It has long been determined that the Sniff Position, or Sniff the Morning Air Position, is the gold standard of positions for obtaining the best laryngoscopic view of the human glottis. The PopitzPillow is the only device patented and FDA approved specifically for placing the patient's head in the Sniff Position.

By placing the patients' head and neck on the PopitzPillow, one permits a comfortable change in the alignment of the airway axes as well as an augmentation in the diameters and circumference of the airway that is not obtained in any other position of the head and neck.

The conformation and density of the materials used, allow the PopitzPillows to maintain this sniff position, even when the patient is sedated and or under a general anesthetic. These anatomic changes that occur in the sniff position permit one to get the maximal possible line of view (LOV) of the glottis with laryngoscopy, ease of placement of any airway device such as an LMA, or ventilation with positive pressure and a mask. The sniff position is also the perfect as well as the best position for maintaining the most patent airway possible when using minimal, moderate or deep sedation. The sniff-ramp position, by elevating the patient's shoulders, permits even more cervical spine extension than the simple sniff position, which is helpful for certain surgical procedures, as well as being very useful for airway management in heavier or bariatric patients, or patients with short, thick necks.