Indications for using a nasal aspirator
Before using a neonatal aspirator, the need for this device should be assessed. The indication for using a cleansing device is excessive mucus discharge from the nose.
A nasal aspirator can be used to clean your child's nose.
Parents note that with a severe runny nose, the child’s behavior changes:
- sleep is disturbed, rest and wakefulness patterns are disrupted;
- tearfulness increases;
- appetite decreases due to the inconvenience of sucking in the absence of nasal breathing.
A concomitant symptom of a cold is hyperthermia. An increase in temperature occurs with bacterial and viral infections. With a nasal aspirator, parents can clear their baby's nasal passages and make breathing easier.
However, to effectively treat the disease, you will have to contact a pediatrician or pediatric otolaryngologist and receive an individual prescription.
Terms of use
How to use a nozzle ejector? Each device has its own instructions for use. We propose to consider only the general principles of using aspirators.
So, the algorithm for cleaning the nose should be as follows:
- Depending on the model, the baby should be in a horizontal or vertical position.
- We first insert the nozzle into one nostril, suck out the mucus, then do the same procedure with the other nostril.
- After use, the nozzle pump must be disassembled and washed thoroughly.
The tip should be inserted into the nasal passages very carefully. It is better if at this moment one of the relatives is nearby and can hold the baby’s head. To better remove mucus, you can pre-rinse the spout with saline solution.
If you want to save money, you can buy an aspirator that has several functions at once - removing mucus and rinsing the nose.
Aspirator pear
A blower aspirator was used to clear the airways of children in the last generation. This device is considered the most budget-friendly, widespread and easy to use. Externally, the cleaning system resembles a syringe with a plastic or silicone tip.
To carry out the procedure for a child with a runny nose, you must:
- press the bottom of the bulb to release the air;
- insert the tip into the child’s nose;
- relax the compressed area;
- remove the device from your nose.
After performing the manipulation, you should thoroughly clean the pear by rinsing it inside with a disinfectant solution.
Compared to modern systems, the syringe-style aspirator has several disadvantages. Since the mucus collection container is opaque, parents cannot evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. The absence of a limiter on the tip does not allow you to control the depth of its penetration.
Types of devices
Today on the shelves of pharmacies you can buy nozzle ejectors for every taste. With their help, you can clean not only the child’s nasal passages, but also the sinuses and throat. The following types of devices are distinguished.
Syringes
The simplest and most accessible type of aspirator is the well-known rubber bulb. They are considered safe for babies, as they are equipped with a flexible and soft silicone tip.
It is almost impossible to injure the mucous membrane with its help. The disadvantage is the minimum retraction force.
Vacuum
In case of severe nasal congestion with abundant secretion, a vacuum model can be used. The device is a thin rubber tube connected to a small device called a vacuum cleaner.
Such devices are easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
Mechanical
A mechanical nozzle pump is a device in the form of two tubes and a special filter. One tube is inserted into the baby’s nostril, and the mother takes the second into her mouth, sucking in air.
In this case, the secretion from the nose is extracted by the force of the air flow and remains on a special replaceable filter.
Electrical
Electronic devices are considered the most practical. In them, you can adjust the traction force for different severity of a child’s runny nose. The device is easy to use, does not require effort from an adult, and eliminates the transmission of infection.
The tubes are equipped with special soft attachments that do not injure the mucous membrane of the baby.
Mechanical aspirator
Tube aspirators are very popular. They are affordable and easy to use. Vacuum systems have replaceable attachments, which allows you to use a clean container to collect mucus every time.
An aspirator is used for a runny nose
- a tip with a container for collecting mucus is inserted into the child’s nose;
- the opposite side of the aspirator is inserted into the parent’s mouth;
- with the help of an adult’s inhalation, negative pressure is created, at which mucus is sucked into the container;
- the system is removed from the baby's nose.
The advantage of vacuum aspirators is that parents can control the depth of penetration of the tip into the child’s nose and evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. If the manufacturer suggests using replaceable nozzles, then after cleaning the container with collected mucus can be disposed of.
Review of the best mechanical models for newborns
Let's look at several models of mechanical devices that are popular with pediatricians and parents.
Nosefrida
A very convenient and easy-to-use device, with the help of which you can quickly clear the baby’s nose of accumulated mucus and make the child’s breathing easier. The aspirator can be disassembled into separate parts and washed after each use.
pros
The positive aspects of the device include:
- The collection container is quite large. There is no need to clean it after suctioning the secretions from each nostril.
- High hygiene.
- Ease of use.
- The container for collecting secretions is transparent. Mom can evaluate the amount and other characteristics of mucus.
- Can be used for severe nasal congestion.
Minuses
The only disadvantages include the high cost of suction for nasal secretions. Its approximate cost is about 600-700 rubles, depending on the pharmacy.
Otrivin Baby
Otrivin baby is another popular mechanical model that has won a lot of positive reviews among parents and doctors. This device is well suited for removing thick secretions and can also be used to rinse the nasal passages.
pros
Let's look at the advantages of the Otrivin Baby aspirator. These include the following aspects:
- The kit includes removable attachments.
- The tips are soft and made of hypoallergenic silicone.
- There are replaceable filters.
- Ease of use.
- High hygiene.
Minuses
In addition to a large number of advantages, the mucus suction in question also has its disadvantages. These include:
- The nozzle that is inserted into the spout is not equipped with a stopper.
- The instructions say that you should use a new nozzle each time, which requires additional financial investment.
- Foam rubber filters are quite difficult to clean.
The approximate cost of the device in a pharmacy is about 365 - 400 rubles.
Aqua Maris
The nozzle ejector of this model can be used among children of various ages. The device includes a tube equipped with a special nozzle for an adult, as well as a small container designed for a baby’s nose. The mucus is collected in a small container.
pros
The aspirator in question has a number of positive characteristics. Let's call them:
- The device comes with replaceable attachments that are easy to disassemble and clean.
- The model is easy to care for.
- Ease of use.
- The shape of the mouthpiece and container corresponds to the physiological characteristics of the human body.
Minuses
If we talk about the disadvantages, these include the following:
- The need to change attachments after each use, although they are easy to clean.
- Quite a high cost.
The cost of a nozzle pump is approximately 320-370 rubles. You can buy the device at a pharmacy or order it from an online store.
Electronic aspirator
Such devices for cleansing a child’s nasal passages are more modern. They are safe to use, convenient, compact, and suitable for reusable use. However, electronic aspirators have the only drawback - high cost.
How to use the device:
- Insert the soft tip into the child’s nose to the indicated mark;
- press the power button and start the aspirator;
- turn off the device;
- remove the tip from the child's nose.
Electronic suction systems have a transparent container that collects mucus. This allows parents to control the nasal cleansing process. Some devices play melodies during the procedure. Thanks to this option, the child is distracted from the ongoing manipulation.
The best pear-shaped aspirators
Nozzle ejectors in the form of a syringe do not lose their popularity, as they are quite convenient to use and are relatively cheap. Let's look at several high-quality devices for newborns.
Farlin BF-138
The nasal snot suction device of this model is very convenient to use. The set contains several attachments that are selected according to the age of the child. The pear is made in such a way that mucus does not get back into the baby's nose. Let's name the main advantages and disadvantages of the Farlin BF-138 syringe.
pros
Positive characteristics include the following:
- Quickly and safely remove mucus from the nasal passages.
- Ease of use.
- Easy to care for.
- Low price.
- Made from quality materials.
Minuses
The main disadvantage of the model is that the suction strength cannot be adjusted. The approximate cost of a syringe is 340 – 360 rubles.
Happy Baby 17002
Another high-quality and very convenient syringe was created by Happy Baby. The bulb is equipped with a special soft tip that prevents injury to the baby’s nasal mucosa. The thrust of the syringe is relatively low, which is suitable for babies in the first months of life. It is recommended to use the bulb after rinsing the spout with saline solution.
pros
The advantages include:
- Small size, you can always have it on hand.
- Easy to disassemble and wash.
- The nozzle has a limiter, which eliminates injury.
- The syringe is made of high quality materials.
- Low cost.
Minuses
Some parents cite weak and unregulated cravings as disadvantages. The approximate cost of the device is 340 rubles.
