To reduce the risk of tracheal damage from overinflated cuffs, cuff pressures should be kept within which range?

• A. 10-15 mm Hg
• B. 30-35 mm Hg
• C. 40-45 mm Hg
• D. 20-25 mm Hg

Answer: (D)

Keep cuff pressure low enough to preserve tracheal mucosal blood flow while still sealing the airway. The cuff presses against the tracheal wall, and if the pressure is too high, it can compress small blood vessels and cause ischemia, ulceration, or even stenosis. The safer target is about 20–25 mm Hg, which provides a seal without exceeding mucosal perfusion pressure. Pressures higher than this increase the risk of tracheal injury, while lower pressures may leak air. Use a cuff manometer to maintain the pressure in this range.