Insertion of the NPA is stimulating, but once inserted it is well tolerated, and may be left in place until the patient is fully awake (Fig 1).

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It is very important that the nasal airway should not cause blanching of the nostril when inserted, and a size greater than 7 mm is rarely necessary.

Remember that the principal complication of the use of a nasal airway is bleeding.

Nasal airways should not be used in the presence of base-of-skull fractures or severe bleeding diatheses.