How Far to Insert a Yankauer? Safe Depth Guidelines
How far to insert yankauer?
The Quick Answer
Insert the Yankauer **no deeper than the back teeth or anterior tonsillar pillars**—approximately 8–10 cm in adults. The tip should remain in the oral cavity, sweeping cheek pouches and tongue surface without approaching the oropharynx. Visual confirmation of tip placement prevents gag reflex triggering and ensures effective secretion clearance without airway compromise.
Why We Ask This
Untrained users instinctively advance suction tips toward the throat believing deeper insertion improves clearance, inadvertently triggering gagging, laryngospasm, or vomiting that increases aspiration risk—the very complication suctioning aims to prevent.
The Practical Science
Anatomical safety boundaries align with the fauces (anterior tonsillar pillars), beyond which pharyngeal stimulation occurs. Studies show effective secretion clearance occurs with lateral sweeping motions in the oral cavity alone—no deep advancement required for clinical efficacy.
In Clinical Practice
When clearing secretions from a semi-conscious patient, insert the Yankauer into the left cheek pouch, sweep gently across the tongue surface to the right cheek pouch while applying intermittent suction, then withdraw—never advancing beyond visible oral structures.
References & Context
Guidelines for use of oral suctioning for adults in the community"Sweep the yankauer over the tongue, no deeper than the back of the teeth. 7. Look into the mouth where possible during the procedure to make sure the yankauer us in the correct place. This is to avoid damage to your mouth."