There are many different types of tubes which will go into a tracheostomy. This can be a little confusing but essentially one needs to ask if the tube is cuffed or uncuffed, with or without an inner tube and fenestrated or un-fenestrated. A fenestrated tube is simply a tube with a hole in it that allows airflow from the nose and mouth.

Cuffed tracheostomy tubes, have a soft balloon at the end which will inflate thereby sealing the airway.

This is essential in the patient who is receiving positive pressure ventilation or where there are increased oral or gastric secretions making the risk of aspiration a possibility.

This video from the NTSP describes the different types of tubes and what they are used for: