Mallampatti Classification (upper airways)
The Mallampatti classification is used to predict the ease of endotracheal intubation:
| Class 1 |
Full visibility of tonsils, uvula and soft palate |
| Class 2 |
Visibility of hard and soft palate, upper portion of tonsils and uvula |
| Class 3 |
Soft and hard palate and base of the uvula are visible |
| Class 4 |
Only hard palate visible |
See Google Images for a wide range of illustrations.
A high Mallampati classification is associated with an increased incidence of sleep apnoea.
Reference
Nuckton TJ, Glidden DV, Browner WS, Claman DM. Mallampati score as an independent predictor of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep 2006; 29: 903–8.
