Abstract: A tracheal tube having a distal end for placement in a patient's trachea. In one embodiment, the tracheal tube includes a preformed curved proximal end that directs the tracheal tube, upon leaving the patient's mouth, toward the patient's left or right ear depending on the particular preformed curvature. In another embodiment, a swivel assembly is located anywhere along the region of a bend connecting the proximal and distal ends of the tracheal tube. The swivel assembly allows the proximal end of the tracheal tube to rotate through 360.degree. relative to the distal end. A variation of this embodiment forms the proximal end of the tracheal tube in substantially the shape of a patient's nasal cavity so that the tracheal tube may be placed in the patient's trachea through the patient's nasal cavity. In a further variation of all the embodiments, a flexible corrugated piece of tubing is attached to the proximal end of the tracheal tube.