A support element for a compacting device for two drawing system units of a spinning machine disposed next to each other, includes a suction channel that extends inside the support element and is connected to a suction zone of suction drums via openings of suction inserts. The end faces of the suction drums are open at one end and are disposed coaxially opposite each other at a distance. The suction drums are rotatably mounted on a shaft that is attached to the support element. The support element is formed from two half shells that form the suction channel and are connected to each other by way of attachment means, wherein each of the half shells has an outwardly projecting tubular suction insert. The suction inserts are disposed coaxially opposite each other, and each suction insert has at least one bearing element that is provided with a passage and has at least one brace, by way of which the shaft is held in the radial direction.