| Neck guard: The tracheostomy tube is secured with a tie around the patient’s neck, connected to the flange on both sides of the tracheostomy tube. The neck guard allows head movement and reduces the movement of the tracheostomy tube in the airway. Information about the size of the tracheostomy tube may be provided on the outside of the neck guard. (1)
Tracheostomy tube: The tube itself may be composed of stainless steel, but normally is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicone or a combination. PVC is rigid and plastic, but becomes more pliable after additives are mixed with the PVC. It also becomes more flexible at body temperature. Silicone is softer and more flexible than polyvinyl chloride and its properties do not change with temperature. The slippery silicone surface repels water, allowing it to remain relatively free of bacteria and proteins. Silicone is less likely than PVC to become encrusted with secretions. (1) | | | | |
