5-Step Guide to Stress-Free Nasopharyngeal Airway Insertion for Children

It's a challenge to care for children when they need a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) insertion. Kids always resist anything that looks scary, and a small tube going into their nose can easily turn into tears and panic. However, with the right approach, you can turn this procedure from a “forced operation” into a smooth, cooperative process. In this blog, we'll walk you through a 5-step method that blends communication and technique to make NPA insertion less stressful for everyone. 

Why Children Resist Nasopharyngeal Airway Insertion

Before diving into the steps, let's talk about why kids often push back:

• Nasal discomfort: The nose is sensitive, and even a gentle touch can feel painful.
• Fear of strange tools: A clear plastic tube looks like a “scary medical gadget” to a child.
• No clear purpose: Kids don't understand why you're doing it, which makes them nervous.
  
  

Knowing these triggers helps you prepare the right responses. Instead of battling against resistance, you can guide the child toward cooperation.

Step 1: Pre-Procedure Talk with Child-Friendly Language

The first step is simple—explain before you act. Children feel calmer when they know what's coming.

Here are some tricks that work:

• Use a “toy tube” demo: Show the nasopharyngeal airway on a doll or even let the child hold it. Say, “See? This little straw helps your nose breathe better.”
  
  
• Simple words, no jargon: Instead of “nasopharyngeal airway insertion,” you could say, “We're giving your nose a small tunnel so you can breathe easier.”
  
  
• Positive tone: Present the tube as a helper, not a punishment.
  
  

When children see the device as a “breathing helper,” they're more likely to accept it calmly.

Step 2: Use Safe Pain Relief Options

Even with good communication, nasal discomfort is real. For children under 3 years old, applying 2% lidocaine gel on the nasal mucosa can help reduce pain during insertion. It's quick, safe, and avoids the shock of pushing in a dry tube.

This step prevents the procedure from feeling like a “hard push.” Instead, it becomes a smoother, almost painless process.

Pro Tip: BEVER Medical offers NPAs with a rounded, beveled tip and smooth edges, which already reduce irritation. You can explore our full airway management products for safe and child-friendly options.

Step 3: Positioning Matters

Traditionally, children are laid down flat during NPA insertion. But this often makes them feel trapped. A better option is to let the parent hold the child in a side-lying sitting position.

Why it works:

• Less pressure on the child's body.
• More comfort because they feel secure in the parents'arms.
• Easier for you to reach the nasal passage without struggling.
  
  

This small adjustment creates a huge difference in how cooperative the child will be.

Step 4: Quick and Gentle Insertion Technique

Speed and accuracy are everything here. The actual insertion should take no more than 3 seconds. The method is:

• Two-person teamwork: One person gently supports and stabilizes the child's head, while the other inserts the tube.
• Quick, precise, gentle: Insert in one smooth motion—no hesitation.
• Size check first: Always use the NPA size that matches the child's anatomy (look for ID marks on the flange).
  
  

Bever Medical's disposable NPAs come in a variety of sizes, all clearly marked, making it easier to pick the right one. The round flange ensures it stays in place once inserted.

Step 5: Comfort and Reward After the Procedure

Children remember feelings. If the procedure ends with stress, they'll resist future care even more. But if you turn it into a positive memory, they'll relax next time.

Here are ways to make it better:

• Give a toy, sticker, or small snack immediately afterward.
• Offer praise like, “You did amazing! You're so strong.”
• Reassure them that the tube is helping them breathe, not hurting them.

These simple gestures lower anxiety and build trust for future medical care.

Choosing the Right Nasopharyngeal Airway for Children

Not all NPAs are the same. At Bever Medical, we ensure these devices with safe and comfortable first:

When you're working with children, choosing an airway that minimizes discomfort is just as important as the technique itself.

FAQs on Children's Nasopharyngeal Airway Insertion

Q1: Is a nasopharyngeal airway safe for children?
Yes. When used correctly, NPAs are safe and effective for children who need airway support. Choosing the right size and inserting gently are key.

Q2: How do I choose the right NPA size for my child patient?
Look for the ID markings on the flange. The correct size usually matches the distance from the nose to the earlobe. Bever Medical NPA comes in multiple sizes for precise fitting.

Q3: Does NPA insertion hurt children?
It may feel uncomfortable, but using lidocaine gel, smooth-tipped NPAs, and quick insertion techniques greatly reduces pain.

Q4: Can NPA be reused for children?
No. Disposable NPAs should only be used once to avoid contamination and infection risk. Bever Medical NPAs are sterile and individually packaged.

Q5: How can I calm a child before NPA insertion?
Show them the device like a toy, use simple language, let them stay in a parent's arms, and reward them after the procedure.

Final Thoughts

Through the 5-step method mentioned above—talk, pain relief, positioning, quick insertion, and reward—you can turn a stressful procedure into a calm, cooperative moment. BEVER Medical is here to support you with safe, well-designed nasopharyngeal airway devices that put both safety and comfort first. Any interests, welcome to check out our full range of airway management products to find the right fit for your patients.