. | Medsource manual suction pump |
Canisters, liners and filters are specific to each brand and model, so check the unit before ordering. Keep a spare canister and filter on hand, and a manual pump if the person depends on suction at home.
Suction catheters and Yankauers
Suction catheters are soft, flexible tubes for suctioning the nose, throat or a tracheostomy. They are sized in French gauge (Fr), and Y-type catheters have a thumb control port so suction is only applied when the port is covered. A Yankauer is a rigid handle for suctioning the mouth and back of the throat, available with a crown or bulb tip, vented or non-vented. Soft-tip devices, such as the NeoTech range, are gentler options for infants and sensitive mouths.
Suction FAQs
What is a suction machine used for?
A suction machine clears secretions, saliva, blood or vomit from the airway of someone who can't clear it by coughing or swallowing — for example people with a tracheostomy, neuromuscular conditions, swallowing difficulties, or during emergencies and procedures.
What is the difference between a Yankauer and a suction catheter?
A Yankauer is rigid and used for the mouth and throat. A suction catheter is soft and flexible, so it can be passed further into the nose, throat or a tracheostomy tube.
What is a suction toothbrush?
A toothbrush that connects to a suction unit, so saliva and fluid are removed while the teeth are cleaned. It suits people who can't spit or swallow safely. See the OroCare Aspire suction toothbrush.
Setting up suction for a client, ward or facility? Contact our team for product advice and volume pricing.
