Simple tools to keep airway open.

Oral (Orophanryngeal, Guedel) – insert with the concave part facing cranialy and after reaching the posterior wall of the pharynx rotate caudally 180 degrees. The appropriate size is determined by the distance between the incisors and the angle of the jaw. In addition to secuing the airway, it can also be used as an anti-biting tool.

•   easy and fast to use
•   with preserved reflexes may cause vomiting with consequent risk of aspiration

Nasal airway (Nasopharyngeal, Wendel) - prior to introduction needs to be lubricated, decongestion of the nasal mucosa may also be necessary i.e. by decongestant drugs. The optimal length can be estimated by the distance between the tip of the nose and the earlobe. It is used for facial trauma or in case of trismus (masseter spasm or lockjaw)...

•   tolerated even in patients with preserved reflexes
•   bleeding risk, difficulty during introduction

COPA (Cuffed Oro-pharyngeal airway) – a modified oral airway. At the distal end, it is fitted with an inflation cuff which serves to stabilize the position of the device as well as to further distatance the root of the tongue from the posterior wall of the hypopharynx. Some types allow interface with MV (working as a SGD).