Applicator for trach drain sponge

A device for the application of a trach drainage sponge between a trach apparatus and a patient's neck, the trach apparatus including a trach having a diameter and the sponge including an upper sheath and a lower sheath, the applicator device comprising:

• a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side and second side, a proximal end and a distal end, the lower surface having a concave shape extending from the concave first side to the second side;
• a handle located within the body, the handle having a proximal end and distal end, the proximal end being the proximal end of the body;
• a shoulder located at the distal end of the handle;
• and
• two prongs extending distally from the shoulder and curving in an upward direction relative to the body, whereby each prong is adapted to engage the sponge and is shaped to fit between the trach apparatus and the patient's neck and with the trach between the prongs.

A non-invasive method for applying a trach drainage sponge between a trach apparatus and a patient's neck, the trach apparatus including a trach having a diameter, the method comprising the steps of:

• gripping a device having two prongs, each prong extending in the distal direction and an upward direction relative to the handle and spaced apart a distance greater than the trach diameter;
• inserting the prongs into the sponge;
• inserting the prongs and the sponge between the trach apparatus and the patient's neck whereby the sponge rests between the trach and the patient's neck;
• and
• removing the prongs from the sponge.

A device for the application of a trach drainage sponge between a trach apparatus and a patient's neck, the trach apparatus including a trach having a diameter and the sponge including an upper sheath and a lower sheath, the applicator device comprising:

• a handle having a proximal end and distal end;
• a shoulder located at the distal end of the handle, the shoulder including a top side and a bottom side;
• and
• two prongs extending distally from the shoulder and curving in an upward direction relative to the handle, the prongs having a gap between them, each prong having a length and a width, the length of the prongs is one and three-quarter inch, the prong width is one-half inch, and the gap between the prongs is one inch, whereby each prong is adapted to engage the sponge and is shaped to fit between the trach apparatus and the patient's neck and with the trach between the prongs.