Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA)

Oropharyngeal Airway

(OPA)

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.

NPA SIZING AND INSERTION

  • Standard Sizes are 12-36 FR

    • The average adult size is 26-32 FR

Sizing and Placement

  • When held against the side of the face, a correctly sized airway will extend from the tip of the nose to the tragus of the ear. Measure the length of the airway to ensure it does not cause obstruction. Open the nares to reveal the nasal passage. Inspect both nares to determine which side is wider.

OPA SIZING AND INSERTION