The Snotty 3 Nasal Aspirator has been superceded by the new SNOTTY BOSS Aspirator. However many customers are still enjoying great suction with Snotty 3.
There is a lot of information here, so perhaps save this link for future reference, particularly on the cleaning details.
Let's get started.....
Batteries
For best results, you must use high quality, well charged alkaline batteries. Cheap, generic batteries or rechargeable batteries will not produce enough charge to start the motor or suction sufficiently. The better the batteries, the better the suction.
After periods of non-use, fresh batteries may be required. The sound of the motor should indicate when the batteries need changing. The motor should 'whirr' not sound sluggish.
In long periods of non-use (like in Summer when children are less likely to be congested) please remove batteries when placing Snotty into storage, to avoid corrosion or battery sweating.
Watch 3 year old Mila play a game with her toy, and watch how easily the Snotty suctions the apple puree off the plate at the end of the video
Position Is Key
We totally understand that babies and children can be quite distressed about having a noisy, vibrating device in their nose, especially as they are sick, tired and not their normal happy selves.
No parent likes to see their child distressed, but the medical benefits of removing the snot (so your child can breathe, feed, sleep and recover better) might be worth a moment of fuss.
Every child has a different personality. Some little ones may be unfazed, but others will be completely bothered and scared if you try to get anywhere near their nose.
Holding your baby or child in a gentle but firm position helps to get the job done quicker and easier.
In the photo above, Mum Laura is holding baby Sage in a calm, cradle position. This allows baby's head to be resting against Mum's shoulder, to lessen the ability to turn away and wave their arm, which can be a child's natural reaction.
Baby's left arm is easily tucked behind Mum's body, to avoid interference. Mum's right hand is gently holding baby's right arm, to stop the natural reflex to resist and wave the arm around.
It can take some practice from parents to master the right holding position, but it's worth experimenting, as it makes the snot extraction process so much quicker and easier.
Saline
Saline is a vital first step as it helps loosen up all nasal mucus to make it easy to suction. If your child's nose is streaming with flowing snot, you may not need as much saline.
However, first thing in the morning, snot may be dry and crusty and can easily stick inside the nasal cavity, so saline must be used first, to loosen everything up.
Fill the enclosed spray bottle with saline solution: you don’t need to spend money at the chemist buying saline – it’s purified, salt water. Normal saline solution contains 0.9 percent sodium chloride (salt), which is similar to the sodium concentration in blood and tears.
Make Your Own Saline
1. Boil the jug, set aside 1 cup (250)ml to cool, then
2. Mix in 1/2teaspoon fine sea salt (iodine-free), and dispense into the enclosed, refillable spray bottle and shake well.
3. Spare saline can be kept in the fridge and discarded after 48 hours.
Do 1 or 2 sprays of saline up each nostril first - it will loosen the mucus, and act as a natural antibacterial solution. Then, aspirate the nose using the SNOTTY, and do a final single spray of saline to leave in the nasal cavity.
Breastmilk is also a natural, nutrient-rich substance that can be squirted up the nose to clear infection and loosen up any mucus for easier extraction.
Please watch this You Tube video, for more ideas for safe usage...
A Fun Game
Newborns are usually unfazed by the noise and feel of the SNOTTY, but sometimes older babies and toddlers can be a little unsure, or even completely freaked out by this noisy, vibrating thing going up their nose.
We know it's not as fun as eating icecream or playing at the park!
No parent likes to see their little one upset, but the Snotty is the quickest way to remove nasal congestion so they can breathe, sleep and feel better.
We believe the medical benefits of removing snot at the source, before it can become a secondary chest, ear or adenoid infection far outweighs a moment (or 10!!!) of fuss and wriggle.
Just like an immunisation needle, it's for the greater good.
Try these fun distractions and tricks...
- If they are old enough, let your child use the SNOTTY on you first. Let them press the button and put it up YOUR NOSE. Laugh and giggle and tell them it tickles. Show them there is nothing to be afraid of.
- Then let your child use the SNOTTY on their 'sick' dolls and teddies as a game!
- We understand the SNOTTY makes a noise, so make it fun, saying the SNOTTY MONSTER wants to see how much snot it can suck out! Sing a song or nursery rhyme to mask the sound.
- Try doing a simple countdown game from 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 while operating, to show children it really only takes a few seconds.
- Sing a song to the tune of Wheels on the Bus...The little Snotty monster goes suck, suck, suck, all the way up your nose!!
- Turn on ABC4Kids, and delight in the ultimate quick distraction. Remember, they won't get much time to watch, because you will only need a few seconds up each nostril to clear the nose!
- Ultimately, keep calm, and show your child there is nothing to be scared about.
They will breathe, feed and sleep so much better once the snot is gone. Plus it will aid in quicker recovery from their cold and congestion.
Every child has a different temperament. They may never really love using the Snotty, but as a dedicated, loving parent you are doing the right thing by helping them breathe and recover quicker from colds and congestion.
We understand your child may be unsure at first and even months down the track it still may not be their favourite thing to do, but when their health is compromised, it's worth it!
Waterproof
Remember, the "Snotty Aspirator" is completely waterproof, so you can use it in the bath or shower! This is ideal, as the steam from a warm bath or shower helps to loosen the snot, making it easier to remove, plus the running water disguises the sound of the Snotty motor.
It makes it easy to clean too - just twist off the coloured nozzle and rinse. Remember to stand it upright to dry.
Insertion
We understand parents are cautious about inserting something into their child's nose. The nozzles are made of medical grade soft silicon and are gentle on little noses.
The small pink nozzle is for premature or newborn babies, the medium blue nozzle is for older babies, the large white nozzle is for older babies, toddlers and children.
Please make sure your child is in a comfortable position, where their head is as still as possible. A nice bear hug, with arms controlled might be required for the first few times. Eventually, toddlers may start to use it themselves, but always supervise the procedure.
In order to fully seal the nostril to create a vacuum strong enough to suction, you must insert the nozzle far enough in one nostril, so it is completely sealed.
Please use your judgement, but if you are concerned that no enough snot is being removed, the nozzle may need to be inserted further and gently rotated whilst inside, to suction all available snot.
You can seal the other nostril with your finger tip, to create an even stronger vacuum seal, for superior suction.
Daily Nasal Flushing
Watch the video of Jack clearing his nose every morning with the 2 step nasal flushing process
Step 1: 2 squirts of saline up each nostril
Step 2: Suction any loose mucus with the Snotty
You know how good it feels to blow your nose each morning - even when you are not sick! Your baby or toddler can't tell you when they have a giant booger up their nose, so this daily activity keep them healthy and happy.
Read the full NASAL FLUSHING blog here.
Is My Snotty Aspirator Functioning Correctly?
Mastering the best technique when using the Snotty Aspirator does take a bit of practice.
We understand it can be tricky to get the correct insertion angle and depth when dealing with a wriggly baby or toddler at the same time.
Firstly, make sure you've got well charged alkaline-only batteries (the motor will not engage unless the batteries have enough charge) and have used a couple of squirts of saline in each nostril - the Snotty Aspirator can't suction dry, crusty snot!
To check the function and see the suction capabilities of the Snotty Aspirator, we recommend you do the "no nozzle suction test" first. Take off the coloured silicon nozzle and place the unit on your inner forearm - as in the picture below. Press the power button. It should firmly suction your skin.
Please watch the "Arm Suction Test" Video Here...
Another way to check the function is with the "Apple Puree Test" - as it's the same consistency as snot, just a different colour!
Squirt some apple puree/baby apples/jelly/tomato sauce onto a plate, and suction it up with the Snotty Aspirator - it should be suctioned quickly and easily, just like in the video below.
Just take off the collection cup and rinse the unit under a warm tap to clean.
Now you can see how powerful the Snotty Aspirator is, so it's time to use it on your little one.
Correct depth of insertion is essential, especially to remove the snot high in the nasal passages. You need to insert the nozzle far enough into the nostril to create an air seal, so the vacuum can do it's job.
This can take a bit of practice, as parents don't want to insert it too far, for fear of hurting their child. We understand, but with careful judgement and precision, it is a safe action.
If you are concerned or unsure about the safest technique for use, please take the Snotty Aspirator and saline spray to your next doctor's appointment and ask your doctor to demonstrate appropriate use.
If the "no nozzle" suction test or Apple Puree suction test does not produce good results, you may have received a faulty unit, so please email us hello@snottynoses.com.au for further investigation.
Apple Puree Suction Test
Watch baby Malea get her nose suctioned quickly and easily, and see how the Snotty suctions apple puree off the plate again! So easy.....
Help, I Still Can't Get Anything Out Of My Child's Nose
There may be times when your child is sick, and you can hear the mucus rattling, but despite using the Snotty correctly, you are unable to extract any mucus from the nasal passage.
The answers are on our CONGESTION BLOG: Click HERE to read
Here are some tips that may help.
1. The nozzle is not sealing the nose when used - please push the Snotty further into the nostril to seal the entire nostril. If outside air is sucked into aspirator, it will not extract from inside the nose of your child.
2. The snot in your child's nose may thick and dry - please hydrate your child, use a vaporiser, use saline before aspiration and aspirate in bath or shower to take advantage of the steam. The Snotty may not be able to extract a dry, crusty piece of snot.
3. The rattling mucus you can hear is in the throat or chest, not nasal passages, as such the aspirator will not help - please contact your health professional for best action and continue using saline spray to flush the mucus as much as possible.
Stand Upright
The ergonomic design of the Snotty Aspirator allows it to stand upright independently. We recommend standing the unit upright at all times, between uses and whilst in storage. If it lays down, any moisture or unrinsed mucus can leak through the collection cup and through to the motor compartment, which can cause this liquid to 'spit out' the air vent when in operation - yuck!
If this does happen, give your aspirator a full wash and stand upright to dry for a few hours, with the collection cup removed.
Cleaning and Storage
Diligent and regular CLEANING of the entire unit is absolutely essential. Without regular, full cleaning, the small motor can easily get clogged and will cease to operate and your 12 month warranty will be voided.
The entire unit is waterproof. Remove the silicon nozzle and clear collection cup, and rinse these pieces under hot water. Do not boil or sterilise in a dishwasher.
It's not necessary to remove 2 blue o-rings each time you clean, as that can damage and stretch the silicon.
The hand held lower piece should also be regularly rinsed, when the collection cup and nozzle is removed. It's totally waterproof, just make sure the lower battery cover pieces are firmly closed. Dip the tip into a bowl of water and press the power button on/off a few times. This will send a swish of water through the motor, to clean any snot that has become stuck or dried.
The Snotty 3 Ultimate Aspirator is covered by a 12 month warranty for factory or production faults. Issues that arise from irregular or insufficient cleaning are not covered by the warranty.
Please remove batteries if in storage for extended periods, to avoid battery sweating and rusting, which will damage the battery pack and void the warranty.
Please watch this You Tube video, to get simple and effective cleaning tips....
My Snotty Was Working, But Now it Won't Turn On or Suction
After a period of non-use, sometimes the Snotty won't turn on when you try it again.
1. If the motor seems dead, it can mean the batteries need replacing with new Energise alkaline batteries
2. A piece of dry snot may have lodged in the motor cog from the last time you used it, so you need to upturn your Snotty in a cup of water, and soak it for 4-6 hours. Don't worry, it's waterproof. See pic below. Allow to dry, stand upright, and try again an hour later.
3. Give the unit 3 hard slaps into the palm of your hand, to jolt the cog in the motor, in case of obstruction.
4. If you can hear the motor, but there is no suction, please remove the nozzles and clear plastic collection cup and check the 2 blue rubber o-rings are still in place, which will ensure the collection cup fits on tightly for maximum suction.
5. Even though the motor is working, the motor and pump might still need a dip and flush in a cup of water. Remember the whole unit is waterproof. Take off the nozzle and collection cup, turn upside down and dip into the water, pressing the power button on and off a few times, to flush the internal motor cog, in case of obstruction.
5. Also check there is no crack in the clear plastic collection cup, and that it fits snugly onto the unit and over the 0-rings.
6. Also check there is not an obstruction in the nozzle tip.
7. DO NOT unscrew the base plate under any circumstance, as this will unsettle the motor cover, and cause the motor to seize up, and void your warranty.
8. In rare cases, the battery node ends have shifted, which means the batteries aren't connecting, hence no power is coming to the machine. Please "pull" the bottom left battery connector up, and top right connector down, this may fix the problem. Pulling the connectors down and up, will give better contact between the battery and the connectors. Then keep the battery cover off while you test the power button to see if you can get constant power. See image below.
9. Please email hello@snottynoses.com.au with a video of what your machine will/won't do to begin warranty investigation.
Upturn the aspirator and let it soak in a cup of water
Check the battery connection of the A and B nodes
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Thank you for putting your trust in the SNOTTY Nasal Aspirator and shopping with snottynoses.com.au. We'd love you to tell your friends and family about the product that is transforming the way families deal with colds and congestion.
As always, if your child's symptoms and conditions worsen, please contact your medical professional for advice and treatment. This advice is general only and may not apply to all customers at all times.
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