--- title: 6 Common Misconceptions About Portable Suction Machines description: Sometimes portable suction machines get a bad rap. Here are some of the most common fallacies about portable suction machines. image: https://blog.sscor.com/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-186558224.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   # [6 Common Misconceptions About Portable Suction Machines](https://blog.sscor.com/6-common-misconceptions-about-portable-suction-machines) Posted by [Sam D. Say](https://blog.sscor.com/author/sam-d-say) Aug 10, 2023 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/6-common-misconceptions-about-portable-suction-machines#) 0 - [![Facebook Social Icon](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/142915/file-2623658044-png/images/icons/fb-small.png) ](https://blog.sscor.com/6-common-misconceptions-about-portable-suction-machines#) 0 ![6 Common Misconceptions About Portable Suction Machines](https://blog.sscor.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog/rsz_gettyimages-186558224.jpg?width=700&name=rsz_gettyimages-186558224.jpg "6 Common Misconceptions About Portable Suction Machines") Sometimes portable suction machines get a bad rap. That’s unfortunate because these life-saving devices have come a long way in recent years. Let’s debunk some of the most common fallacies about [portable suction machines](https://www.sscor.com/hospital_products.html). ## **Misconception #1: If our hospital has in-wall suction, there is no need for portable suction.** Sure, in-wall suction is great when it is available at every bedside. It is convenient, and you are probably comfortable setting it up and using it for your patients. But it is essential to realize that **in-wall suction can fail**. If the vacuum pipes clog or there is damage to the central system, your in-wall suction could be rendered useless.   Consider a patient who chokes while on transport or a visitor who chokes in the cafeteria. How are you going to clear their airways quickly while they are far from an in-wall suction port?   This is why a [portable suction device is essential](https://www.sscor.com/duet_suction_unit.html). It acts as a redundant system for an in-wall medical vacuum and keeps your patients safe in all areas of the hospital.   [![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)   ## **Misconception #2: Portable suction machines are too expensive to purchase.** Any piece of durable medical equipment will have an associated cost, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Portable suction machines come in a range of prices and with different functions. Today’s devices are durable and can last years with proper maintenance, making them a worthy investment.   ## **Misconception #3: Portable suction machines are too bulky.** Gone are the days of giant, heavy machines that take up your whole crash cart or are too cumbersome to carry to a patient’s side. Many current portable suction machines weigh less than 10 pounds, making them easy to move. Additionally, [some machines come with brackets](https://www.sscor.com/duet_suction_unit_retention_bracket_portable_aspirator.html) that allow them to be mounted to the side of a crash cart, saving valuable space.   ## **Misconception #4: Portable suction machines use too much energy.** In an effort to protect the battery, some portable suction machines drop to float when they are fully charged, therefore reducing energy consumption. There are also [devices that solely run on alkaline batteries](https://www.sscor.com/dcell_suction_hospital_aspirator.html), eliminating the need for an AC power source.   [![New: Ultimate Guide To Purchasing A Portable Emergency Suction Device](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/55c49bab-8acd-48d9-a274-d480a9b3e678)   ## **Misconception #5: Portable suction machines are too noisy.** You’d be surprised at how quiet most machines today are. The humming of suction will likely not even be noticed over the other ambient noises within the hospital room.   ## **Misconception #6: Portable suction machines cannot safely be used on all of my patients.** Many portable suction devices are capable of safely suctioning a seven-pound newborn or a 90-year-old woman, yet can also provide strong suction to remove thick secretions like vomit when needed. Machines can often be adjusted from as low as 50 mm Hg to more than 500 mm Hg of suction power quickly and easily.   Now that we have dispelled some of the most common misconceptions regarding portable suction devices, you recognize the importance of these small but mighty machines.   *Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in November, 2016. It has been re-published with additional up to date content.*   [![ultimate_guide_to_purchasing_aspirator](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/212347/e3e3529c-4d5a-4301-9c0f-92c47b999ccb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/212347/e3e3529c-4d5a-4301-9c0f-92c47b999ccb) Topics: [Portable suction for hospitals](https://blog.sscor.com/topic/portable-suction-for-hospitals) ![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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