R R

What Is A Yankauer Suction Tip?

A Yankauer suction tip is a rigid suction device used to remove fluid, saliva, blood, or secretions from the mouth and upper throat. It has a firm, often curved shape with a wide opening and a bulb-shaped tip. Some designs include a thumb vent that lets the user control suction. It is commonly used during surgery, emergency care, dental care, and airway support.

Link to This Resource Page

Provide a valuable resource to your clients or customers by linking to this resource page. Just place the following link on your website.

To display this...

What Is A Yankauer Suction Tip?

A Yankauer suction tip is a rigid suction device used to remove fluid, saliva, blood, or secretions from the mouth and upper throat. It has a firm, often curved shape with a wide opening and a bulb-shaped tip. Some designs include a thumb vent that lets the user control suction. It is commonly used during surgery, emergency care, dental care, and airway support.

read more about yankauer suction tip ...

Copy this HTML:

Copy HTML Copied!

How Does A Yankauer Suction Tip Work?

The suction tip connects to suction tubing and a suction source. When suction is active, fluid and secretions move through the tip and tubing into a collection container. The thumb vent can allow intermittent suction control on compatible designs. The tip should be used where it can be seen and should not be pushed deep into the airway without clinical training.

When Is A Yankauer Suction Tip Used?

A Yankauer suction tip can be used to clear the mouth during procedures, vomiting, bleeding, or heavy secretions. It can help keep the airway area clearer while a care team manages breathing or surgery. It is also used to remove fluid from the operative field during some procedures. The device is for oral and oropharyngeal suction, not deep tracheal suction.

Yankauer Suction Safety Tips

Suction should be applied carefully to avoid tissue injury, gagging, or loss of oxygen in vulnerable patients. The tip should not be forced against delicate tissue or placed where it cannot be watched. Suction pressure and duration should follow facility policy and patient condition. If breathing worsens or the patient becomes distressed, the care team should reassess right away.

Yankauer Tip Cleaning And Disposal

Yankauer suction tips are commonly single-use and should be discarded after use based on facility policy. Reusable suction equipment needs cleaning and reprocessing according to the device instructions. Tubing and canisters should be handled as contaminated after use. Staff should check for cracks, blocked openings, loose tubing, or poor suction before and during use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yankauer Suction Tips

Is A Yankauer Suction Tip Used For Deep Suctioning?

No. A Yankauer suction tip is mainly used for the mouth and upper throat area. Deep airway suction requires different equipment and trained clinical technique.

Why Does A Yankauer Tip Have A Thumb Vent?

The thumb vent helps control when suction is applied on compatible designs. Covering or uncovering the vent changes suction flow during use.

Can A Yankauer Suction Tip Damage Tissue?

Yes. Tissue can be injured if the tip is pressed too hard, used with high suction, or held in one spot too long. Careful placement and suction control reduce that risk.

What Should You Check If Suction Is Weak?

Check the suction source, tubing connection, canister, filter, and tip opening. A blocked tip or loose tubing can reduce suction strength.

References

Chapter 22 Tracheostomy Care & Suctioning. Nursing Skills, NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK593189/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.

Surgical Airway Suctioning. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448077/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.

5.8 Oral Suctioning. Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care. https://opentextbc.ca/clinicalskills/chapter/5-7-oral-suctioning/. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.

Artificial Airway Suctioning. American Association for Respiratory Care. https://www.aarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/cpg-artificial-airway-suctioning.pdf. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.

Airway Suctioning Clinical Practice Standard. WA Country Health Service. https://www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/WACHS/Documents/About-us/Policies/Airway-Suctioning-Clinical-Practice-Standard.pdf?thn=0. Date Accessed May 27, 2026.