Are oropharyngeal airways used in newborns?

Oropharyngeal airways are not typically used in newborns due to their anatomical differences and the potential for adverse effects. Newborns have a softer and more pliable airway, as well as a smaller oral cavity compared to older children and adults. The placement of an oropharyngeal airway can obstruct the airway or cause damage to the delicate tissues within a newborn's mouth and throat.

Additionally, newborns are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their noses. Using an oropharyngeal airway in these infants can interfere with this natural breathing process and may lead to complications rather than assisting with ventilation.

In clinical practice, healthcare providers generally avoid the use of oropharyngeal airways in this population and rely instead on alternative methods for airway management that are more suited to the unique characteristics and needs of newborns.