When a patient cannot maintain an open airway on their own, healthcare providers may use a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA), also named a Wendl tube, to help them breathe.   The soft and flexible tube can keep the upper airway open and allow air to pass freely to the lungs through the nose and into the nasopharynx. However, a small tube can not maintain airway patency, while one that is too large may cause injury. In this article, we have collected the complete size chart for your consideration and to help you determine the correct tube length and diameter.   Nasopharyngeal Airway Sizes and Color Generally, the nasopharyngeal tube is measured using the French gauge (Fr) system, which refers to the external diameter of the tube.  Also, you may have noticed the color of the device. So, what's the purpose? Manufacturers often color-code the top flange of the device to allow healthcare providers to identify the size quickly in emergency situations. Common sizes found in a standard clinical setting include: Nasopharyngeal Airway Size 4 (ID 4.0mm): Often used in older pediatric patients or very small adults. Nasopharyngeal tube size 6 (ID 6.0mm): A frequent choice for teenagers or smaller-framed adults. Nasopharyngeal tube size 3 (ID 3.0mm): Reserved for younger pediatric patients or infants. The correlation between the internal diameter (ID) and the French gauge (Fr) is essential. For instance, a size 7.0mm ID tube typically corresponds to a 28 Fr or 30 Fr. Standardizing these measurements ensures that the device fits the nasal anatomy without causing excessive pressure on the septal mucosa.   Nasopharyngeal Airway Sizes Chart The following chart provides a general reference for common nasopharyngeal airway sizes used in clinical practice. Patient Category Typical ID (mm) French Gauge (Fr) Common Color Code Neonate / Infant 2.5 – 3.5 10 – 14 Grey / White Toddler / Child 4.0 – 5.0 16 – 20 Blue / Green Older Child 5.5 – 6.0 22 – 24 Yellow Small Adult 6.0 – 6.5 24 – 26 Green / Yellow Medium Adult 7.0 – 7.5 28 – 30 Red Large Adult 8.0 – 9.0 32 – 36 Orange / Brown Important: This chart is a general reference; clinicians must always assess the patient's anatomy before choosing the correct size. Some products, such as the nasopharyngeal tube wendl, are designed with adjustable features that allow greater flexibility in airway management. In emergency kits, healthcare providers may use a Wendl tube set, which contains several sizes to accommodate different patients. Nasopharyngeal Airway Sizes for Adults Selecting the right size for an adult depends on both the length and the diameter. A tube that is too short will fail to bypass the tongue base, while a tube that is too long may enter the esophagus or irritate the epiglottis, potentially causing laryngospasm.  What size NPA fits most adults?  For the average adult male, a size 7.0mm to 8.0mm ID (28 Fr to 32 Fr) is typically appropriate. For the average adult female, a size 6.0mm to 7.0mm ID (24 Fr to 28 Fr) is generally the standard. However, clinicians must always assess the individual's physical stature rather than relying solely on gender. The nasopharyngeal tube Wendl is particularly favored in European and American hospitals for its soft, medical-grade material that adapts to adult nasal contours. Nasopharyngeal Airway Sizes for Neonates and Pediatrics Pediatric and neonatal airways are much more delicate and narrow. Using an oversized nasopharyngeal tube size in an infant can lead to significant mucosal edema or necrosis. Pediatric sizes usually range from 12 Fr to 20 Fr (approximately 2.5mm to 4.5mm ID). In neonates, the smallest available sizes are used to alleviate obstructions caused by conditions like Pierre Robin sequence or laryngomalacia. Due to the high risk of complications in small children, clinicians often prefer a wendl tube set that provides multiple size options, allowing for an immediate switch if the first choice does not offer a perfect fit. What Is the 3-3-2 Rule for Intubation? The 3-3-2 rule is a rapid bedside assessment tool used to predict the ease of intubation: 3 (Mouth Opening): Can the patient fit three of their own fingers between their upper and lower incisors? This indicates adequate access to the oral cavity. 3 (Hyoid-Mental Distance): Whether the patient fits three fingers between the tip of the chin (mentum) and the hyoid bone? This helps assess the space available to displace the tongue. 2 (Thyrohyoid Distance): Can the patient fit two fingers between the hyoid bone and the thyroid notch? This identifies the location of the larynx relative to the base of the tongue. If a patient fails the 3-3-2 assessment, they are considered a "difficult airway." In such cases, using a nasopharyngeal airway can be a life-saving "bridge" to maintain oxygenation while specialized equipment or personnel are summoned. How Do You Size a Nasopharyngeal Tube? A commonly recommended method is to measure the distance from the patient's nostril to the earlobe or the angle of the jaw. This external measurement provides a good estimate of the appropriate tube length. Research published in airway management literature suggests that the correct length corresponds closely to this anatomical measurement. The general sizing steps include: Choose the correct internal diameter based on patient age and nasal passage size. Measure the nostril-to-earlobe distance to estimate length. Confirm that the tube will sit properly within the nasopharynx without entering the larynx. Clinicians may also apply water-soluble lubricant to the tube before insertion to reduce friction and improve comfort. Proper sizing helps prevent complications such as: nasal bleeding airway irritation incorrect tube placement Nasopharyngeal Airway Insertion Nasopharyngeal airway insertion is a relatively quick procedure performed in emergency or clinical settings. It usually includes the following steps: Choose the right size tube. Apply a water-based lubricant. Insert the tube gently through the nostril. Advance the tube along the floor of the nasal passage until the flange rests against the nostril. Because the insertion technique is important for safety, detailed step-by-step instructions are usually covered in specialized airway training materials. Readers who want a more detailed explanation can refer to the full guide on nasopharyngeal airway insertion available in our related airway care resources. Conclusion As an important medical device, whether an NPA is used in an emergency room, a post-operative recovery suite, or a home-care environment, one of its successes depends on selecting the correct size. By using a nasopharyngeal Wendl tube and following the standardized sizing charts, the patient's risk of local trauma is minimized. Besides, please always use medical and safe products for your patients. Final words, before you make a decision, knowing the unique anatomy of each patient is the final guide for any airway intervention.

A nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is intended to help maintain upper airway patency in patients with reduced consciousness, airway obstruction, or compromised protective airway reflexes. It is commonly used as an adjunct in airway management protocols in emergency, prehospital, and hospital environments. NPAs may be supplied in lubricated or non-lubricated configurations. These configurations are designed to support different clinical workflows related to preparation method, insertion handling, and institutional protocol requirements.   Clinical Context and Workflow Considerations Airway management workflows may vary significantly depending on the care environment and level of urgency. In emergency and prehospital settings, clinicians may operate under time-sensitive conditions where immediate device availability is required. In such environments, reducing preparation steps may support procedural efficiency. In hospital-based environments, clinicians typically operate under standardized protocols, where device preparation, including lubrication selection and application, may be controlled according to institutional guidelines. The selection of NPA configuration is therefore often influenced by workflow design rather than functional differences. Lubricated Nasopharyngeal Airway   Lubricated NPAs are typically supplied with a pre-applied medical-grade lubricant intended to facilitate insertion by reducing surface friction between the device and nasal mucosa. This configuration is designed to support immediate use following package opening, without requiring additional lubrication steps. From a clinical workflow perspective, lubricated NPAs may reduce preparation time and standardize lubrication quantity and distribution. Lubricated NPAs may be used in: Emergency medical services (EMS) Prehospital airway management systems Trauma and acute care settings Patient transport environments In these settings, clinicians may prioritize rapid deployment and procedural efficiency. Non-Lubricated Nasopharyngeal Airway   Non-lubricated NPAs are supplied without pre-applied lubricant. Prior to insertion, clinicians apply lubricant in accordance with institutional protocols, clinical judgment, or product-specific instructions for use (IFU).   This configuration allows flexibility in the selection of lubricant type, application method, and quantity, depending on clinical preference and patient-specific considerations. From a workflow perspective, non-lubricated NPAs support controlled preparation and may be integrated into standardized hospital protocols.  Non-lubricated NPAs may be used in: Intensive care units (ICU) Operating rooms Elective or controlled airway management procedures Standardized hospital-based clinical workflows   These environments typically emphasize procedural consistency and protocol adherence. Functional Equivalence and Design Intent   Both lubricated and non-lubricated NPAs are intended to perform the same primary function: supporting upper airway patency by maintaining a patent nasal airway route. Differences between configurations are primarily related to: Preparation workflow Lubrication control method User-dependent versus manufacturer-applied lubrication   These differences do not alter the fundamental clinical function of the device but may influence handling characteristics and procedural workflow. Clinical Selection Considerations   Selection of NPA configuration may depend on multiple factors, including:   Urgency and nature of clinical presentation Institutional airway management protocols Preference for pre-lubricated versus clinician-applied lubrication Standardization requirements within healthcare systems Workflow efficiency and preparation constraints   Clinical judgment and local guidelines should be followed when selecting the appropriate configuration. OEM and Regulatory Considerations   Both lubricated and non-lubricated configurations may be available as part of OEM manufacturing programs, subject to product design and regulatory approvals in applicable markets.   Typical OEM options may include: Multiple size and length variants Sterile and non-sterile packaging configurations Private label and branding customization Packaging formats aligned with clinical use environments Availability and labeling requirements may vary depending on regulatory jurisdiction and market authorization requirements. Conclusion   Lubricated and non-lubricated nasopharyngeal airways are designed to support airway management under different clinical workflow conditions. Lubricated configurations are generally intended to support reduced preparation time in time-sensitive environments. Non-lubricated configurations are intended to support clinician-directed lubrication and protocol-based preparation in controlled clinical settings. Selection should be based on clinical workflow requirements, institutional protocols, and intended use environment. To support diverse clinical and market needs, BEVER Medical offers a comprehensive range of nasopharyngeal airway solutions, including lubricated and non-lubricated configurations, as well as PVC nasopharyngeal airway and silicone  nasopharyngeal airway options. Our airway management portfolio is designed to support emergency care, prehospital applications, and hospital-based procedures, with OEM and private label services available to help distributors and healthcare brands meet regional regulatory and clinical requirements.