When managing unconscious patients in high-pressure clinical environments, airway control is paramount. A blocked airway can rapidly escalate into respiratory failure, so healthcare providers must be equipped with the right tools and the knowledge to use them correctly.
Enter the Guedel Airway a trusted solution that’s been saving lives for over a century. But to make the most of this simple yet effective device, proper selection, sizing, and insertion technique are essential.
Whether you’re a procurement lead, purchasing manager, or senior clinical decision-maker, understanding the clinical significance of this device and its correct application can help you make informed choices when sourcing Ward & Theatre Consumables.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about inserting an oropharyngeal airway, why sizing matters, and how Pennine Healthcare supports patient safety and clinical efficiency by distributing high-quality airway products.
The Guedel airway, also known as an oropharyngeal airway (OPA), is a rigid plastic device designed to maintain a clear airway by preventing the tongue from obstructing airflow. It’s a go-to adjunct in emergency and anaesthetic settings when a patient’s level of consciousness drops and traditional airway manoeuvres like the head-tilt-chin-lift or jaw thrust aren’t sufficient.
Common clinical indications include:
For frontline clinical teams, OPAs like the Guedel airway provide a rapid, low-risk solution that can be lifesaving in seconds.
Knowing how to measure a Guedel airway is key to safe and effective use. Selecting the correct size ensures the device sits properly in the oropharynx, allowing for unobstructed ventilation without causing trauma.
Standard sizing method is to measure from the corner of the patient’s mouth to the angle of their jaw.
This external reference point reliably estimates the airway length required to prevent obstruction by the tongue while avoiding insertion into the larynx.
Using a Guedel airway that is too short may be ineffective and fail to clear the tongue. One that is too long can extend into the larynx or cause damage to soft tissues increasing the risk of complications like laryngospasm or gagging.
At Pennine Healthcare, the Guedel airways that we distribute are available in a full colour-coded size range, supporting quick selection and enhanced patient safety in busy environments.
Even with the correct size selected, inserting an oropharyngeal airway requires proper technique to avoid pushing the tongue further back or causing tissue damage. Here’s the widely accepted method used in hospitals and clinics across the UK:
7-Step Guedel Airway Insertion Technique:
An alternative technique involves using a tongue depressor to guide the airway in directly, without rotation, particularly useful in paediatric care.
At any point, if the patient gags or shows signs of distress, stop immediately. This is an indication that the airway isn’t tolerated, and a nasopharyngeal airway may be more appropriate.
The presence of a gag reflex is a contraindication for using a Guedel airway. This reflex, if triggered, can lead to vomiting, aspiration, or laryngospasm which is particularly dangerous in semi-conscious patients.
That’s why patient assessment prior to OPA insertion is so crucial. In alert or lightly sedated individuals, consider alternatives such as a nasopharyngeal airway, which is better tolerated and less likely to provoke reflex responses.
For those in procurement or nursing leadership, ensuring teams are trained in both the technique and the decision-making process surrounding airway adjuncts is just as important as supplying the right tools.
Even with the best technique, not all Guedel airways are created equal. Low-quality devices can cause insertion difficulties, trauma, or confusion in sizing. That’s why sourcing high-quality, clinically trusted products is a must for hospitals and clinics.
Our Ward & Theatre Consumables that we distribute, including Guedel airways, reflect decades of innovation, quality assurance, and close collaboration with the NHS and healthcare professionals worldwide.
For decision-makers involved in purchasing or clinical leadership, it’s not just about stocking equipment, it’s about confidence in every product you place in the hands of your teams.
Understanding how to insert a Guedel airway is fundamental knowledge for clinical teams. But behind every successful procedure is a chain of smart decisions, from product design to procurement.
At Pennine Healthcare, we understand the demands of airway management in emergency and surgical care. The Guedel airways we distribute are manufactured to meet stringent quality standards and are trusted across healthcare settings for their safety, performance, and ease of use.
Get in touch with Pennine Healthcare to explore our full range of Ward & Theatre Consumables today.
