A flexible tube holding device includes a handle having a groove along a length of a back side thereof, the groove being sized to at least partially accept a desired flexible tube, such as an endotracheal tube, such that the handle is fully back side open. The device is generally J-shaped from the side, and further includes a blade connected to the handle, the blade having a proximal blade section connected to the handle and having an opening along a back side thereof, and a tube retention section connected to the proximal blade section at an end thereof opposite the handle and along the opening. The tube retention section is sized to accept at least most of a cross-section of a tip portion of the flexible tube when present and shaped to retain the tip portion. The tube retention section is the only portion of the flexible tube holding device that physically retains the flexible tube when present and prevents the flexible tube from moving radially out of the flexible tube holding device while allowing movement through the tube retention section.
