Proper Yankauer Suctioning Technique: Step-by-Step Clinical Guide
What is the proper technique for Yankauer suctioning?
The Quick Answer
Insert the Yankauer **gently into the cheek pouch**, never beyond the back teeth. Sweep laterally across the tongue arch while intermittently occluding the vent with your thumb to activate suction. Avoid deep pharyngeal insertion to prevent gagging. Limit suction duration to 10–15 seconds per pass, allowing 30+ seconds between attempts for oxygenation recovery.
Why We Ask This
Untrained caregivers often insert suction tips too deeply or apply continuous suction, triggering gag reflexes, laryngospasm, or mucosal trauma—especially dangerous in vulnerable populations like stroke patients or those with impaired gag reflexes.
The Practical Science
Safe technique relies on controlled intermittent suction (thumb vent control) and shallow insertion depth (<back teeth) to clear secretions while preserving protective airway reflexes. Evidence shows limiting suction duration prevents hypoxia from oxygen displacement.
In Clinical Practice
For an unconscious patient with pooled secretions, gently sweep the Yankauer from one cheek pouch across the tongue surface to the opposite pouch—never advancing toward the oropharynx—while applying suction for only 10 seconds before withdrawing to reassess breathing.
References & Context
Oral suction at home | CUH - Addenbrooke's Hospital"Insert the yankauer gently into the mouth until it reaches the pouch of the cheek. Put your thumb over the vent to suck secretions. Gently sweep over the arch of the tongue to the pouch of the opposite cheek. Ensure the tip of the yankaeur is not inserted too far back in the mouth to prevent gagging and choking."