Snotty Noses USB User Guide

laura-snotty-aspirator-usb-charge-light.png

Bravo, thanks for putting your trust in the Snotty Noses USB Aspirator by Oricom.  The aspirator is transforming the way parents respond to children's runny and blocked noses, in a fast, effective way - 365 days and nights a year.

It is TGA approved for safe use from birth.

There is a lot of information here, so perhaps save this link for future reference, particularly on the cleaning details.

Let's get started.....

Rechargeable

The unit is rechargeable via the USB connector cord. Please do a full charge before the first use. 

Red light indicates low battery, yellow light indicates "charging" and green light is fully charged and ready for use. 

After periods of non-use, a recharge may be required. 

Position Is Key

We totally understand that babies and children can be quite distressed about having a 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.  

A slightly upright position allows for easiest insertion and control of head movements. 

laura-snotty-aspirator-usb-charge.png

 

In the photo above, Mum Laura is holding baby Ciara in a calm, cradle position, with a slightly elevated head 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 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.  

 jack-snotty-rechargeable.jpg

A Fun Game

Newborns are usually unfazed by the noise and feel of the aspirator, but sometimes older babies and toddlers can be a little unsure, or even completely freaked out by this vibrating object 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 aspirator, 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!

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. 

Thelong nozzle is for premature or newborn or young babies, the shorter nozzle is for older babies and toddlers.

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

Step 1:  2 squirts of saline up each nostril

Step 2: Suction any loose mucus with the USB Aspirator

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.

smh-laura-snotty-noses-text.png

Is My Snotty Aspirator Functioning Correctly? 

Mastering the best technique when using the Snotty Noses USB 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 the unit is fully charged via the USB cable, then detached from charge point.

Spray a couple of squirts of saline in each nostril - the aspirator can't suction dry, crusty snot! 

To check the function and see the suction capabilities of the aspirator, we recommend you do the "no nozzle suction test" first.  Take off the white silicon nozzle so the clear plastic collection cup with 8mm round protrusion is against your skin.  Place the unit on your inner forearm - as in the picture below. Press the power button. It should firmly suction your skin. 

 

 snotty-check-suctionsmall.jpg

 

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 USB Aspirator - it should be suctioned quickly and easily, just like in the video below.  

Just take off the collection cup and rinse the nozzles and collection cup under a warm tap to clean.

Now you can see how powerful the Snotty Noses USB 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. 

 

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 USB aspirator correctly, you are unable to extract any mucus from the nasal passage. Find out the reasons on our new blog - click HERE

Here are some other tips that may help. 

1. The nozzle is not sealing the nose when used - please push the aspirator 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 aspirator 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 USB 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 nozzles and collection cup 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.

The hand held lower piece should also be regularly flushed and cleaned, however the power button and USB charging connection MUST NOT get wet. Dip the upper section 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 Noses USB Aspirator by Oricom 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 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 aspirator won't turn on when you try it again. 

1. If the motor seems dead, please plug in recharge cord until light turns GREEN. If the ORANGE charge light does not turn GREEN after 4 hours, there may be an issue with the recharge cord. Disconnect from charge source before turning on.

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 the aspirator in a shallow cup of water, and soak it for 4-6 hours. Be sure not to submerge the power button or USB recharge connection point. 

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 clear rubber o-ring is still in place, which will ensure the collection cup fits on tightly for maximum suction. If the rubber oring has fallen off the blue base plate, the collection cup won't sit on firmly and create a seal.

5. Even though the motor is working, the motor and pump might still need a dip and flush in a cup of water. Take off the nozzle and collection cup, and fit the nozzle directly to the nob on the base plate. 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. See video demo above.

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. Please email hello@snottynoses.com.au with a video of what your machine will/won't do to begin warranty investigation. 

_________________________________________________

 

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. 

Reviews and comments make our world go around.  Click to the Snotty Product Page and leave a review at the bottom of the page...

Want to help your child recover even quicker from a cold?  Try these amazing products.....

               mum-and-bub-breathe.png 

Save $60 on this  Cool Mist Vaporisers and Organic Essential Oils Kit...

Help the family breathe better, sleep better and feel better.

Safe for use 365 days and nights a year...

 

sleepy-chesty-balm-small.jpg

A Dynamic Duo of Organic Goodness. Get it here