Comprehensive Guide on How to Insert NPA? (Recommended)

In emergencies, healthcare professionals need to act quickly to ensure that patients can breathe normally. If the nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) insertion process is obstructed, it can affect the patient's breathing and severely impact their life. This article will share a comprehensive guide on how to insert NPA, including its structures, detailed preparation, complete insertion process, etc. We believe that after reading this, you can insert NPA swiftly and correctly.

Silicone Nasopharyngeal Airway

Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA) 

The nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is a simple artificial airway inserted into the patient's pharynx through one nostril, primarily used to prevent the tongue from falling back and can be used for conscious patients.

Structures

The NPA consists of a connector, a sleeve, and an airway tube. BEVER medical manufactures them according to strict standards and requirements, ensuring reliable and safe nasopharyngeal airways for hospitals and other users.

• Connector: The connector features a continuous lumen that allows the catheter to pass through and connect with the nasopharyngeal airway. The upper end has a conical interface for connecting and securing the oxygen delivery tube, while the lower end fits tightly with the sleeve.

• Sleeve: The sleeve is a hollow tube that connects the airway tube and the connector, secured inside the airway tube's opening.

• Nasopharyngeal Airway Tube: One end of the airway tube has a beveled opening, while the other end is designed with a sleeve, which is secured inside the airway tube’s opening.

Materials

BEVER provides connectors and sleeves with medical-grade plastics. For nasopharyngeal airway tubes, we use medical-grade silicon, PVC, etc.

5 Practical Steps for Inserting NPA Smoothly

1. Understand the Patient's Condition

Healthcare professionals should consider the patient's physical status and breathing rate, as well as check for the following conditions:

1. Nasal or facial fractures

2. Basilar skull fractures

3. Severe coagulopathy

4. Active nasal bleeding or bleeding tendencies

5. Various nasal diseases

6. Basilar skull fractures with cerebrospinal fluid leakage

2. Preparation Before the Operation

To ensure operate at sterile environment, it’s important to prepare all necessary tools, such as masks, gloves, and disinfectants. 

Operator Preparation

 Wash hands, wear a mask and gloves, and select the correct size.

Selecting the Correct Size

Compare the outer diameter of the nasopharyngeal airway with the inner diameter of the patient's nostrils. Use the largest possible catheter that can still pass easily through the nasal cavity. The length should be from the tip of the nose to the earlobe. Common sizes include FR10, FR12, FR14, FR16, FR18, FR20, FR22, FR24, FR26, etc. Usually, the size is appeared on the airway tube for quick selection (as pictured shows).

Patient Preparation

The patient should lie supine, then the operator chooses one clean nostril for insertion. Before inserting the NPA, some methods can be used to reduce discomfort and pain, especially for patients with sensitive nasal and pharyngeal areas. Local anesthesia, lubricants, and vasoconstrictor sprays can be applied to ensure patient comfort and facilitate smooth NPA insertion.

3. Tips to Insert NPA

After lubricating the outer surface of the nasopharyngeal airway, gently insert it into the wider nostril. Position the curvature of the airway downward, with the concave side facing up. Slowly insert the airway along the vertical plane of the nose until the end of the airway reaches the nasopharyngeal opening, typically about 13-15 cm deep. If resistance is encountered, retract about 1 cm, slightly rotate, and continue inserting. If there is still resistance, try inserting it into the other nostril in the same way.

4. Assessing Airway Patency

After insertion, evaluate whether the airway is clear using the following criteria:

• Tongue displacement is resolved.

• The snoring sound has disappeared.

• The airway is unobstructed.
  
  

5. After Confirming Airway Patency

Secure the NPA properly.

Precautions

• Keep the nasopharyngeal airway clear and perform daily nasal care.

• Ensure airway humidification to prevent dryness and bleeding of the nasal mucosa.

• Prevent pressure injuries to the nasal mucosa; it is recommended to change the NPA every 1-2 days and use the other nostril for insertion.

Conclusion

Mastering the correct insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) is crucial for ensuring patient respiration, especially in emergencies. By knowing the patient's condition, being well-prepared, and following detailed insertion steps, healthcare professionals can effectively use the NPA to help patients resume normal breathing.

If you are looking for high-quality nasopharyngeal airways (NPA), BEVER offers OEM solutions suitable for children, adults, and the elderly. Our products are specifically designed for outdoor emergency care, conflict zones, and clinical use, ensuring reliable support when it matters most. To learn more about our NPA products and help you respond quickly and accurately in emergencies!