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Emerg Med J. 2005 Jun; 22(6): 394–396.
doi: 10.1136/emj.2004.021402
PMCID: PMC1726817
PMID: 15911941

The nasopharyngeal airway: dispelling myths and establishing the facts

K Roberts, H Whalley, and A Bleetman
Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer

Abstract

Widely taught methods of sizing NPAs are based upon the width of the patient's nostril or little finger, MRI data demonstrate that these methods are inaccurate. Ideal NPA length measured at nasal endoscopy correlates with subject height, this is independent of subject sex, and is a far more accurate determinant and easy to use in the clinical setting. Average height females require a Portex size 6 NPA and average height males a size 7 Portex NPA. This knowledge provides a rapid method of NPA selection.

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Selected References

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