Enteral Feeding Supplies are the tools and substances used for tube feeding. There are instances wherein someone does not have the physical capacity to eat enough or any food due to a medical condition, or as a result of surgical complications. Some can suffer from a compromised appetite, difficulties in swallowing, or an incapacity to orally ingest food. Because of this, the nutrition of the person has to be supplied via tube feeding, which is also known as enteral nutrition. Moreover, this type of feeding allows nutrients to be absorbed and carried by the blood to all parts of the body, in order to sustain the patient. Enteral nutrition can be administered through various methods with a special liquid food mixture for intake. Buy Medical offers the necessary products which include irrigation kits, feeding tubes, and syringes, thickeners, solid food products, among others. Browse through Buy Medical’s enteral feeding supplies section to find the appropriate products that will fit your needs.
How to Choose Enteral Feeding Supplies
Enteral nutrition is often prescribed to people who have trouble absorbing necessary nutrients or ingesting food as a result of surgery or a medical condition. Enteral nutrition may be used for any age group. The nutrition used will vary in the amount of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals it contains, depending on the age, weight, height, and other characteristics of the patient.
Often also referred to as ‘tube feeding’, enteral nutrition uses a liquid mixture that functions as a food replacement. Moreover, tube feeding can be administered through different types of tubes, such as the nasogastric or nasoenteral (via the nose) or the gastrostomy or jejunostomy (via the skin into the stomach or small intestine) tubes.
Enteral Irrigation Kits
As the feeding goes on, the tubes may need cleaning to maintain or restore its condition. Enteral Irrigation Kits are used to clear the internal tube of residue from any medicines or enteral feeding solution. This is useful for those tube feeding to prevent complications that could interrupt access or result in the damage of the tube or in the injury of the patient.
Extension Sets
Extension Sets are used for patients with button-style feeding tubes, which connect from the button to a feeding syringe or pump to allow the person to be fed, administered liquids, or given medications. There are multiple extension set lengths and styles which will fit a corresponding button size depending on the manufacturer.
Feeding Accessories
Feeding Accessories are items that may be useful during or after the tube feeding process. Some of these accessories include de-cloggers, backpacks to carry feeding tubes and related supplies, and adapter repair kits.
Feeding Adapters
Feeding adapters are attached to extension sets for it to become compatible with feeding pumps. The adapter will also depend on the site where the tube feeding is taking place.
Feeding Bags
Feeding bags are where the enteral nutrition supply is stored when feeding. These are usually used with feeding pumps (unless these are gravity feeding bags, which use a syringe to deliver the formula), through which the mixture is delivered into the feeding tube. Most feeding bags are specific to certain feeding pumps although others can be compatible with a wide range of pumps.
Feeding Pumps
Feeding pumps are easily programmable portable devices that regulate the flow of formula delivery. Moreover, these pumps can also be programmed to have flushing intervals, where the pump cleans the lining of the tube. These can be clamped onto an IV pole or carried around if the pump chosen is more portable.
Feeding Spike Sets
Feeding Spike Sets are intended for the administration of enteral nutrition and are suitable for use with compatible feeding pumps. These are what connect the tools for feeding (e.g. syringe, etc.) to pump and bag.
Feeding Syringes
Feeding syringes are used for medicine intake of infants or used alongside gravity feeding bags to deliver the formula through the feeding tube using gravity. Feeding syringes come in different sizes to accommodate the amount needed during the feeding.
Feeding Tubes
Feeding tubes are what channel formula and nutritive substances directly into the stomach. Moreover, feeding tubes vary in length, size, and diameter depending on where the tube will be inserted and how long it will be used.
Pole Clamps
Pole Clamps are designed for installation on poles or walls to attach feeding pumps. These are used to secure the pump at a designated area, commonly an IV pole, during the tube feeding session.
Tube Holders
Tube Holders are used for those who syringe feed, providing assistance by holding the syringe during the feeding process. Tube holders also eliminate the need for pins or tape while the feeding process is ongoing.
