Receiving a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube is a life-changing event that provides vital nutrition, hydration, and medication to individuals who cannot eat or swallow safely. While the procedure is done in a medical setting, the day-to-day care often takes place right at home. This shift makes having the correct PEG Tube Supplies and understanding their use absolutely critical for ensuring comfort, preventing complications, and maintaining the highest quality of life. At All Care Store, we understand that managing enteral feeding can feel overwhelming. Our mission is to simplify this process by providing a comprehensive range of high-quality, reliable PEG tube supplies, backed by expert guidance. This guide is designed to empower you with the knowledge needed to manage your or your loved one’s PEG tube with confidence and ease.
Understanding the Core Components of PEG Tube Care
Successful PEG tube management relies on a few key areas: administration (feeding), maintenance (flushing), and site care. Each area requires specific, essential supplies. All Care Store carries supplies for all major device types, including Standard PEG Tubes (long tubes with an external port and an internal bumper) and Low-Profile Gastrostomy Devices (Buttons), which sit flush against the skin and require extension sets for feeding.
Feeding Administration Supplies
For the delivery system, you will need the correct administration supplies. For continuous or cyclic feedings, an Enteral Feeding Pump System is essential as it provides a highly controlled and consistent flow of formula over several hours. This pump works with Feeding Bags and Tubing, which are disposable sets that connect the formula container to the PEG tube. These must be replaced every 24 hours to reduce contamination risk. It is crucial to look for tubing with ENFit connectors, which are the new global safety standard designed to prevent accidental misconnections with IV lines.
Flushing, Medication, and Best Practices
Flushing the PEG tube with water is the single most important step for maintenance and preventing clogs.
Essential Flushing and Medication Supplies
The most frequently used items are Enteral Syringes. A larger 60mL syringe is used for flushing and bolus feeding, ensuring adequate pressure for a clear line. Smaller syringes (5mL, 10mL, 30mL) are used for administering liquid medications precisely. All syringes stocked by All Care Store feature ENFit connections to maintain safety. The Golden Rule of Flushing is to flush with a prescribed amount of water (typically 15-30mL for adults) before and after every feeding and before and after every medication dose. For Medication Preparation, always ensure medications are liquid or completely dissolved in warm water before administration to prevent micro-clogs, and remember to flush the tube with water between each medication.
Site Care and Infection Prevention Supplies
The stoma, the area where the tube enters the skin, requires meticulous care. The site should be cleaned daily with mild soap and water using gauze pads or non-woven sponges to gently clean the site and remove any drainage. Tube Securement Devices, such as adhesive strips or gentle elastic belts, are crucial for holding the tube firmly against the abdomen. This minimizes strain and prevents the motion that can enlarge the stoma. If there is drainage, a split gauze dressing may be used, and Barrier creams or sprays are highly recommended for protecting the skin from gastric juices should any leakage occur.
Specialized Accessories and Troubleshooting Common Issues
Beyond the daily essentials, several specialized accessories are available. We stock specialized Tube De-Clogging Systems designed to safely clear blockages that occur due to insufficient flushing or administering thick medications, potentially saving an immediate trip to the emergency room. For comfort and mobility, Feeding Tube Belts or Pouches are available to secure the tube or button against the body. If you use a button, we also stock Stoma Measuring Devices, which are used by healthcare professionals to ensure the correct tube size, which is critical for preventing site leakage.
Even with the best care, minor issues can arise. If you experience a Clogged Tube, try gentle flushing with a 60mL syringe and warm water before using a de-clogging system. If you notice Site Leakage, clean the site thoroughly, confirm the correct tube size, and use a skin barrier and absorbent dressing. If an Accidental Tube Pull-Out occurs, this is an emergency—immediately cover the site with a sterile dressing and seek medical attention, as the stoma tract can close quickly.
Ordering Your PEG Tube Supplies from All Care Store
Managing tube feeding means your supplies need to be consistently available. We’ve streamlined the process to make it as simple as possible. We encourage you to maintain a running inventory of high-turnover items and recommend ordering at least 10 days before your current supply runs out. Before ordering, always know Your Device Specs, confirming the exact French size and length of your tube for safety and proper fit. To remove the burden of monthly ordering, consider setting up Auto-Ship Options with All Care Store. Finally, remember to connect with Our Specialists for guidance on product compatibility, insurance coding, or any questions about managing your home enteral care.
Conclusion
Choosing the right supplier for your PEG tube needs is just as important as the care routine itself. At All Care Store, we are more than just a provider of PEG Tube Supplies—we are your dedicated partner in home enteral care. We prioritize stocking only medical-grade, ENFit-compliant products that meet stringent safety standards. We believe that with the right tools and information, managing a PEG tube at home can become a routine, stress-free part of daily life.
