ETT tape - what is the best to use?

Specialties MICU

Published

I work in an ICU that only uses tape to secure ETT - I imagine it's more budget-related than anything because I have been reading about many devices available now to secure them.

So for those that also use tape to secure an ETT, what kind have you found to be the best? How often have u had to change it? Is there a particular way you apply it?

I have used 1" cloth tape which works well for about 2 days then it's time to change it. I find it's better than silk tape though.

Look forward to your replies!

:D

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Specializes in CCU.

Depends on the ? days, hrs of intubation. Tape is fine if extubation w/in hrs if not we have a product that we have used for years called a stabi-tube ? don't recall the company. The other that we have been using for those w/facial problems and >3days intubation is called Anchorfast by Hollister. I like this product but the Rep. for our area was terrible and of little use. We educated ourselves by the Website and product information. Anchorfast is probably$7-10.00 where as our old Stabi-tube is about $2.00. The Anchorfast can stay on for about 5 days and the Stabi-tube is should be changed daily but reality qod. Good Luck in your search.

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we also use the anchorfast by hollister- i'd hate to rely on my etts only being secured by the likes of tape. What do you do with diaphoretic pts??? or what do you do when your pt requires a lot of movement - turns, roadtrips, etc. I barely like our enteroflex tubes (small ng tubes) being secured to the nose with tape because the tape easily gets old, rips off or dislodges from even a small bit of yanking around the tube. Just definitely make sure you're getting daily/frequent CXRs to confirm placement - that just seems scary to me!

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Specializes in ICU/CVU.

We use 1" cloth tape on our unit. The tapes are changed and the tubes are repositioned daily by R/T. CXR's are acquired every a.m. to verify placement/evaluate lungs. We are actually in the middle of a trial for the Anchorfasts by Hollister and so far they seem excellent. I am hoping the higher-ups open the wallets and budget for them...though I'd rather see new IV pumps first.

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We use tube tamer.

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Specializes in Critical Care Nursing.

This question troubles us in Australia. When we looked for evidence we couldn't find it. And considering how essential the practice is in intensive care this is appalling. I'm used to either 1"wide cotton tape or 1" wide adhesive medical tape. Companies have been slow to distribute in Oz and the money men are reluctant to spend the money.

As the RN is totally responsible for the patient in Oz, the tapes are generally changed at least once per day (unless a specific product such as Hollister) using two people.

Be careful of Hollister E-tad (b?) as I have seen a nasty lip pressure area BUT I'm not sure the tube was supported or moved the way it is supposed to be

My practice is to match the method to the patient so no adhesive tape for sweaty or combative patients. Need to worry about jugular blood flow for neuro patients if you are using a method that goes around the neck. And pressure sores on the back of the neck. OUCH

And if there is some research out there PLEASE send some names!

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Specializes in CCU.

I agree that that Hollister Anchorfast can cause pressure ulcers on the lip(we had one when first using the device)- on this particular patient it was placed too low and put too much weight on the lip. This is where a good company Rep comes in--our's was null and void! The white soft brace needs to be placed close to the base of the nares-nose. Also take care not to tighten the strap too snug- two fingers should be able to fit between the neck and strap. Check and tilt the strap also if it seem to be too close and may irritate the ears.

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CLOTH tape

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