OtoAir® soft nasal balloon, 1 ST

The OtoAir® soft nasal balloon is a medical device for adults and children aged 2 years and over. It is used to restore pressure equalisation naturally in cases of middle ear ventilation problems.

Nasal balloon for improving middle ear ventilation through pressure equalisation.

OtoAir® soft medical device. It is used in adults and children (OtoAir®: from 3 years of age; OtoAir® soft: from 2 years of age) to naturally restore pressure equalisation in cases of middle ear ventilation disorders. The balloons are made of latex. If you have a latex allergy, or suspect you might have one, you should seek medical advice before use.

What is OtoAir soft and what is it used for?

OtoAir soft is a medical device for adults and children aged 2 years and over. It is used to naturally restore pressure balance in cases of middle ear ventilation disorders.

How it works: 

• Negative pressure in the middle ear can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, a feeling of pressure, pain or dizziness. Without treatment, fluid or thick secretions may accumulate in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion). When the nasal balloon is inflated, air flows through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear and equalises the pressure; this alleviates the symptoms, and otitis media with effusion may resolve with regular use.

Examples of use:

• Acute or chronic middle ear effusion (e.g. in cases of serous, seromucous or mucous otitis media)
• Ventilation problems resulting from inflammation of the paranasal sinuses 
• Pressure changes during flying or diving

OtoAir soft at a glance

• To improve middle ear ventilation through pressure equalisation
• For adults and children aged 2 years and over
• Contains a nasal piece and six balloons

Form of supply

Nasal piece + 6 balloons

Directions for use

1. Carefully slip the latex balloon over the base (flat end) of the nasal piece. 
2. Place the rounded end of the nasal piece against one nostril, whilst holding the other nostril closed with a finger. 
3. After taking a deep breath through your mouth, inflate the balloon through the open nostril until it reaches approximately the size of a grapefruit (10–12 cm in diameter). Keep your mouth closed whilst doing so. 
4. A click, crack or change in pressure in the ear indicates that the desired effect has been achieved. 
5. Repeat the process with your other nostril if necessary.

Notes: Read the package leaflet before using this medical device. If you have any questions about risks or side effects, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Children should always be supervised by an adult when using this product. If children have difficulty inflating the balloon, an adult can pre-stretch it slightly before first use by initially inflating it with their mouth. Alternatively, ‘OtoAir soft’ balloons, which are easier to inflate, are available. 

Duration of treatment: OtoAir soft should be used at least three times a day (morning, midday, evening). The usual duration of treatment can range from a few weeks to several months. A medical check-up should be carried out after a few weeks to assess the success of the treatment and decide whether to continue. Regular ear checks by a doctor are advisable throughout the entire treatment period. For hygiene reasons and to ensure effectiveness, each balloon should not be used for longer than 4 days and should not be inflated more than 20 times

What should be taken into account before using OtoAir soft?

OtoAir soft must not be used:

• In cases of acute middle ear infection 
• In cases of severe acute rhinitis or an acute upper respiratory tract infection 
• In the event of a nosebleed

Warnings and precautions:

The balloons are made of latex. If you have a latex allergy or suspect you may have one, you should seek medical advice before use. If any allergic symptoms such as a skin rash, breathing difficulties or swelling occur, stop the treatment and consult a doctor immediately. The balloons have specific material properties that provide the elasticity required for their medical purpose, making them more delicate than standard balloons. 

• Handle the balloons with care. 
• Do not expose the balloons to sunlight. 
• Inflate the balloons only to the size of a grapefruit (10–12 cm in diameter). 
• Do not use standard toy balloons! This could compromise the effectiveness and safety of the treatment. 

If you or your child have recently had sinus surgery, consult a doctor before using OtoAir soft. There may be an increased risk of air or gas entering the cranial cavity (pneumocephalus).