When it comes to saving lives during a choking emergency, most people think of the Heimlich device or the traditional Heimlich maneuver. These techniques have long been relied upon for cases of complete airway obstructionโwhen a person cannot speak, breathe, or cough. But what happens when the airway is only partially blocked, the person is violently coughing, and their lips or face begin to darken?
Itโs in these momentsโwhere panic rises and every second countsโthat the Sonmol Anti-Choking Device offers a powerful, non-invasive solution that goes beyond traditional methods.
๐ฌ๏ธ Partial Choking: A Dangerous Gray Area
In many real-world choking incidents, the airway isn’t always fully blocked. Sometimes, a person can still cough or breathe weakly, but the object is lodged just enough to cause distressโleading to:
- Violent or persistent coughing
- Wheezing or gurgling sounds
- A bluish tint to the lips or face
This condition is called a partial airway obstruction, and while it may not always require immediate action, it can quickly turn into a full blockage. In such cases, traditional Heimlich methods might not be immediately necessaryโor may be difficult to perform correctly, especially by an untrained person.
Thatโs where the Sonmol Anti-Choking Device becomes a valuable backup tool.
๐ก Can the Sonmol Device Help If the Person Is Still Coughing?
Yes, it canโbut with some important context.
The Sonmol Anti-Choking Device is most effective for complete obstructions, but it can also be helpful in partial choking situations where:
- The person is unable to clear the object by coughing
- Symptoms are worsening, such as visible distress or discoloration
- The person becomes exhausted from coughing, and relief is not achieved
While the device may not completely remove the object in these cases, it can shift the foreign item slightly, helping the person regain a stronger cough reflex to expel it more effectively.
Even a small movement of the obstruction can mean the difference between worsening symptoms and a successful recovery.
๐ Important Note: If the choking is caused by a liquid or fluid (such as water), the Sonmol device will not be effective, as it works by creating suction for solid or semi-solid obstructions.
๐พ Can the Sonmol Anti-Choking Device Be Used on Pets?
This is a question we receive oftenโand we understand why. Choking in pets, especially cats and small dogs, can be terrifying. However, we do not recommend using the Sonmol device on animals.
Why?
- Pets have very different facial structures from humans
- The device mask is designed to seal properly on a human face
- On pets, air leakage may occur, reducing the effectiveness of the suction
Because of this, the mask may not create the necessary seal for proper suction on a cat or dog, and the risk of improper use increases. For animal emergencies, we always suggest contacting a veterinarian immediately.
๐ง Emergency Awareness and Proper Use
In both complete and partial choking emergencies, it’s critical to take fast action:
- Call emergency services immediately (or use voice assistants like Siri or Alexa to dial 911 hands-free).
- Attempt back blows or the Heimlich maneuver if trained.
- If these failโor in cases where youโre unsureโthe Sonmol Anti-Choking Device is a valuable tool to help clear the airway until medical help arrives.
Remember: it’s not just for trained professionals. The Sonmol device is easy to use, non-invasive, and designed for everyday people to save lives during critical moments.
๐ก๏ธ Sonmol: A Trusted Heimlich Device Alternative for Every Home, School, and Restaurant
With thousands of units sold to rescue teams, schools, and public dining venues, the Sonmol Anti-Choking Device is trusted by families and professionals alike. Whether youโre facing a full blockage or a difficult partial one, this device serves as a reliable companion to traditional Heimlich solutions.
Every second counts in a choking emergency. Make sure youโre prepared.
