Why is it important to be positioned correctly during feeding?

Maintaining a good position during tube feeding helps you stay safe and remain comfortable. It helps to reduce the symptoms of reflux and regurgitation. If feed regurgitation is severe, it may cause aspiration (breathing in regurgitated feed into the lungs) that can lead to a serious chest infection.

How should I be positioned for feeding?

It is important that you are positioned at an angle of at least 30 degrees during feeding and remain in this position for at least 30 minutes after your feed has stopped.

This angle can be achieved by using extra pillows or raising the head end of the bed if you have a hospital style bed. You may also find it useful to raise your knees to help maintain this position.

If you are prone to slipping down the bed whilst feeding, please contact the community nurse for advice on how to improve your position.

During feeding you may move around, for example if you need to visit the toilet, and sleep as long as you remain at a position of 30 degrees or above.

What should I do if I think I have aspirated feed?

Stop the feed immediately if you feel that you or the person you care for may have aspirated (breathed in) feed. Signs of aspiration may include feed in the mouth; a gurgly or wet-sounding voice; coughing; shortness of breath; a raised temperature or turning blue.

If you suspect aspiration, please seek urgent medical advice.