Which positioning technique is recommended for intubation?

The sniffing position is recommended for intubation because it optimally aligns the airway and enhances visibility of the vocal cords during the procedure. This position involves the patient lying supine with the head extended slightly and the neck flexed, which helps to straighten the oral and pharyngeal axes. By achieving this alignment, the healthcare provider can more easily visualize the glottis when using a laryngoscope, increasing the chances of successful intubation while minimizing the risk of trauma to the airway.

In contrast, the supine position, while common, does not specifically facilitate the best alignment for intubation. The Trendelenburg position, which involves tilting the body with the legs elevated, can interfere with airway access and is not recommended for this purpose. The prone position, where the patient lies on their stomach, is generally not suitable for intubation because it obstructs the airway and makes direct visualization of the vocal cords extremely challenging. Therefore, the sniffing position is the most beneficial for effective and safe intubation.