Nasopharyngeal airways (NPAs) are medical devices used to maintain an open airway in patients who have difficulty breathing due to airway obstruction. Here’s an overview of NPAs, including their uses, insertion technique, and considerations. What is a Nasopharyngeal Airway? A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a soft, flexible tube designed to be inserted into a patient's nasal passage to ensure the airway remains open. It bypasses obstructions in the nasopharynx, making it easier for the patient to breathe. Uses of Nasopharyngeal Airways Airway Management in Unconscious Patients: NPAs are often used when patients are unconscious or semi-conscious but retain some level of gag reflex. Seizure Management: To prevent airway obstruction during seizures.Anesthesia and Surgery: To maintain a patent airway during and after surgical procedures. Emergency Situations: In pre-hospital and emergency settings for patients with obstructed airways due to trauma, swelling, or other causes. Indications Partially or fully obstructed airway due to soft tissue relaxation.Patients with clenched jaws or other conditions make oral airway insertion difficult. Patients with intact gag reflex where an oropharyngeal airway is contraindicated. Contraindications Suspected or known basal skull fractures. Severe nasal trauma or bleeding disorders. Patients with nasal deformities or obstructions that prevent NPA insertion. Insertion Technique Preparation: Ensure the patient is in a supine position with the head in a neutral alignment. Select the appropriate size NPA (the diameter should be similar to the patient’s smallest nostril; the length should reach from the tip of the nose to the earlobe).Lubrication: Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the NPA to reduce friction during insertion.Insertion: Gently insert the NPA into the nostril (preferably the larger nostril) with the beveled end facing the septum. Advance the airway following the natural curvature of the nasal passage. If resistance is encountered, rotate slightly or try the other nostril. Ensure the flange rests against the nostril opening once fully inserted.Verification: Check for proper placement by assessing airflow through the NPA and observing chest rise. Monitor for signs of respiratory distress or discomfort. Care and Maintenance Regularly assess the patient to ensure the NPA remains in the correct position and is functioning properly. Monitor for signs of nasal irritation, bleeding, or infection. Replace the NPA as necessary based on patient's condition and clinical guidelines. Advantages of Nasopharyngeal Airways Less likely to induce gag reflex compared to oropharyngeal airways. Can be used in patients with oral injuries or trauma. Provides a reliable airway in various clinical settings, including emergencies. Disadvantages of Nasopharyngeal Airways Risk of nasal trauma or bleeding. Potential for incorrect placement to ineffective airway management. Possible discomfort for conscious patients. Conclusion Nasopharyngeal airways are crucial tools in airway management, offering an effective means to maintain a patent airway in various clinical scenarios. Proper selection, insertion, and monitoring are essential to ensure patient safety and comfort. Understanding the indications, contraindications, and techniques for using NPAs can significantly enhance patient outcomes in respiratory care.

Airway management in anesthesia refers to managing the patient's airway so that he/she has an open airway for adequate ventilation and oxygenation during anesthesia. There are medical tools designed and used for this purpose.  How is the patient's airway affected during anesthesia? When we talk about airway management in anesthesia, the subject prompts a logically relevant question: How is the patient's airway affected during anesthesia?  The patient’s airways can be affected during anesthesia in the following ways. 1) Depression of respiratory drive Anesthetics can depress the respiratory centers in the brainstem, reducing or completely inhibiting the patient's spontaneous breathing. This suppression can to hypoventilation (inadequate ventilation) or apnea (cessation of breathing), making it necessary for the anesthesia provider to manage the patient's ventilation through medical devices such as a mechanical ventilator.  2) Loss of protective airway reflexes Anesthetic agents, especially general anesthetics, suppress the central nervous system. This suppression leads to the loss of protective reflexes such as coughing, gagging, and swallowing, which normally help keep the airway clear and prevent the aspiration of foreign materials. The absence of these reflexes increases the risk of aspiration of gastric contents or other substances into the lungs. In this case, an endotracheal tube is the commonly used medical airway management device because the primary purpose of using an endotracheal tube is to secure the airway and protect the lungs from aspiration. For expert information and specifications of endotracheal tubes, you can refer to a specialized manufacturer such as this one: www.bevermedical.com (Hangzhou Bever Medical Device Co., Ltd.) Endotracheal tube from Hangzhou Bever Medical Device 3) Relaxation of airway muscles General anesthesia often involves muscle relaxants, which relax the muscles of the body, including those in the upper airway. This relaxation can to a loss of muscle tone in the tongue, soft palate, and pharyngeal muscles, potentially causing airway collapse. In particular, the tongue may fall back against the posterior pharynx, obstructing the airway. In this case, a nasopharyngeal airway can be used to solve the problem. It is an adjunct used to keep the airway open by preventing the tongue from falling back and obstructing the airway.  To give you a vivid idea of what it is, the following is an illustrative image of it. Nasopharyngeal airways from Hangzhou Bever Medical Device How to do airway management in anesthesia Some of the common medical devices used in airway management during anesthesia are a mechanical ventilator, an endotracheal tube (ETT), and a nasopharyngeal airway mentioned above. They can all ensure adequate ventilation and airway patency. The following is a detailed explanation of how each device is used. 1) Mechanical ventilator The mechanical ventilator is connected to the patient via an endotracheal tube (ETT). The ventilator delivers controlled breaths to the patient, ensuring sufficient oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide. The ventilator continuously monitors and adjusts the delivery of breaths based on preset parameters and patient needs. It helps in managing the patient's ventilation during surgeries under general anesthesia and can be adjusted according to the patient's condition and surgical requirements. 2) Endotracheal tube (ETT) (1) Insertion: The ETT is inserted through the patient's mouth (or occasionally through the nose) and advanced into the trachea. The procedure is often performed after administering anesthetic agents and muscle relaxants to facilitate intubation. (2) Cuff Inflation: Once in place, the cuff at the end of the ETT is inflated to create a seal against the tracheal wall. This prevents air leaks and protects against aspiration of stomach contents. Notes:  The cuff is a small inflatable balloon located at the end of the ETT. The primary function of the cuff is to create a seal between the tube and the tracheal walls. This seal prevents air from leaking around the tube. The cuff also helps prevent the aspiration of gastric contents, secretions, or other fluids into the lungs. By sealing the airway, it provides a barrier that reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia.  (3) Connection to Ventilator: The ETT is connected to a mechanical ventilator or a manual ventilation device (e.g., bag-valve mask) to provide controlled breathing and ensure adequate ventilation during anesthesia. 3) Nasopharyngeal Airway A nasopharyngeal airway is used to maintain airway patency by preventing obstruction caused by the tongue or other soft tissues in the upper airway. (1) The nasopharyngeal airway is a soft, flexible tube inserted through the patient's nostril and advanced into the nasopharynx. (2) Size Selection: The size of the nasopharyngeal airway is chosen based on the patient's age and anatomy. It should be sized appropriately to ensure effectiveness and minimize discomfort. A nasopharyngeal airway is used in situations where full intubation is not necessary. 4) Other medical devices available in addition to the above three devices Besides the three medical devices described above, the oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is another airway management option. OPA is a simple, non-invasive device used in airway management to maintain a patent airway by preventing the tongue and soft tissues from obstructing the pharynx. It is commonly used during anesthesia and in emergencies. During anesthesia, especially when muscle relaxants are used, the muscles of the upper airway can relax, causing the tongue to fall back and obstruct the airway. The OPA helps to keep the airway open by mechanically displacing the tongue away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. NPAs are contraindicated in patients with nasal trauma, fractures, or deformities. The insertion of an NPA can exacerbate these conditions or cause further injury. In such cases, an OPA is a safer alternative. Final thoughts We hope this article addresses the question you may have about how exactly health professionals handle airway management in anesthesia. It is our pleasure if our articles contribute to the promotion of understanding of healthcare practices for patients or their concerned families and friends.

Airway management is a crucial aspect of medical care, especially in emergency, critical care, and surgical settings. Ensuring a patent airway and proper ventilation is vital for patient survival, as failure to do so can lead to respiratory failure, hypoxia, brain injury, or death. There are numerous techniques available for managing the airway, each tailored to the patient’s condition, anatomical considerations, and clinical environment. This article explores the key techniques for airway management, their indications, and the best practices for their use.     1. Basic Techniques for Medical Management of Airway Obstruction   Basic airway management involves non-invasive techniques to maintain airway patency and support ventilation. These are the first steps in the airway management algorithm and are usually applied in situations where the airway is at risk of becoming obstructed or when ventilation is impaired.   A. Head Tilt-Chin Lift and Jaw Thrust Maneuvers   The head tilt-chin lift and jaw thrust maneuvers are simple, manual techniques used to open the airway in an unconscious or semi-conscious patient. These techniques help move the tongue away from the back of the throat, reducing airway obstruction.   1)    Head Tilt-Chin Lift: This technique involves placing one hand on the patient’s forehead and the other under the chin, gently tilting the head back to open the airway. It is effective in patients without suspected cervical spine injury.   2)    Jaw Thrust: In trauma patients where spinal injury is a concern, the jaw thrust maneuver is preferred. The clinician places both hands on either side of the patient’s head and lifts the jaw forward, without extending the neck.   B. Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) and Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)   Oropharyngeal airways (OPA) and nasopharyngeal airways (NPA) are adjunct devices used to prevent airway obstruction by the tongue. They are useful when simple maneuvers are insufficient to maintain airway patency. 1)     OPA: This is a curved plastic device inserted into the mouth to hold the tongue away from the back of the throat. It is used in unconscious patients without a gag reflex, as its insertion may trigger gagging or vomiting in conscious patients. 2)     NPA: This soft, flexible tube is inserted through the nose into the posterior pharynx, bypassing any obstruction from the tongue. NPAs can be used in both conscious and unconscious patients, including those with an intact gag reflex. NPAs are especially useful in situations where the patient’s mouth cannot be opened (e.g., trismus). Nasopharyngeal airway is a commonly used device effective for emergency situations such as in the army. For specifications, etc. you can make inquiries to professional manufacturers, for instance Hangzhou Bever Medical Devices Co., Ltd. Bever Medical staff are helpful if you have questions like how to insert an npa or any other questions.   2. Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Ventilation   Bag-valve-mask (BVM) ventilation is a critical technique in airway management, often used in emergency situations to provide positive pressure ventilation. A BVM consists of a self-inflating bag attached to a face mask and, when compressed, delivers oxygen or room air to the patient.   Indications for BVM Ventilation   1) Respiratory arrest or failure   2) Inadequate spontaneous breathing (e.g., in opioid overdose or cardiac arrest)   3) Support during pre-oxygenation before advanced airway placement   Key Considerations for Effective BVM Ventilation   1) Proper Mask Seal: Achieving a tight seal between the mask and the patient’s face is essential to ensure effective ventilation. The mask should cover the nose and mouth without air leaks.   2) Two-Hand Technique: If a single rescuer is using the BVM, it may be difficult to maintain both the mask seal and ventilation. A two-hand technique, where one rescuer holds the mask while another compresses the bag, is more effective.   3) Ventilation Rate: Care should be taken to avoid hyperventilating the patient. The recommended rate is one breath every 5-6 seconds for adults, and more frequent breaths for infants and children.   3. Supraglottic Airway Devices   Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) are used when basic airway management techniques are insufficient, but endotracheal intubation is not yet needed or available. These devices sit above the vocal cords, providing a means for ventilation without entering the trachea. They are easy to insert and can be used as a temporary or backup airway in emergency situations.   A. Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)   The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a common supraglottic airway device that is inserted into the pharynx, where it sits just above the larynx. LMAs can be used in both elective and emergency airway management, particularly when intubation is difficult or unsuccessful.   Advantages of LMA   1) Easier and faster to insert than an endotracheal tube   2) Less traumatic to the airway   3) Useful in both emergency and operating room settings   B. Other Supraglottic Devices   Other supraglottic devices include the i-gel and the King LT-D airway. These devices also provide a secure airway and are often used by first responders and paramedics in prehospital settings.   4. Endotracheal Intubation   Endotracheal intubation (ETI) is the gold standard for airway management when the airway needs to be secured for long-term ventilation. It involves passing a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to ensure that the airway remains patent and to allow for direct delivery of oxygen to the lungs.   Indications for Endotracheal Intubation   1) Failure to maintain or protect the airway (e.g., due to altered mental status or trauma)   2) Inability to oxygenate or ventilate adequately using less invasive techniques   3) Anticipated airway obstruction (e.g., due to swelling or burns)   Techniques for Intubation   1) Direct Laryngoscopy: This involves the use of a laryngoscope to visualize the vocal cords and pass the endotracheal tube (ETT) into the trachea. Proper positioning of the patient (sniffing position) is critical for successful visualization.   2) Video Laryngoscopy: Video laryngoscopy has become an increasingly popular technique, especially in difficult airways, as it provides an enhanced view of the vocal cords and improves intubation success rates.   3) Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI): In emergency situations, RSI is used to facilitate intubation. This involves administering sedative and paralytic drugs to render the patient unconscious and relax the muscles, allowing for quick and controlled intubation.   Post-Intubation Care   Once intubation is successful, proper placement of the ETT should be confirmed using capnography or chest X-ray. The patient’s ventilation and oxygenation must be closely monitored, and the ETT secured to prevent dislodgement.   5. Surgical Airway Management In rare and extreme cases, when all other airway techniques fail, surgical airway management becomes necessary. This is typically a last-resort measure and is performed when neither intubation nor supraglottic devices can secure the airway.   A. Cricothyrotomy   Cricothyrotomy involves making a small incision through the cricothyroid membrane to provide access to the trachea for ventilation. This procedure is usually performed in life-threatening emergencies when other methods of airway management are not feasible.   B. Tracheostomy   Tracheostomy is a more definitive surgical airway technique, where an incision is made in the trachea, and a tube is inserted to maintain airway patency. This is typically performed in controlled environments for patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation or those with obstructive upper airway conditions.   6. Airway Management in Special Situations   A. Management of the Difficult Pediatric Airway   The pediatric airway presents unique challenges due to anatomical differences such as smaller airway size, a larger tongue, and a higher and more anterior larynx. Pediatric patients are also more prone to rapid airway obstruction. Techniques such as bag-valve-mask ventilation, LMA insertion, and video laryngoscopy are commonly used in pediatric airway management, but they require specialized pediatric-sized equipment.   B. Airway Management in Trauma   Trauma patients often present with complex airway challenges, particularly if they have sustained head or neck injuries. In cases of cervical spine injury, the jaw thrust maneuver is preferred to avoid neck movement, and spinal precautions must be maintained during airway management. Rapid sequence intubation and video laryngoscopy are frequently used in trauma settings.   Summary   Airway management is a critical skill in medicine, with a variety of techniques available depending on the patient’s condition and the clinical environment. From basic maneuvers such as the head tilt-chin lift and jaw thrust to advanced interventions like endotracheal intubation and surgical airways, healthcare providers must be prepared to use the appropriate technique to maintain airway patency and support ventilation. In all cases, preparation, proper technique, and prompt decision-making are key to ensuring successful outcomes in airway management.

A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a flexible tube designed to maintain an open airway by passing through the nose and extending into the nasopharynx. It is commonly used in medical emergencies and situations where patients have difficulty maintaining a patent airway on their own. In this article, we will explore what a nasopharyngeal airway is, how to determine what size nasopharyngeal airway to use, and what to measure to properly insert a nasopharyngeal airway.     What Is a Nasopharyngeal Airway?   A nasopharyngeal airway, often called an "NPA" or "nasal trumpet," is a soft, flexible tube made from materials such as rubber or silicone. It is inserted into one of the nostrils and advanced into the nasal passage to help keep the airway open, especially in patients who may have a compromised airway due to trauma, unconsciousness, or other medical conditions that obstruct normal breathing. For information about actual nasopharyngeal airways such as size, material used in manufacturing, etc. you can visit websites of manufacturers such as that of Hangzhou Bever Medical Devices Co., Ltd., a professional nasopharyngeal airway producer with many years of experience.   Common Uses:   A. Emergency situations: An NPA is frequently used by first responders and medical professionals when a patient’s airway is at risk of closing due to injury, sedation, or altered levels of consciousness.   B. Alternative to oropharyngeal airways: In patients with intact gag reflexes or oral injuries that prevent the use of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA), an NPA is often the preferred option.   C. Continuous airway support: It can be used to facilitate ventilation in unconscious patients or those undergoing sedation. The nasopharyngeal airway serves as a passage for airflow between the nose and the trachea, helping to prevent the tongue or soft tissues from collapsing and blocking the airway.   What Size Nasopharyngeal Airway Should You Use?   Choosing the correct size of a nasopharyngeal airway is critical for both safety and effectiveness. If the NPA is too small, it may not properly keep the airway open; if it’s too large, it could cause damage to the nasal passage or nasopharynx.   Sizing Nasopharyngeal Airways:   A. Nasopharyngeal airways come in various sizes, typically ranging from 12 French (smallest) to 36 French (largest), with the diameter of the tube measured in French units (1 French = 0.33 mm).   B. The most commonly used sizes for adults are 28, 30, and 32 French.   C. Pediatric sizes are smaller and typically range from 12 to 22 French. When selecting the size, it’s essential to account for both the patient's age and size, as well as the size of their nasal passages. An appropriately sized NPA will fit snugly without causing discomfort or trauma.   What Should You Measure to Properly Insert a Nasopharyngeal Airway?   To ensure correct placement of the nasopharyngeal airway, accurate measurement is critical. Here’s what you need to measure to properly insert an NPA:   1) Length:   The length of the NPA is vital to ensuring it reaches the correct depth without causing damage.   The correct length can be estimated by measuring the distance from the tip of the patient's nose to their earlobe. This gives a good approximation of the distance the NPA needs to travel to reach the back of the nasopharynx.   2) Diameter:   The diameter of the NPA should allow it to pass easily through the nasal passage without causing discomfort or injury.   A general rule of thumb is to use a size that approximates the diameter of the patient’s smallest nostril.   3) Patient Comfort:   It's important to select a size that can be inserted without resistance. The NPA should slide smoothly into the nasal passage after applying a water-soluble lubricant to minimize friction.   Insertion of a Nasopharyngeal Airway   After selecting the appropriate size and confirming measurements, follow these steps for proper insertion:   1) Lubrication: Apply a generous amount of water-soluble lubricant (not petroleum-based) to the outside of the NPA to reduce friction and discomfort during insertion.   2) Angle and Insertion:   Gently insert the airway into the nostril that appears larger or clearer.   Advance the NPA following the natural curvature of the nasal passage, with the beveled tip facing toward the septum.   Continue advancing the NPA until the flange rests against the nostril. At this point, the airway should provide a clear path for breathing.   4) Monitoring:   Once the NPA is in place, regularly assess the patient's breathing and overall condition to ensure the airway remains open and the NPA is functioning correctly.   Final Remark   Inserting a nasopharyngeal airway is a procedure that requires careful selection and measurement of the device to ensure it provides adequate airway support without causing discomfort or injury. Understanding what a nasopharyngeal airway is, determining what size NPA is appropriate, and knowing what to measure before insertion are key steps in successful airway management. When done correctly, the NPA can be an invaluable tool for maintaining airway patency in patients with compromised breathing.

Both basic and advanced airway management can maximize the chance of survival and recovery. Because each method is designed for a specific situation, if used incorrectly when dealing with an airway emergency, it can be very harmful. Therefore, it is important to know the difference between the two. This article will help you understand the types of airway management and the difference between advanced airway management and basic airway management. What is Airway Management? Airway management refers to medical procedures and techniques that ensure the airway remains open, allowing air to flow from the nose and mouth to the lungs. It is critical in various settings, including emergency medicine, anesthesia, intensive care, and pulmonology. What is Basic Airway Management? Basic Airway Management technology does not require complex equipment or invasive surgery. Emergency personnel can maintain or restore the patient's airway in an emergency without professional equipment. It is suitable for patients who still can breathe independently but are at risk of partial airway obstruction. It helps to ensure oxygen supply in the shortest time and reduce the risk of hypoxia. Emergency personnel can reduce the risk of further hypoxia and complications, and get more time for subsequent advanced airway management or transfer to the hospital. Common Basic Airway Management Techniques Head Tilt-Chin Lift: Gently tilts the patient's head back and lifts the chin to open the airway. Suitable for unconscious patients without suspected spinal injuries. Jaw-Thrust Maneuver: Lifts the jaw without moving the head, used for suspected spinal injuries. Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA): Inserts a curved device in the mouth to prevent the tongue from blocking the airway. Suitable for unconscious patients without gag reflex. Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA): Inserts a soft tube into the nose for patients with reduced consciousness but some ability to breathe on their own. Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM) Ventilation: Manually compresses a bag to deliver air through a mask to assist ventilation. Indications for Basic Airway Management Reduced consciousness with weak spontaneous breathing but no need for invasive airway support. Mild respiratory distress with partial airway obstruction. Short-term airway maintenance during transport or at the scene. Goals of Basic Airway Management Quickly restore airway patency and support insufficient spontaneous breathing. Maintain oxygen supply and reduce complications from hypoxia. Minimize the risk of aspiration. Buy time for advanced airway management. Pre-Lubricated Nasal Airway What is Advanced Airway Management? Advanced Airway Management provides patients with rapid and stable oxygen supply in emergency or critical care environments, minimizing complications caused by hypoxia. It is suitable for situations where spontaneous breathing is insufficient or completely lost. And advanced airway management is more complex than basic airway management and usually requires medical professionals to perform because it involves invasive operations and the use of advanced equipment. Through advanced airway management, medical staff can better control the patient's respiratory status and improve the patient's chances of survival and recovery. Common Advanced Airway Management Techniques Endotracheal Intubation: Inserting a tube into the trachea to secure the airway. Suitable for patients with severely impaired or lost respiratory function. Tracheostomy: Creating an opening in the neck to place a tube for long-term airway maintenance, used for patients needing prolonged mechanical ventilation. Mechanical Ventilation: Using a ventilator to provide positive pressure ventilation, assisting or completely replacing spontaneous breathing. Emergency Surgical Airway Management: Performing emergency surgery to establish an airway when other methods fail or are inappropriate. Indications for Advanced Airway Management Complete loss or severe inadequacy of spontaneous breathing. Severe airway obstruction with ineffective conventional management. Loss of consciousness with a risk of aspiration. Patients needing long-term respiratory support. Goals of Advanced Airway Management Assess the risk of decreased oxygen saturation and difficulties with intubation. Use methods to prolong safe apnea times. Ensure first-pass success in intubation. Have a backup plan for difficult airways. Avoid complications through training, practice, continuing education, and teamwork. Advantages and Disadvantages Advanced Airway Management Basic Airway Management Features Involves invasive techniques like intubation and mechanical ventilation, requiring professional training. Includes non-invasive methods like OPAs and BVMs, suitable for first responders. Advantages More effective airway control can ensure complete airway patency and continuous oxygen supply, and is suitable for more complex and severe cases. Supports longer respiratory management, especially for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, intensive care and emergency treatment. For unconscious or high-risk patients, endotracheal intubation can prevent aspiration and other complications. Basic airway management is relatively simple to operate, and the equipment is light, suitable for non-professionals or initial emergency treatment. It can be quickly applied in an emergency to stabilize the patient's airway and provide a short-term oxygen supply. Easy to operate, no intubation operation, less stimulation and discomfort to the patient. Disadvantages The operation is complex and requires professional training, and the high operating technology may not be suitable for non-professionals on site. Use special equipment, which is not convenient for all on-site rescue scenarios. It is difficult to ensure the complete opening of the airway, and the effect is limited for patients with a higher risk of aspiration. In the case of continuous oxygen demand or severe airway obstruction, the effect is not as good as advanced airway management. When to Choose Advanced Airway over Basic Airway? The choice depends on the situation. Basic airway management is often more appropriate for non-critical cases or mild airway obstruction. In emergencies or complex medical scenarios (like emergency departments or intensive care), advanced airway management is more reliable. Using advanced techniques inappropriately can lead to complications, such as airway trauma or hypoxia. Why Airway Management Matters Both advanced and basic airway management are crucial in emergencies. They require safe and reliable airway management products, such as nasopharyngeal airway kits, endotracheal tubes, oropharyngeal airway kits, etc. Effective airway management depends on using the right products, Bever Medical provides airway products with precise specifications and easy operation. In addition, any mismatch in equipment specifications or errors during operation can seriously affect the patient's ability to breathe effectively and may delay critical interventions. Using high-quality, properly sized airway management tools from Bever Medical and following strict procedural steps can greatly improve patient outcomes in emergencies.

In emergencies, healthcare professionals need to act quickly to ensure that patients can breathe normally. If the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) insertion process is obstructed, it can affect the patient's breathing and severely impact their life. This article will share a comprehensive guide on how to insert NPA, including its structures, detailed preparation, complete insertion process, etc. We believe that after reading this, you can insert NPA swiftly and correctly. Silicone Nasopharyngeal Airway Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)  The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a simple artificial airway inserted into the patient's pharynx through one nostril, primarily used to prevent the tongue from falling back and can be used for conscious patients. Structures The NPA consists of a connector, a sleeve, and an airway tube. BEVER medical manufactures them according to strict standards and requirements, ensuring reliable and safe nasopharyngeal airways for hospitals and other users. Connector: The connector features a continuous lumen that allows the catheter to pass through and connect with the nasopharyngeal airway. The upper end has a conical interface for connecting and securing the oxygen delivery tube, while the lower end fits tightly with the sleeve. Sleeve: The sleeve is a hollow tube that connects the airway tube and the connector, secured inside the airway tube's opening. Nasopharyngeal Airway Tube: One end of the airway tube has a beveled opening, while the other end is designed with a sleeve, which is secured inside the airway tube’s opening. Materials BEVER provides connectors and sleeves with medical-grade plastics. For nasopharyngeal airway tubes, we use medical-grade silicon, PVC, etc. 5 Practical Steps for Inserting NPA Smoothly 1. Understand the Patient's Condition Healthcare professionals should consider the patient's physical status and breathing rate, as well as check for the following conditions: Nasal or facial fractures Basilar skull fractures Severe coagulopathy Active nasal bleeding or bleeding tendencies Various nasal diseases Basilar skull fractures with cerebrospinal fluid leakage 2. Preparation Before the Operation To ensure operate at sterile environment, it’s important to prepare all necessary tools, such as masks, gloves, and disinfectants.  Operator Preparation  Wash hands, wear a mask and gloves, and select the correct size. Selecting the Correct Size Compare the outer diameter of the nasopharyngeal airway with the inner diameter of the patient's nostrils. Use the largest possible catheter that can still pass easily through the nasal cavity. The length should be from the tip of the nose to the earlobe. Common sizes include FR10, FR12, FR14, FR16, FR18, FR20, FR22, FR24, FR26, etc. Usually, the size is appeared on the airway tube for quick selection (as pictured shows). Patient Preparation The patient should lie supine, then the operator chooses one clean nostril for insertion. Before inserting the NPA, some methods can be used to reduce discomfort and pain, especially for patients with sensitive nasal and pharyngeal areas. Local anesthesia, lubricants, and vasoconstrictor sprays can be applied to ensure patient comfort and facilitate smooth NPA insertion. 3. Tips to Insert NPA After lubricating the outer surface of the nasopharyngeal airway, gently insert it into the wider nostril. Position the curvature of the airway downward, with the concave side facing up. Slowly insert the airway along the vertical plane of the nose until the end of the airway reaches the nasopharyngeal opening, typically about 13-15 cm deep. If resistance is encountered, retract about 1 cm, slightly rotate, and continue inserting. If there is still resistance, try inserting it into the other nostril in the same way. 4. Assessing Airway Patency After insertion, evaluate whether the airway is clear using the following criteria: Tongue displacement is resolved. The snoring sound has disappeared. The airway is unobstructed. 5. After Confirming Airway Patency Secure the NPA properly. Precautions Keep the nasopharyngeal airway clear and perform daily nasal care. Ensure airway humidification to prevent dryness and bleeding of the nasal mucosa. Prevent pressure injuries to the nasal mucosa; it is recommended to change the NPA every 1-2 days and use the other nostril for insertion. Conclusion Mastering the correct insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is crucial for ensuring patient respiration, especially in emergencies. By knowing the patient's condition, being well-prepared, and following detailed insertion steps, healthcare professionals can effectively use the NPA to help patients resume normal breathing. If you are looking for high-quality nasopharyngeal airways (NPA), BEVER offers OEM solutions suitable for children, adults, and the elderly. Our products are specifically designed for outdoor emergency care, conflict zones, and clinical use, ensuring reliable support when it matters most. To learn more about our NPA products and help you respond quickly and accurately in emergencies!