For Big Kids
The Schnozzle(R) provides a treatment option to enhance breathing for big kids to relieve congestion from colds and allergies, as well as chronic care. It is breakthrough for those young children that cannot blow their own nose and are too big to wrestle with to suction with a bulb syringe (which is often inadequate, anyway), or perform self treatment. Of course, this includes both healthy young children as well as those with disabilities.
Older children are more likely to be cooperative when using nasal irrigation. Many kids like masteriing the skill and can perform the “fun” procedure themselves.
We frequently hear parents tell us that their children ask for the “purple nose thingie” the next time time they are sick because they remember how much better they felt when they were “schnozzled”. Really!
Many older kids like mastering the skill themselves and see the procedure as something “fun”.
With older kids you can begin to use larger volumes of irrigation fluid per flush and the older kids don’t need to positioned on their sides like babies. For teenage kids check out the information in the “adults” section.
Of course, keep out of the reach of small children when not using.
Designed to Keep Children Out of the Hospital
Read all instructions before use.
Watch the Videos Below
Kids Needing Assistance
Kids & Self-Administration
Instructions:
sterile saline,
distilled salt water,
boiled salt water that has cooled.
Prepare nasal irrigation salt solution.
Use nasal saline packets from pharmacy.
Use correct concentration.
Fill the syringe.
Attach the adapter.
Blow the nose.
Lean forward over a sink or in the shower.
Have the child hold their breath.
Create a seal with the nasal adapter.
For Children 2-12 years old:
Steadily push 20-30ml of fluid.
For Children 12 & Above:
Steadily push 30-60ml of fluid
Blow the nose or wipe clear.
Repeat on the opposite side.
Breathe Better. Feel Better.
Watch the video and animations.
Unclog nasal congestion so your child can
breathe better & feel better.
Read all instructions before use.
Positive Pressure Expands the Nasal Passages.
Fluid and Nasal Secretions are then Displaced into the Nasopharynx and Around the Back of the Nasal Septum.
Fluid Exits Out the Other Side.
Recommended Volume
volume limit per syringe flush
20-30 ml
Children 2-12 Years Old
Tips for safety & Success
Safe Solutions
Start with safe solutions. Only use sterile saline or distilled water with proper amounts of salt added.
Distilled water and salt packets are available at your pharmacy and grocery stores.
Distillation of the water helps to filter out bacteria and other microorganisms so you don’t add any potentially dangerous microorganisms up your nose.
Warnings:
Everyone is different and nasal irrigation is not for everyone.
Do not use on anyone with craniofacial abnormalities including recent sinus surgery without the direct recommendation of a physician. Do not use on anyone with an abesent gag reflex or cardiac sensitivities including fainting.
Volume
Use 20-30ml of fluid per flush for children 2 years old and above.
Use 30-60ml of fluid per flush for older children than 12 and for adults. (The volume of the adult nasal cavity is approximately 30ml.)
Pressure
Using a syringe provides more precise control over the speed, volume and pressure of the fluid delivered.
Never force fluid into the nose. If there is any pain or resistance stop the procedure immediately..
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded,
stop the procedure immediately and sit in a chair or squat against a wall.
Safe Position
Children should ALWAYS be upright, leaning forward or rolled on their side to prevent aspiration and choking. Do NOT position a child on their back during irrigation as fluid might fill up their oropharynx and lead to choking.
Leaning forward over a sink or in the shower to prevent making a mess.
Frequently Asked Questions by Parents
How does it work?
The Schnozzle™ uses a sterile saline solution to flush the nasal passages clear of mucus that causes congestion and difficulty breathing. Simply attach the Schnozzle™ (purple adapter) to a syringe. Push the fluid though the nose and out the other nostril with a gentle quick action. See the Instructions For Use (IFU) for more specific recommendations regarding different age groups and contraindications.
Do you use different amounts of fluid for different ages?
Yes. For older children (2 years old & above) use at least 20-30 ml of fluid. Teenagers can use 30 ml or 60 ml of saline with each flush.
How much fluid do you use for an infant?
For infants under 2 years old use a 5-10 ml syringe of sterile saline. Lay the patient on their side and insert the Schnozzle™ into the top nostril. Always have suction available. Push the fluid though the nose and out the other nostril with a gentle quick action. Then suction the mouth and nose for any potential remaining fluid. Position the child on their other side and repeat process.
How is the Schnozzle(R) different from a neti pot?
The neti-pot uses gravity to move the saline thru the nasal cavity. The Schnozzle(R) uses positive pressure with a steady force to flush the nasal passages. More pressure and more control is available when using the Schnozzle(R) . These features make it the preferred product for some people that have already used other products. Also when using the Schnozzle(R) , we recommend that it be used with safe pharmaceutical grade sterile saline in syringes that are readily available. This is more convenient, less risky and less complicated than having to make your own saltwater solution to use with a neti pot.
What is a neti pot?
A neti pot is an over the counter container designed to rinse debris or mucus from your nasal cavity. You might use a neti pot to treat symptoms of nasal allergies, sinus problems or colds. When using a neti-pot you, typically need to make your own saltwater solution with water that has been distilled or sterilized.
How do I need to position the child?
For babies, lay them on their side and insert the Schnozzle with a 5-10 ml syringe into the top nostril. Push the fluid thru. Have suction available. Then suction their mouth for any potential remaining fluid. Position the child on their other side and repeat process.
How fast do I flush?
For bigger kids (2 years old & above), after inserting the Schnozzle(R) into the nose, push a continuous flow of saline through at a steady rate over about 3-5 seconds. If you encounter resistance, stop. Do not force. Also, do not push small amounts of fluid intermittently as this is more likely to cause gagging. The goal is to flush the nasal cavity.
What size syringe do you use?
Larger kids (2 years old & above) can use 20-30 ml of fluid in a 20-60ml syringes. Teens can use a 30 or 60 ml saline syringe.
How much volume do you use per flush?
Larger kids (2 years old & above) can use 20-30 ml. This can be used in a larger syringe such as a 60ml syringe; e.g. you could use 30 ml in one nostril and 30 ml in the other nostril for a total of 60 ml for the same syringe. Teens can use 30 ml to 60 ml per flush.
Do you also flush the other side of the nose?
While flushing just one side is very helpful, flushing both sides helps insure the best clearance of the residual mucus and debris that may have only been loosened with the first flush.
Where does the fluid go?
The fluid passes through the nasal passages on one side, around the back of the nasal septum, through the nasopharynx and through the nasal passages on the opposite side before exiting the opposite nostril.
Where do I get sterile saline?
Your pharmacy will stock this. Non-sterile saline can be made with salt packets available at the pharmacy and distilled water.
Do I need a second person?
The Schnozzle can be administered by one person or self-administered with a cooperative patient. For small kids, it can be helpful to have another person to help position the child and/or simultaneously suction.
How often should I use it?
The Schnozzle™ can be used as needed to help alleviate nasal congestion. With acute symptoms, most patients experience relief with the initial treatment that unclogs the nasal passages and helps prevent further obstruction. Afterwards, another treatment might be done on a daily or twice daily or as needed regimen for maintenance.
What are the contraindications?
Do not use in patients with craniofacial abnormalities, impaired airway protection or vasovagal sensitivity. For children under 3 months discuss using with your health care provider.
What if I am using the Schnozzle and encounter resistance pushing the syringe?
Stop using the Schnozzle™ if you encounter any resistance. Never force it.
Where can I buy the Schnozzle?
Go to the ordering page for instructions.
Is it safe to use daily for allergies?
Similar to a neti pot the Schnozzle™ can be used daily for allergies.
Won’t you drown the child or cause them to aspirate?
Nasal irrigation is already widely recommended and widely used with other over the counter products such as neti-pots. By comparison with bottles, the Schnozzle only uses small amounts of fluid. Furthermore, the fluid passes from one side of the nose and exits the other. The normal airway reflexes close the soft palate and protect the vocal cords and trachea from the mucus present before irrigation. Likewise these same mechanisms work to protect the airway during irrigation. As additional precautions, it is always recommended that suction be available for babies and that young children are turned on their side. Contraindications include craniofacial abnormalities, impaired airway protection or vasovagal sensitivities.
Can I use the Schnozzle on a patient with craniofacial abnormalities, unstable cardiac disease a nasogastric tube or an absent gag reflex?
NO. These are all contraindications.
Does it hurt?
The Schnozzle does not hurt. For some it feels a bit uncomfortable at first, like getting water from the swimming pool in your nose. If you experience this sensation, blow your nose after use. Releasing the mucus and fluid will alleviate symptoms.
Do you have any studies on whether fluid floods the Eustachian tube?
Nasal irrigation is widely performed with various over the counter devices, however we are not aware of any studies that have been done to evaluate this. In general, fluid flushed in the nose is likely to go through the path of least resistance out the other nostril. Blowing the nose or pre-suctioning patients before irrigation can help reduce the material burden and therefore the pressure needed. Simultaneously suctioning when irrigating is another technique that might prevent diversion into the Eustachian tube. Furthermore, not removing mucus and debris in the nasal passages may also cause Eustachian tube complications.
Is it disposable?
Yes, the Schnozzle™ is disposable.
What do you put in the syringe?
We recommend that it be used with sterile saline or saline made from distilled water or previously boiled water.
Is the procedure sterile?
While we recommend that sterile saline be the fluid used with the Schnozzle(R)™ , since the device is not sterile; therefore, the procedure is not sterile. Over the counter products such as neti-pots commonly use non-sterile products and require preparation from non-sterile tap water that must be boiled or distilled. When using the Schnozzle(R) as recommended, starting with sterile fluid that is readily available in hospitals is safer and more convenient.
Can I use the Schnozzle(R) for a nasal wash?
Yes. Nasal irrigation, nasal lavage and nasal wash all essentially describe the same procedure.
Ready To Schnozzle?
Big Schnozzle Kit
Online
Only
- 60 ml Syringe
- 2 Schnozzle Adapters
- 10 Saline Packets
- 1 Limited Edition Key Chain