Snot Sucking Breast Pumps
Have you seen the “hack” of connecting the Nose Frida or similar devices to a breast pump as a means to suction out the snot from a baby’s nose? Curious to know how it works or if it is safe? I’ll explain all the details here!
Now, I love a good ingenious hack, but unfortunately this isn’t one. A nasal aspirator, like what you would find at a hospital, is not the same as a breast pump. They actually operate completely differently which is why this “hack” is actually dangerous. Typical breast pumps have tug and release suction, meaning there is a break in the suction, but nasal aspirators are constant suction, meaning there’s no break until you shut it off. There are some that claim a breast pump will actually pull and push air/mucous into the nasal passages, but this is not correct. Traditional breast pumps typically use a piston style motor and have check valves to prevent air from being pushed back through. Breast pumps simply have a break in the suction. While it will not force things farther up your child’s nasal passages, it definitely won’t be as effective.
Lots of nasal aspirators have multiple levels of suction. This is because suction levels needed to be effective vary by a child’s age as well as the mucous being removed. While they are often rated as stronger than a breast pump, some have warned about the dangers of the breast pump suction stating it is more powerful. Seems confusing right? What is causing the breast pump to be “stronger” suction is actually all about the air seal. Electric nasal aspirators are not meant to completely seal off the nostril, but the Nose Frida and others typically do since they are meant to be controlled by the parents. When paired with a breast pump a complete seal is made at the nostril causing the power of the breast pump to be stronger due to the lack of airflow. This can cause damage to the thin, sensitive skin inside of the nostril, and this irritation will also lead to inflammation making it counterproductive for helping your child breathe. Make no mistake though because if you overuse a nasal aspirator the same damage and inflammation can occur.
Another thing to discuss about the stark differences in these machines is airflow. Breast pumps have low airflow since the breast doesn’t have air to move, but nasal aspirators have high airflow because that is an important function for them to work. The goal is to clear blockages to help with airflow in the nasal passages. This is why the old hooking up to a vacuum cleaner didn’t work. Vacuums have high airflow but low suction, and you need both to properly clear mucus.
The final concern is contamination. While not all nasal aspirators are made equally, they are mainly designed with filters and ways to contain the mucus and germs. The oral nasal aspirators cannot provide the same level of protection due to their design and intention to be under controlled suction by a parent, so when hooked up to a breast pump that moisture and bacteria is going all into your motor. Moisture is never good for a breast pump motor which is why membranes and backflow protectors are required for these devices to continue functioning and staying clean. While I have seen a few parents connect the oral nasal aspirators to the pumps’ backflow protector, they typically abandon that when they notice the suction is not as strong. While your child’s nose would likely appreciate the weakened suction, it is still not going to be very effective. All in all, it’s best to stick to each device for its intended purposes especially when handling our precious infants.
If you’d like to get a nasal aspirator, you can get a nonelectric option or electric. My favorite nonelectric type is the Nosefrida, but for an electric option look into the NozeBot.
** You get 10% off using the affiliate link for NozeBot. **