Has anyone ever tried a Nasal Trumpet?

[Johnny1959]

In medicine, a nasopharyngeal airway, also known as an NPA or a nasal trumpet because of its flared end, a type of airway adjunct, is a tube that is designed to be inserted into the nasal passageway to secure an open airway. When a patient becomes unconscious, the muscles in the jaw commonly relax and can allow the tongue to slide back and obstruct the airway. The purpose of the flared end is to prevent the device from becoming lost inside the patient's head. A safety pin is often included in the NPA kit to be attached to the outside for just such a purpose.


Nasopharygeal airways are sometimes used by people who have sleep apnea.

These devices are also used by emergency care professionals such as EMT'S and paramedics in situations where an artificial form of airway maintenance is necessary but it is impossible or unadvisory to use an oropharyngeal airway, the preferred type of airway adjunct. For example, in a patient having epileptic seizures whose teeth are clenched shut. In an unconscious patient, suction of the upper airways may also be applied via an NPA.

Insertion of an NPA is contraindicated in patients with severe head or facial injuries, or have evidence of a basal skull fracture (Battle's sign, Raccoon eyes, cerebrospinal fluid/blood from ears, etc.) due to the possibility of direct intrusion upon brain tissue. An oropharyngeal airway may be used instead, but these devices frequently trigger a patient's gag reflex, while nasopharyngeal airways often do not.[1]


[edit] Insertion
The correct size airway is chosen by measuring the device on the patient: the device should reach from the patient's nostril to the earlobe or the angle of the jaw.[1] The outside of the tube is lubricated with a water-based lubricant so that it enters the nose more easily. The device is inserted until the flared end rests against the nostril.

[RipVW]

Whoa! Sounds VERY painful to me! I'll stick with CPAP!

[MMCGOWAN]

I have used them to intubate folks in the emergency room.

Rather effective in a pinch but if you feel you need something like this consider a tracheostomy instead

Wow the things folks will consider

[Johnny1959]

I'm thinking you would have the same sensation as when your ENT puts the Flexible Nasopharyngolaryngoscope in your nose?

What do you think?

[So Well]

Yes, I tried one when I was younger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymRxW3q7GT4

Today I am tougher and might be able to better tolerate it, especially since I know it would treat my sleep apnea.

[apneawho]

Just an opinion, but I wouldn't try that in a conscious state if you paid me. I am a nurse and I have used those in patients who are semi-conscious or unconscious only. Come at someone who is with it with one of those and you could be arrested for assault! Nasal trumpets are long and wide enough to keep airway open and I would imagine it would be uncomfortable. We don't use unless we are making efforts to protect an airway. What problem are you trying to solve by using a nasal trumpet?

[chunkyfrog]

None for me, thank you.
But I might try to play a nose flute.

[Vader]

I don't know if ya'lls realize this or not, but this is a pretty old thread.

Just sayin...

[apneawho]

yep, you are right. got carried away and didn't look at the date.