Oropharyngeal Airway Insertion in Adults: Step-by-Step Procedure

Oropharyngeal airway (OPA) placement maintains airway patency in unconscious patients. Correct technique:

Preparation

• Supine position, neutral neck (unless trauma suspected → jaw thrust)
• Select size: flange at corner of mouth, tip at angle of mandible (typically size 3–4 for women, 4–5 for men)
• Gloves, suction ready

Insertion

1. Open mouth (crossed-finger or tongue-jaw lift).
2. Insert OPA upside down (tip toward palate) to avoid pushing tongue back.
3. Advance until resistance, then rotate 180° so flange rests on lips.
4. Confirm: no gagging, chest rise with ventilation, flange at lips, tip above epiglottis.
5. Secure with tape or commercial holder.

Removal

• Pull flange while supporting chin; discard after single use.
• Reassess airway; consider nasopharyngeal airway or advanced airway if needed.

Follow universal precautions. OPAs are for unconscious patients only—conscious patients may gag/aspirate.