Abstract: A tracheal tube that may be constructed for either oral or nasal use is preformed as a flexible integral unit from flexible material having a memory so as to return to preformed shape following flexure. The tube has a proximal or machine end portion and a distal or patient end portion interconnected along the length of the tube by an intermediate portion and an abrupt bend portion. The distal or patient end portion and the adjoining intermediate portion merge into each other along the length of the tube and include curvature such that they will positionally conform to the shape of a patient's posterior pharynx and trachea and extend therealong when the tracheal tube is installed for use. The abrupt bend portion interconnects the proximal or machine end portion and the intermediate portion along the length of the tube at an angle substantially no greater than 90.degree.