--- title: 4 Types of Suction Aspirators description: Here are the types of suction aspirators you might encounter. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/4%20Types%20of%20Suction%20Aspirators.jpg --- [![dark-header.jpg](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hub/212347/file-1107077240.jpg?width=940&name=file-1107077240.jpg "dark-header.jpg")](https://www.sscor.com/) ## **Thank you for visiting the SSCOR Blog.** Whether you're in a Hospital or EMS setting, this is the place for you. We'll share information on current industry news, tips, as well as the latest and greatest in SSCOR products. Our hope is that this blog is not only informative but a collaborative and open forum for you to share your thoughts on developing opportunities and challenges within your profession. Subscribe. Share your thoughts. Enjoy. -SSCOR Team   # [4 Types of Suction Aspirators](https://blog.sscor.com/4-types-of-suction-aspirators) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Nov 21, 2024 8:00:00 AM 3 min read - [![LinkedIn Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2628248555-png/images/icons/linkedin-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/4-types-of-suction-aspirators#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/4-types-of-suction-aspirators#) 0 ![4 Types of Suction Aspirators](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/4%20Types%20of%20Suction%20Aspirators.jpg?width=400&name=4%20Types%20of%20Suction%20Aspirators.jpg) Suction plays a critical role in numerous medical procedures. It’s also a [key component](https://blog.sscor.com/4-airway-tools-to-include-in-your-tactical-medical-kit) of every tactical medical kit. Yet many first responders and other medical professionals are familiar with only one or two suction aspirators. In an emergency or when you collaborate with another agency, your familiarity with a wide range of suction equipment may be the most important factor in patient outcomes. Here are the types of suction aspirators you might encounter.   [![Guide: Portable Emergency Suction: A Critial Tool In Avoiding Aspiration Pneumonia](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/2f1501c2-bb40-46f8-a1de-c029ad5be75b)   ## **The Different Suction Options** The type of suctioning equipment you use often depends on [the type of suctioning](https://blog.sscor.com/tips-for-performing-oropharyngeal-and-nasopharyngeal-suctioning) you intend to do. There are four basic types:   - **Oropharyngeal suctioning**: The most commonly used form of suctioning in emergency medicine, this type maintains a patent airway by suctioning the throat via the mouth. - **Nasopharyngeal suctioning**: An alternative to oropharyngeal suctioning, nasopharyngeal suctioning allows access to the throat through the nose. It can be especially helpful for patients with broken or missing teeth, serious jaw injuries, or any type of physical trauma that makes accessing the mouth difficult. - **Nasotracheal suctioning**: Nasotracheal suctioning, like nasopharyngeal suctioning, accesses the airway through the nose but is reserved for middle and lower airway issues. - **Suctioning through an artificial airway**: Artificial airways must [regularly be cleared of secretions](https://blog.sscor.com/clearing-the-airway-choosing-the-right-suction-strategy-for-the-right-patient). Patients with airway obstructions may also require suctioning through an artificial airway. ## **Manual Suction Units** Manual airway aspirators are often used in emergency settings and low-tech medicine. For example, a first responder in a developing nation or war zone might use manual suction. These units are hand-powered, and while it is difficult to sustain consistent suction, but can work well in an emergency.    ## **Makeshift Suction Devices** Virtually any tube-shaped device—such as a straw or a thin pipette—can be used as a makeshift suction device in an emergency. These devices are less reliable and offer less effective and consistent suction. They are also more likely to cause airway trauma, especially when used by an unskilled person.    Your agency may want to offer training on makeshift suction to consumers, who may need to use a straw or other device to clear a loved one’s airway in an emergency. However, there is no reason to use a makeshift suction device.    ## **Wall-Mounted Suction** Traditional wall-mounted suction is the steady, reliable workhorse of the suction world. It gets the job done. The problem is it’s not portable. Even in a hospital that has a wall-mounted unit in every room, patients may need more. Wall-mounted suction can't benefit an aspirating patient in the emergency room or a baby delivered in the parking lot who has a respiratory obstruction. Under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, hospitals must [provide stabilizing emergency care](https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/legislation/emergency-medical-treatment-labor-act) to patients within a 250-yard radius of the campus. Wall-mounted suction units are inadequate.   [![New: Free Emergency Aspirator Purchasing Guide for Hospitals](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/8b3f08ff-a209-4f08-b702-68de84bac45b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/8b3f08ff-a209-4f08-b702-68de84bac45b)   ## **Emergency Portable Suction** Portable emergency suction devices allow doctors, first responders, and other healthcare workers to [go directly to the patient](https://www.sscor.com/duet_suction_unit), without the risks and delays inherent in moving the patient. They offer suction similar to that of a wall-mounted unit, but without tying a first responder to the ambulance.   The right portable emergency suction device has a long battery life, is compatible with a variety of attachments, and delivers consistent, reliable suction. For help choosing the right machine for your agency, download our free guide, [The Ultimate Guide to Purchasing a Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://info.sscor.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-purchasing-a-portable-emergency-suction-device).   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in June 2017. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.* [![S-SCORT III portable hospital suction for ambulances and first responders](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/630c3ac4-e3b3-41a1-b531-4562d1601702.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/630c3ac4-e3b3-41a1-b531-4562d1601702) Topics: [Aspiration](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/aspiration) ![Author Photo](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SDS2-648378-edited.jpg?width=70&name=SDS2-648378-edited.jpg) ## AboutSam D. Say Sam D. Say is owner and CEO of SSCOR, Inc., a medical device manufacturer specializing in emergency battery operated portable suction devices for the hospital and pre-hospital settings. Mr. Say has been involved in developing product for healthcare providers for over 35 years. His passions include contributing to the management of the patient airway and providing solutions that save lives in difficult conditions. 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