Securing the lifeline of ventilation for critically ill patients presents an array of challenges. But one avoidable yet potentially disastrous complication comes from patients themselves.
In confused, anxious, or delirious states, some bite down on the hard plastic devices pumping oxygen into their lungs. These bite blocks provide both a physical and educational barrier.
The Dangers of ET Tube Damage
From the ER to the ICU and OR, endotracheal tubes maintain respiration in unstable patients. However, these slim lifelines carry risks when crushed between the teeth. Biting and occluding the tube halts airflow immediately, while fractures release plastic shards into the airway.
At best, a damaged ET tube requires emergency replacement, heightening pneumonia risks with each reintubation. At worst, being unable to oxygenate leads to devastating organ damage or death.
Clearly, protecting endotracheal tubes should be paramount, especially in disoriented patients prone to chomping. Meet the bite block heroes at Bandb-Medical Technologies ready to save the day!
Biting Back: Meet the Bite Block
Slide a bite block onto an endotracheal tube, and it interfaces between teeth and plastic to absorb any clamping. Made of flexible rubber or silicone, these thin guards withstand even strong bites without collapsing the tube. Some feature cationic antimicrobial coatings to prevent oral biofilm build-up.
Bite blocks squeezed around an ET tube add padding while allowing uninhibited airflow and ventilator function. The smooth rounded edges protect lips from discomfort. And the bright colors serve as a biting deterrent as well.
At just a few dollars per block, these simple guards provide cheap insurance against tube damage and respiratory crises. Let’s explore the stellar selection at Bandb-Medical Technologies protecting patients for over 35 years strong.
The Bandb-Medical Technologies Lineup You Can Count On
Bandb-Medical Technologies boasts a spectrum of bite block solutions fitting mainstream ET tube sizes from neonatal to adult. Their standard blocks in bright neon green slide snugly onto tubes 3.5mm and larger with tapered ends and an anti-bite ridge. The smaller Neo Bite Blocks secure tubes down to 2mm for even the tiniest NICU patients.
Addressing common needs in acute care, Bandb’s oral endotracheal blocks combine bite and oral secretion protection into one. These elongated guards have a suctioning port to clear excess saliva which could obstruct airflow or increase aspiration risks.
For a uniquely secure and streamlined application, Bandb’s integrated bite blocks come pre-loaded onto endotracheal tubes, ready to intubate. The blocks bond straight to Portex, Rusch, and other manufacturer’s tubes for hassle-free insertion. Even better, they eliminate the chance of forgetting separate bite block placement.
With every product made from medical-grade materials that hold strong under pressure, Bandb-Medical Technologies bite blocks provide affordable reliability you can trust shift after shift. Their extensive selection fits needs across the continuum of care, from the ICU to home ventilation.
Gear Up and Guard Airways
Hopefully, by now, you’ve realized proper bite block usage qualifies as a critical safety measure, not just a nice extra. Protect those life-sustaining endotracheal tubes from day one by sliding on a resilient guard designed to let patients safely find their bite. Backed by over three decades of clinical trust, our lineup shields fragile airways without breaking your budget.
Connect with us today and get yourself equipped with the right solutions.
The Best Products We Offer
- Bubble CPAP
- Cpap For Newborn
- Neonatal CPAP
- Infant Cpap
- Nasal CPAP
- Bubble CPAP System
- Nebulizer
- continuous Nebulizer
- Large Volume Nebulizer
FAQS
Look for agitation, combativeness, delirium, or disorientation that could cause them to clamp down on the tubing. Patients emerging from anesthesia or sedation are also at high risk. Act preventatively by placing a bite block any time an ET tube is inserted.
When sized and positioned properly, bite blocks reduce the risks of occlusion, fracture, and other damage by cushioning and absorbing direct bites. Studies show implementing bite block protocols significantly improves ET tube integrity and ventilation safety.
No. Bandb-Medical Technologies bite blocks feature cationic antimicrobial coatings to prevent bacterial colonization. And oral care is still performed normally with the block in place. Integrated suction ports actually help clear saliva build-up linked to pneumonia. By protecting the tube, bite blocks aid pneumonia prevention through reduced reintubations.
