How to Choose the Right Nasopharyngeal Airway for Your Medical Facility

In emergency and critical care settings, maintaining an open airway is non-negotiable. The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) remains a trusted tool among clinicians for its ease of use, effectiveness in semi-conscious patients, and minimal invasiveness. Whether you're a hospital buyer, distributor, or tender manager, selecting the right NPA goes far beyond pricing—it's about safety, usability, and regulatory readiness.

 
 
Reference factors for selection
 

Here's what your facility should evaluate before making a purchase decision.
 

1. Material Selection: Safety and Comfort Start Here

The material used in nasopharyngeal airways directly affects both patient comfort and clinical safety.

Medical-Grade PVC: A widely used material, PVC offers a balance of cost and functionality. Leading brands now offer DEHP-free PVC, which eliminates exposure to harmful phthalates.

Medical Silicone: A premium option, silicone is soft, flexible, and hypoallergenic—ideal for long-term or sensitive use cases such as pediatrics, ENT, or burn units.

Ensure that whichever material you choose is latex-free to prevent allergic reactions, especially in regions where latex-free policies are mandated.

2. Size Range: One Device Doesn't Fit All 

A versatile NPA offering must accommodate all patient types—from neonates to large adults. The size of an NPA is typically indicated in French units (Fr), and a comprehensive range typically includes:

• 12Fr to 18Fr: For pediatric or neonatal patients
• 20Fr to 28Fr: For average adolescents and adults
• 30Fr to 36Fr: For larger adult patients or military/trauma scenarios

Procurement teams should verify that suppliers offer clearly color-coded flanges corresponding to each size. This allows for quick visual identification, particularly useful during high-pressure emergencies.

3. Functional Design: Details That Drive Clinical Confidence 

An effective NPA should be designed to support safe, smooth insertion with minimal trauma. Look for:

• A beveled tip to ease insertion through the nasal passage
• A flexible body that adjusts to anatomy without collapsing
• A reinforced or wide flange to prevent migration into the nasal cavity
• Rounded or smoothed edges to reduce mucosal injury 

Clinicians often prefer NPAs with pre-lubrication or compatibility with water-based lubricants, which speeds up use and improves patient tolerance.

4. Sterility & Packaging: Compliance Begins Here 

Choose NPAs that are EO (ethylene oxide) sterilized and come in individual, tamper-proof packaging. Packaging formats may include:

PE pouches (cost-efficient and compact)

Blister packs (ideal for shelf visibility and protection)

Ensure the label includes key information such as size, sterilization method, expiration date, and batch number. If your business serves international markets, look for packaging that supports multi-language Instructions for Use (IFU)—including Arabic, Portuguese, French, or Spanish.

5. Global Compliance: Not Optional in Today's Market
 

For use in regulated markets such as the U.S., EU, Middle East, and Brazil, an NPA must meet certain certifications and documentation standards:

• ISO 13485:2016 for quality management systems
• CE certification under the EU MDR
• FDA device listing and registration (U.S. market)
• Documentation like Declaration of Conformity, sterility validation, and material safety reports
• Working with a compliant supplier helps you avoid delays in tenders and customs clearance, while reducing legal and clinical risks.

6. Distribution and OEM Flexibility: Empowering Your Brand
 

For distributors, dealers, and private-label clients, flexibility in product delivery is a game-changer. A good supplier should offer:

• Low minimum order quantities (MOQs)
• Custom packaging and labeling options
• Mixed-size kits or full sets (ideal for EMS and emergency tenders)
• Quick lead times and support for international logistics

If your brand is bidding on government projects or expanding into new markets, working with a flexible manufacturer will enable faster market entry and lower overhead.

Why Choose BEVER Medical Nasopharyngeal Airways?
 

At BEVER Medical, we understand that airway management is a high-stakes decision. That's why we've engineered our NPAs with global users in mind:

• Full size range: 12Fr to 36Fr, color-coded for clarity
• DEHP-free PVC or medical-grade silicone options
• Smooth beveled tips and flexible shafts for comfort
• EO-sterilized and individually packaged (PE or blister)
• ISO 13485 certified, CE MDR marked, FDA-listed
• OEM-ready with multi-language IFUs and low MOQs

From pediatric hospitals in Brazil to military procurement in the Middle East and ambulance fleets in the U.S., BEVER Medical is a trusted partner in airway management.

Ready to Simplify Sourcing? Let's Talk. 

Contact us today to:

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