Firstly, thank you for supporting our charity partner. $1 from each order goes to Humpty Dumpty Medical Foundation
Our No. 1 Tip:
Sit bub up, and keep Snotty Boss upright to avoid leaks.
Watch Video 7 below for Express Care Rules
Snotty Boss is transforming the way parents respond to children's runny and blocked noses, in a fast, effective way - 365 days and nights a year.
Snotty Boss should be used and cleaned correctly - after all we are dealing with messy, runny snot.
There is A LOT OF INFORMATION here, so take it step by step.
We are available via email (hello@snottynoses.com.au) or in the Brisbane office Mon- Fri on 0424 846 841
Snotty Boss needs TLC and Correct Cleaning!!!
Assembling Snotty Boss - Be Gentle!!
The collection cup may crack if twisted too hard or too far!! Remember, the collection cup is NOT covered under warranty for wear and tear, so attach and remove gently, and it will last for years and years.
The 2 pieces of clear plastic collection cup (including blue o-ring) must be dry and joined with a gentle 1cm twist, until it locks into place.
NOTE: the 2 inner tubes DO NOT align.
Then the entire collection cup is attached to white handset by aligning the small arrows, and a gentle 1cm twist until it locks into place. Overtwisting will crack the collection cup.
Watch this 7 minute video to see how all the pieces get put together. Plus a demo of how to suction and our No. 1 tip....
VIDEO 1
Nozzles
The Newborn nozzle is attached to the collection cup.
The extra 3 nozzles are in a small plastic bag tucked in the underside of the tray. It may fall to the floor or get stuck on the underside of the tray or box so please check.
Batteries
For best results, use high quality, well charged alkaline batteries. Rechargeable batteries can be used for convenience and low-cost operation.
The better the batteries, the better the suction. Strong batteries should power up to 500 -1000 suction sessions.
The video below shows the difference in motor sound and suction between old/low charge batteries and new batteries. When using the old batteries and testing the suction, the motor grinds to a halt.
After periods of non-use, batteries may need to be replaced or recharged. The sound of the motor should indicate when the batteries need changing. The super-quiet motor should 'whirr' not sound sluggish.
In periods of non-use please remove batteries when placing Snotty Boss into storage, to avoid corrosion. Store in handy green drawstring bag (included in kit).
Trouble Shooting Tip: If the batteries are new, but the unit is not working, gently rotate the batteries (while they are still inserted) to ensure the 2 metal node ends are connecting and allowing charge to flow to the motor.
VIDEO 2
A Comfortable Upright Position
No. 1 Tip: Position baby upright.
Holding your child in a gentle but firm upright cradle position helps to get the job done quicker and easier. Baby can also be positioned in a rocker, as long as their head is elevated and Snotty Boss is tilted no more than 45 degrees, to minimize leaks.
We DO NOT recommend lying bub on a change table, as their natural reflex is to turn their head away and wave their arms about. If lying down, Snotty Boss may be tilted or inverted too far and snot may tip into the lower pipe and enter the motor.
Sit bub up and keep Snotty Boss at upright angle.
In the photo above, Mum Laura is sitting and holding baby Sage in a calm, cradled, upright 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.
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 spray is an OPTIONAL first step.
Saline spray loosens the nasal mucus, and lessens the risk of agitating nasal membranes. Snotty Boss Kit comes with an empty, refillable saline spray bottle.
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 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. Do NOT pour boiling water into the spray bottle as it will warp!
2. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (iodine-free), and dispense into the enclosed, refillable spray bottle and shake well.
3. The spray bottle and any 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 BOSS, 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. If filling spray bottle with breastmilk, keep in fridge and discard after 24 hours. Ensure the bottle and tube is well cleaned in warm water.
Please watch this You Tube video, for a full demonstration of the Snotty Boss
VIDEO 3
A Fun Game
Newborns are usually unfazed by the noise and feel of the Snotty Boss, but sometimes older babies and toddlers can be a little unsure, or even completely freaked out.
Remember Snotty Boss is the quietest battery powered aspirator on the Australian market. It doesn't hurt at all, just a slight vibration, then the soothing relief of a clear nose so breathe better.
But we acknowledge that snot sucking is not a fun activity.
No parent likes to see their little one upset, but the Snotty Boss 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...
1. If they are old enough, let your child use the Snotty Boss 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.
2. Let your child play "doctor" and use the Snotty Boss on their 'sick' dolls and teddies as a game!
3. Try doing a simple countdown game from 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 while operating, to show children it really only takes a few seconds.
4. Sing a song to the tune of Wheels on the Bus...Little Snotty Boss goes suck, suck, suck, all the way to town.
5. 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!
6. Ultimately, keep calm, and show your child there is nothing to be scared about.
Children 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, and reduce the risk of secondary ear, adenoid and respiratory infection.
Every child has a different temperament. They may never really love using Snotty Boss, 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!
Inserting Nozzles
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.
Use the largest tip that will fit your child, for best suction.
The small tip nozzle is for premature or newborn babies, the wider and standard nozzles are for older babies and children, the long, narrow, long nozzle is for reaching high into the nasal passage. If the long, narrow nozzle is too long, you can snip it shorter with scissors.
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.
Safety Note: The Snotty Boss is RoHS safety tested and registered as a medical device with TGA Australia, overseen by the Department of Health. The level of suction has been set to be not too weak, and not too strong. In very rare cases, suction may inflame or agitate the delicate nasal membranes, which may cause a temporary nose bleed. This usually happens if the nostrils are very dry so saline is always recommended as a first step. The bleed will usually be minor and stop within 5-10 minutes. However if the bleeding persists, please seek medical advice. The nostrils will heal in 1-6 days, so parents should not use the aspirator during this time, until the nose is fully healed.
Daily Nasal Flushing
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.
Step 1: 2 squirts of saline up each nostril
Step 2: Suction any loose mucus with the Snotty Boss
VIDEO 4
Read the full NASAL FLUSHING blog here.
Snotty Noses Australia has featured products in Australian newspapers
Is My Snotty Boss Aspirator Functioning Correctly?
Mastering the best technique 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 or rechargeable batteries and have used a couple of squirts of saline in each nostril - the Snotty Boss can't suction dry, crusty snot!
And of course, make sure the batteries are inserted the right way.
To check the suction level, we recommend you do the "palm suction test" first. Remove the TOP piece of collection cup, so you are left with the round opening (the size of a 20c piece) Press the power button and place the unit onto the palm of your hand.
Please watch the "Palm Suction Test" Video Here...
VIDEO 5
Another way to check the function is with the "Tomato Sauce Test" - as it's the same consistency as snot, just a different colour!
Squirt some tomato sauce onto a plate, and suction it up with the Snotty Boss - 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 the suction power of Snotty Boss, so it's time to use it on your child.
Insert the nozzle far enough into the nostril to create an air seal, so the vacuum can do its 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 Snotty Boss to your next doctor's appointment and ask your doctor to demonstrate appropriate use.
If the "palm suction" test or Tomato Sauce suction test does not produce good results, you may have received a faulty unit, so please send a video of the palm suction test via email to hello@snottynoses.com.au for further investigation.
VIDEO 6
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 Boss 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 Boss 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 Boss 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 After Use
The ergonomic design of the Snotty Boss allows it to stand upright independently. We recommend standing the unit upright after use. If it lays down, the unrinsed snot can leak into the lower tube of collection cup and through to the motor compartment - yuck!
If this does happen, give your aspirator an ADVANCED INTERNAL INVERTED FLUSH AND DRY (see Video 7), then run the motor and shake out EVERY DROP of flush water.
Easy Cleaning
Correct cleaning is essential to ensure a long lifespan. Incorrect cleaning of the motor may get clogged and will cease to operate and your warranty may be voided.
There are 2 levels of cleaning -
1. Basic Cleaning - detach collection cup and nozzles and soak/rinse under hot water.
2. Advanced Internal Motor Flush - recommended if snot leaks from collection cup or motor sounds gurgly (meaning snot has suctioned down into the motor).
1. Basic Cleaning
Snotty Boss collection cup (2 clear plastic pieces) is waterproof. Twist plastic collection cup pieces and silicone nozzle off the base unit and wash/soak in hot water (not steriliser or dishwasher). Watch Video 4 to see rinsing demo.
Nozzles can be cleaned sterilised or dishwasher.
The white base handset CANNOT be rinsed or soaked (as the battery compartment is not waterproof). The unit should not leak to the motor if assembled and used upright.
If leaks occur, it means the collection cup may be cracked/not sealing or Snotty Boss is not being used at an upright angle.
2. Advanced Internal Motor Flush/Dry
The white handset (containing motor and batteries) can be flushed internally if
- snot has leaked or entered into the white handset, or
- motor sounds "gurgly", or
- as general maintenance after 200 uses.
Please watch VIDEO 7 for a demonstration of this flush/dry process.
Do not submerge the white handset in water. Attach a nozzle directly to centre black nodule on blue base. Upturn and lower nozzle into bowl of water. Water will suction into the motor via the nozzle and be expelled out the little black air hole on the blue base. The motor will sound extremely gurgly during this process, that's ok.
If the motor is releasing a bad smell, it's because snot has leaked and has not been flushed. Please check your collection cup for cracks. Add a few drops of pure peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the bowl of flush water.
Please watch this You Tube video, to see internal flushing from 1:30 mark....
All flushed water must be expelled from motor
Run the motor for 4-5 minutes afterwards until motor does not sound gurgly and continue shaking until no more water droplets come out.
Any remaining internal water may RUST and DESTROY the machine, and your warranty may be voided.
VIDEO 7
STORAGE
Store the unit in a dry place. Keep all pieces in the green carry bag, to avoid misplacing a nozzle.
Remove batteries if in storage for extended periods, to avoid battery rusting.
Storage between 5-40 degrees.
LEAKS AND CRACKS IN COLLECTION CUP
If Snotty Boss has been assembled correctly, used at upright angle and the collection cup has been gently locked into position (and has not been accidentally dropped/cracked), snot should not leak onto the light blue top or into the motor.
If the motor sounds 'gurgly', and you suspect snot is inside the motor, DO NOT unscrew the light blue top.
You must follow the ADVANCED INTERNAL FLUSH AND DRY procedure immediately (shown above), before the snot dries out.
Watch Video 8 to test your collection cup for cracks and leaks. Wear and tear of collection cup is not covered under warranty. We recommend you purchase a new collection cup available here
Video 8
Watch VIDEO 9 if snot is leaking into the bottom pipe (which then connects straight down to the motor). You may have to adjust the angle of Snotty Boss, to keep it upright, so the top pipe is always higher than the bottom pipe.
Video 9
TROUBLESHOOTING & WARRANTY
What Is Covered...
WHITE HANDSET: The 6 month warranty covers material and workmanship faults with the white handset/motor and suction.
To avoid issues, assemble pieces carefully and use upright. Keep the handset dry and perform the ADVANCED INTERNAL FLUSH if the motor ever sounds 'leaky' or 'gurgly'.
ACCESSORIES: Occasionally, a nozzle or collection cup is damaged at factory or in transit. If you notice broken or cracked accessories on first use, please email hello@snottynoses.com.au with a photo of the broken piece. We will send a replacement (broken accessories must be claimed within 1 month of purchase).
What Isn't Covered....
The warranty does not cover reasonable wear & tear or breakage of parts (eg nozzles and collection cup), so please attach/detach gently and wash these pieces in hot water carefully.
Warranty does not cover issues arising from damage caused by accidentally dropping the unit or rough handling.
Warranty does not cover issues from incorrect use or cleaning.
My Snotty Boss Was Working Last Week, But Now There's a Problem....
If Snotty Boss is assembled, used and cleaned correctly, the unit should function well for years and years. The causes for machine failure after months/years of use is usually
1. Accidentally dropped (part of the unit has broken internally).
2. Batteries need changing or recharging.
3. Snot has leaked to white motor handset and is clogged. The angle of operation has caused snot to get into the lower pipe of collection cup (which suctions straight to motor, which makes motor sound gurgly). If not flushed immediately, the snot dries and stops the motor cog turning.
Scenario A: I can hear the motor, but there is no/low suction.
If the motor sounds sluggish, the unit needs new batteries. Hopefully that fixes the problem.
If the motor is whirring as normal but there is no suction, there is something preventing normal suction. It could be the motor or the collection cup.
Remove the clear plastic collection cup and place your finger over the centre hole of the light blue piece. Can you feel suction there? If yes, it likely means the motor is fine but there is a problem with collection cup. There may be a crack in the plastic which is compromising the suction. Inspect the plastic pieces carefully.
Also check the 2 blue rubber o-rings are still in place, which will ensure the collection cup fits on tightly for maximum suction.
Wear and tear of collection cup and nozzles is not covered under warranty. Spare collection cups can be purchased here. Spare nozzles can be purchased here.
Scenario B: I've pressed the power button, but it's completely dead. No sound, no suction.
1. As the unit has worked previously, we know it's not a factory fault. Issue could be:
- batteries need replacing or recharging
- unit has been dropped, and something has broken internally or wires have detached
- unit has not been cleaned sufficiently, dry snot is inside white handset and is stopping the motor from turning.
2. First step is to change or recharge batteries.
Video 10
3. If there is still no power, it could mean that some snot has leaked into the internal motor last time it was used. Internal snot then dries and OBSTRUCTS THE MOTOR COG, so it won't turn.
4. Remove collection cup and TAP, TAP,TAP the white base UNIT FIRMLY on a very hard bench top 8-10 times on the base and 8-10 times on the sides. Hard TAPS usually fixes a stuck motor in the majority of cases.
5. If you restart your machine after TAPPING, we recommend doing an ADVANCED INTERNAL FLUSH, as per Video 7
Video Required for Warranty Claim
If the motor or suction can't be fixed, and if the unit is within 6 month warranty, we can send a replacement white handset.
Please email hello@snottynoses.com.au with your name, phone number and current address. Attach a 10-20 second video:
FOR DEAD MOTOR: Video to show new batteries inserted and rotated in the battery case, tapping unit on bench top + power button pressed.
FOR LOW/NO SUCTION: Video to show new batteries inserted, palm suction covering circle opening of lower collection cup (see Hand Suction Test in Video 4 above)
Once the video is assessed, we will determine what piece needs to be sent to fix the issue. We will include a reply paid satchel to get the faulty piece back.
Warranty Claim for In-Store Purchases
If you purchased from a pharmacy or baby store and your unit is faulty:
Email us a video and description of the issue and include the store receipt. We will troubleshoot to get your machine working. Include your full name, address and mobile number on the email.
60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee
If Snotty Boss is not the easiest and most convenient way to clear your child's nose, you may return it. We may ask a few questions to check if the product might be faulty.
For purchases from a pharmacy/retail store: please return the unit to the pharmacy for refund. Receipt will be required.
For purchases from our website: please email hello@snottynoses.com.au with your name, phone number, requesting a 60 day satisfaction return. The unit can be returned back to us (at your expense) for a refund of the product price, less a $7 processing fee.
*We will advise return address upon receiving your email.
Thank You
Thank you for putting your trust in the Snotty Boss 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.
Reviews and comments make our world go around. Click to the Snotty Boss Product Page and leave a review at the bottom of the page...
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