Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) and Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) insertion can dramatically improve Bag-Valve_Mask Ventilation and should be considered in every patient who does not have a contraindication (maxillofacial trauma being the most common contraindication in a trauma setting).

• NPA and OPA come in a variety of sizes.

• A NASOPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY (NPA), commonly called a nasal trumpet, is a short uncuffed tube that's inserted nasally along the floor of the nasopharynx past the base of the tongue to maintain a patent airway. Once inserted, the NPA prevents the patient's tongue from occluding the airway.

• OROPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY (OPA) are rigid intraoral devices that conform to the tongue and displace it away from the posterior pharyngeal wall, thereby restoring pharyngeal airway patency.

  • SHOULD ONLY BE USED IN AN UNRESPONSIVE PATIENT WITH NO GAG REFLEX.

OPA SIZING AND INSERTION