Patients may be unable to clear their own airway due to a number of different problems, including neuromuscular disease, sedation or neurological deficits, such as a ​stroke. In addition, patients with an artificial airway, such as those who have been intubated, usually require suctioning while they are on a ventilator.

Suctioning may be done through an endotracheal tube, tracheostomy tube or through the nose or mouth into the trachea. Although each procedure is slightly different, indications, supplies, procedures and risks are similar.

Medical portable suction units can be used for the nasal aspiration, oral aspiration, and tracheal aspiration of the body fluid ​ in both adults and children.

A portable suction unit is a compact medical suctioning device that has been designed for reliable, on the go operation.

​A suction unit is ideal for providing suction in the home, or on the go, as they ​are light weight and usually include a rechargeable battery​ and DC operation​. ​