help - nasopharyngeal airway for apnea?

[helpful1]

My doctor gave me two of these airways to use for apnea in sizes 28 and 32. I had a CPAP machine but it lost pressure and I don't have insurance now and was feeling sick again. Tired and headaches mostly. I haven't used them yet and don't see much online when I google using these for apnea except for babies. My doc checked to see if my nose was straight inside and said it was clear and these would work as good as a machine, maybe better. Anyone else use these? It says on the bag "robertazzi nasopharyngeal airway. Mine are size 28 and 32. 28 is smaller and looks like the one I will try first. He aslo gave me KY jelly and lidocaine jelly to help put it in (said only to use one not both at the same time). I'm interested if you have used them and how good they work, thanks.

[LoQ]

That's pretty interesting. I would love to use something like that, because I have problems maintaining a patent phayrnx, so I watched a few videos of it being inserted into volunteers. All I've got to say is, don't skip the lidocaine, and let us know what you think of it.

[lbw]

As a nurse we used these in patients with a decreased level on consciousness to help keep their airway open.don't know too many that kept them in while awake. If you do give it a try, start with putting some of the lidocaine in your nostril first and wait a few minutes. Follow the curve. The most uncomfortable part will be feeling it at the back of your throat. Beware if you have a strong gag.

[helpful1]

Thanks for the tips! My doc does GP stuff now but used to be an anesthesiologist. He offered to put one in at his office but I chickened out and said I'd rather try it slowly in the comfort of my own home. Probably should have let him. Didn't think of checking out videos, LoQ. Thanks for the idea. I will hopefully get the courage to try this and will let you know how it goes.

[LoQ]

Thanks for the tips! My doc does GP stuff now but used to be an anesthesiologist. He offered to put one in at his office but I chickened out and said I'd rather try it slowly in the comfort of my own home. Probably should have let him. Didn't think of checking out videos, LoQ. Thanks for the idea. I will hopefully get the courage to try this and will let you know how it goes.

Uh, if you are needing to gather your courage, don't watch the videos.

Seriously, I wonder if, over time, this is something that a person could become acclimated to.

[Hospiceangel]

I agree with the other posters. I'm a nurse and we only use them on semiconscious (maybe) or comatose pt. I've not seen anyone fully awake tolerate one.
Good Luck
Shar:)

[mars]

Hi All

I am picking up 3 different sizes tomorrow, but the oral, not the nasal.

My previous post is at -

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=52517&p=484979&hili ... al#p484979

which includes 2 videos on self-insertion for the nasal one.

I have my doubts about being able to sleep with it, but I will see how I go. I am getting the one for mouth insertion, (the more expensive one includes a tongue depressant). I will check on the nasal application.

I am used to having endoscopies without anaesthetic, so I do have some confidence in being able to insert it, but thanks for the advice on KY jelly and lidocaine jelly.

cheers

Mars

[kteague]

I remember reading a few years ago, I think on here, of someone who was so desperate to breathe and sleep that they inserted a tube down the side of their throat, but I don't think it was an official medical device for this purpose.

Mars and helpful1, thank you for blazing the trail here. I will be following your stories on this one. I'm wondering if this might be a viable option for at least some campers and travelers.

Veeeerrrry interesting!

[jabman]

Looks scarry, you're braver souls then I to try something like that.
sorry about not being encouraging, I wish you all the luck in the world.

[helpful1]

I got it in after about a dozen tries and then pulled it right out. Then I put it back in in one try. It bothered the back of my throat when I swallowed so I took it out for the night. I'll keep trying to see if I can get used to it. I used the bigger one of the two because one video said to use one the diameter of your pinky, and the larger one was closer to that size.

[Breathe Jimbo]

Yowsers! I think I'll stick to the pneumatic splint, thank you very much.

[helpful1]

Yowsers! I think I'll stick to the pneumatic splint, thank you very much.

It's kind of like a nasal pillow gone wild.

[Janknitz]

I know I'm supposed to be encouraging here, but all I can say is:

EWWWWW, Gross, disgusting, shoot me first!

You're a better man than I if you can get used to this!

[SleepingUgly]

Oh boy, that is painful to even think about. I admire your willingness to try anything you can to hold you over while you don't have insurance.

[-SWS]

Please check your PMs, helpful1...