Tracheostomy suctioning is usually done to remove thick mucus and secretions from your airway that you are not able to clear by coughing. This is usually done after any respiratory treatments, when the patient wakes up, or right before going to bed.
You may need suctioning if you experience the following:
A moist cough that doesn’t clear secretions.
If you are unable to effectively clear liquids or secretions from the throat.
Difficulty in breathing