Nasopharyngeal Airway Device w/ Lubricating Jelly
Soft-PVC NPA with an attached lubricant packet — eight sizes, pediatric through large adult.
What is the Rusch NPA with Lubricating Jelly? A single-use nasopharyngeal airway from Rusch (Teleflex Medical) in eight sizes (22–36 French), packaged with an attached surgical-lubricant packet for immediate deployment. Soft, flexible, latex-free PVC maintains airway patency in semi-conscious or unconscious patients. The 28 Fr size aligns with CoTCCC-recommended sizing for adult trauma casualties; designed to resist dislodgment during transport.
NPA sizing, contraindication screening, and placement are trained clinical skills. This page describes the device, its sizing, and its contraindications — it is not a substitute for accredited airway training, and is not a procedural how-to.
Key Specifications
| Manufacturer | Rusch (Teleflex Medical) |
| SKUs | MEDTAC0499 (28F), 0500 (22F), 0501 (24F), 0502 (26F), 0503 (30F), 0504 (32F), 0505 (34F), 0506 (36F) |
| Available Sizes | 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36 Fr |
| Material | Soft, flexible PVC; latex-free |
| Lubricant Included | Yes — attached surgical lubricant packet |
| Use | Single-use, sterile |
| CoTCCC Status | 28 Fr size CoTCCC-recommended for adult trauma casualties |
| Weight (28F) | 0.5 oz (packaged) |
| NSN (28F) | 6515-01-529-1187 |
| Origin | USA |
Size Selection Guide
| Size (Fr) | Approx. OD | Typical Patient |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Fr | ~7.3 mm | Small pediatric / small female adult |
| 24 Fr | ~8.0 mm | Average female, smaller male |
| 26 Fr | ~8.7 mm | Average adult female / male |
| 28 Fr | ~9.3 mm | Average adult male — CoTCCC-recommended default |
| 30 Fr | ~10.0 mm | Larger adult male |
| 32 Fr | ~10.7 mm | Large adult male |
| 34 Fr | ~11.3 mm | Large / tall adult male |
| 36 Fr | ~12.0 mm | Very large adult male |
What It Is
The Rusch Nasopharyngeal Airway with Lubricating Jelly is a trusted airway adjunct from Teleflex Medical built for rapid deployment in prehospital trauma care. Unlike an oropharyngeal airway, the NPA does not require an absent gag reflex — making it the preferred first-line airway tool for the semi-conscious trauma patient. The soft PVC conforms gently to nasal anatomy, reducing mucosal trauma during placement and patient movement.
The attached lubricant packet is a meaningful time-saver in the field: no separate lubricant to carry, fewer kit components, faster readiness. The NPA establishes a nasopharyngeal passage that bypasses tongue-based obstruction — the most common cause of airway obstruction in the unconscious trauma patient. Rusch NPAs are widely stocked in military medical kits, EMS jump bags, and hospital emergency carts, and the full eight-size range covers pediatric through large adult male patients.
CoTCCC identifies a properly sized NPA (typically 28 Fr for adult males) as a first airway intervention for the unconscious or obtunded trauma casualty without suspected basilar skull fracture. The 2024 update emphasizes the recovery position with the chin extended — not jaw thrust — for the unconscious patient after placement.
Contraindications
- Suspected basilar skull fracture — Battle's sign (retroauricular bruising), raccoon eyes, or CSF leak from ears/nose. Risk of intracranial placement.
- Severe midface trauma disrupting the nasopharynx or skull base.
- Known obstructing nasal pathology or significant nasal fracture in the insertion path.
- Coagulopathy or anticoagulant therapy (epistaxis risk)
- Recent nasal or sinus surgery
- Suspected epiglottitis
For a complete tactical airway solution, see the full airway management collection.
Related searches: Rusch nasopharyngeal airway, NPA with lubricant, Teleflex NPA, 28 Fr nasal airway, prehospital airway adjunct.
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Available Options:
- 28F
- 22F
- 24F
- 26F
- 30F
- 32F
- 34F
- 36F
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
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