Cuff Deflation

This involves deflating the tracheostomy cuff to reintroduce airflow to the mouth/nose. Following cuff deflation, an assessment of airflow through the larynx and the management of oral secretions is carried out. This is assessed by the SALT and Physio team.

Before cuff deflation, warn the patient about the possibility of an alteration in tracheal airflow sensation and that they may cough.

Gas flows through correctly positioned tracheostomy tubes: Left-hand figure shows a cuff-inflated tube with gas flow excluded from the upper airway. Centre figure shows gas flow in ‘leak speech’, with the cuff deflated (or not present). Gas flows via the tracheostomy tube, but also a small amount via the upper airways.

The following video demonstrates how to safely carry out cuff deflation (cuff down trial):