Quick Takeaways 

• Enteral feeding at home becomes easier with routine and support 
• Feeding pumps deliver nutrition safely and consistently 
• Most common issues (leaks, clogs, alarms) have simple solutions 
• Care teams and support groups can help reduce stress 
• Managing enteral feeding at home is a major transition for patients and caregivers. Between learning how to use feeding pumps, managing supplies and adapting to new routines, the first few weeks can come with a steep learning curve.  

The good news: most challenges become far more manageable with the right support. The experts on National Seating & Mobility’s (NSM) Medical Supplies team shared a few practical tips and answered some of the most common questions they’re asked — all designed to make the transition smoother, safer and less overwhelming for patients and caregivers alike. 

What Is Enteral Feeding at Home?  

Enteral feeding is a method of delivering nutrition directly to the digestive tract via a feeding tube. It is used for individuals who cannot safely swallow or cannot consume adequate nutrients from food or supplements by mouth. Enteral feeding solutions rely on tubing, enteral feeding pump systems, nutritional formulas, feeding bags, gravity feeding kits and other items to deliver needed nutrients.  

What Is a G-Tube?  

A G-Tube is a medical device inserted through the abdomen into the stomach to directly deliver nutrition, fluids and sometimes medication. Other types of feeding tubes include J-Tubes, which are inserted directly into the jejunum (the middle segment of the small intestine) when the stomach cannot be used for digestion and low-profile button tubes, which are smaller G-Tubes that sit near the skin and are often used for children. 

What Are Enteral Feeding Pumps?  

Enteral feeding pumps, such as the Infinity Enteral Feeding Pump and the Omni Feeding Pump, are medical devices that deliver nutrition at a controlled rate.   

Your lifestyle can help determine which pump best fits your needs:  

• The Infinity pump is lightweight and portable, making it ideal for active lifestyles 
• The Omni pump is simple to use and designed for reliable home use 

NSM’s Medical Supplies care team works with our clients to determine an enteral feeding solution that best fits their lifestyle and clinical needs.  

Common Challenges with Enteral Feeding (and How to Solve Them)  

Adjusting to an enteral feeding pump can take a little time. Often, new users experience common challenges:  

• Pump alarms: Often caused by tubing kinks or flow issues 
• Nausea or fullness: May indicate the feeding rate is too fast
• Tube clogging: Prevented by flushing with water before and after feedings and medications 
• Skin irritation: Requires consistent daily care and monitoring 
• Supply management: Staying on schedule with reorders is key to avoiding gaps in care 

Most of these challenges are manageable with routine, education and early intervention. Reach out to the NSM Medical Supplies care team or your supplier if you’re having problems or need more information about how to use your specific enteral feeding system.  

What to Do if Your G-Tube Is Leaking 

Some minor leakage can occur around your G-Tube, especially early on. If you do notice leakage, follow these steps to manage leakage safely.  

Common causes of G-Tube leakage include:  

• Tube movement or improper fit   
• Feeding too quickly or in large volumes  
• Skin irritation 

If you notice leakage around your G-Tube: 

• Keep the area clean and dry  
• Use split gauze if needed, but avoid overuse  
• Ensure the tube is properly secured  
• Slow the feeding rate if needed  
• If leakage is ongoing, worsening or causing skin breakdown, contact your healthcare provider promptly 

How to Choose the Right Enteral Feeding Equipment for Home Use 

Setup Options for Enteral Feeding at Home 

Several flexible set-up options are available for enteral feeding systems. Traditional IV poles are often used, but other options, like the Free Arm Feeding Tube Assistant, can provide added convenience and mobility depending on the user’s home environment or needs.  

Enteral Feeding Formulas 

There are a wide variety of nutritional formulas available for individuals who use enteral feeding systems, and these options can all be tailored to fit each person’s dietary and clinical requirements. NSM partners with all major enteral nutrition manufacturers, ensuring our clients have access to formulas that meet their needs.  

Enteral Feeding Bags 

Enteral feeding bags are designed for single day use. It’s recommended that you rinse enteral feeding bags with warm water between feedings if you’re reusing them within the same day, then discard after 24 hours. This reduces the risk of bacterial growth and decreases your chances of infection. Using enteral feeding bags beyond 24 hours is not recommended.  

Are There Enteral Feeding Support Groups for Caregivers and Families?  

Yes, there are enteral feeding support groups. Many families find it helpful to connect with others who are going through a similar experience. Online communities, especially caregiver and parent groups, provide:  

• Real world advice and troubleshooting tips  
• Emotional support and encouragement  
• Practical insights for daily care  

Some good resources include:  

• The Oley Foundation 
• Feeding Matters 
• MyTubeFeeding 

Many other organizations and local groups that provide resources, insight, support and education about enteral feeding.   

NSM Offers Personalized Support for Enteral Feeding at Home 

Our Medical Supplies team can help you choose the right equipment, manage supplies and work with your insurance carrier. Contact National Seating & Mobility today to get started.  

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