As a mom of three (with a baby and two snack-loving toddlers), I worry about choking more often than I care to admit. Grapes, popcorn, little toy pieces—danger seems to lurk in every corner. So when I saw the Chokehero anti-choking device pop up on social media, I didn’t hesitate. I clicked Buy Now on their official website, paid full price, and waited for what I hoped would be peace of mind.
Spoiler: I should have waited—and done more digging.
Table of Contents
About the Chokehero
Chokehero is advertised as a powerful, non-invasive suction device that helps clear airways during a choking emergency. The idea is simple and actually quite brilliant in theory: if the Heimlich maneuver or back blows don’t work, use this device to suck the obstruction out. It’s supposedly suitable for both children and adults.
The website is full of heart-tugging stories, bold claims like “trusted by thousands of families,” and photos that scream “professional and reliable.” But things didn’t quite line up once I placed the order.
My Experience: What Went Wrong
Long Shipping Times
I ordered directly from chokehero.com, thinking it would ship from a U.S. warehouse. Wrong. It took almost three weeks to arrive, and it came with a big “Made in China” label on the box.
Shocking Price Markup
The worst part? I found the exact same device on Amazon for less than half the price (around $30–40) Of course, I feel cheated. I paid over $100 with shipping for just two ChokeHero
Poor Customer Support
I reached out to customer service about the shipping delay and didn’t hear back for days. When I finally got a response, it was clearly a copy-paste reply, no real help offered.
Website Red Flags
Curious (and now suspicious), I checked when the domain was created. Turns out, the site was launched just recently, yet it claims to have thousands of satisfied customers and dozens of glowing reviews. Something doesn’t add up.
How Does the Chokehero Work?
Despite my frustrations, I do want to give credit where it’s due: the basic concept behind Chokehero (and suction devices in general) is solid and can be life-saving in certain situations.
Here’s how it works:
- Place the Mask Over the Mouth and Nose
You fit the mask tightly around the person’s mouth and nose to create a sealed suction. - Pull the Handle (or Plunger)
The device uses manual suction (similar to a plunger) to create negative pressure inside the mask. This pulls air—and hopefully the lodged object—out of the airway. - Repeat if Needed
If the first pull doesn’t work, you can try again a few times, following the included instructions.
The suction strength is gentle but effective. It’s meant to be safer than blind finger sweeps and less invasive than other methods.
But here’s the thing: Chokehero didn’t invent this design. Several companies make identical products, and many are already available on Amazon, often with better reviews and customer support.
Is Chokehero a Scam?
That depends on how you define “scam.”
- The device itself exists and might help in emergencies.
- But the branding, price markup, and marketing tactics are seriously misleading.
- Claiming to be a trustworthy brand while using fake-looking testimonials, a freshly made website, and ghost customer service feels dishonest—especially for a product that’s supposed to save lives.
So no, it’s not a scam in the sense that you’ll never receive it. but it’s definitely not worth the price or the hype.
Pros
- ✅ Non-invasive and easy to use in theory
- ✅ Lightweight and portable
- ✅ Suitable for adults and children
- ✅ Includes a mask and instructions
- ✅ Accepts PayPal (a small relief if you ever need to dispute the charge)
Cons
- ❌ Shipped from China with long delivery times
- ❌ Extremely overpriced compared to identical products on Amazon
- ❌ No clear FDA approval or medical backing
- ❌ Customer service is almost nonexistent
- ❌ Website is recently created with questionable testimonials
- ❌ Doesn’t feel like a trustworthy brand for emergency health gear
Alternatives That Actually Make Sense
If you’re looking for a similar device that feels more reliable and transparent, consider this on Amazon.com:
S-Amazany Anti Choking Device:
Comes with a full home kit, instructions, and manual. Comes with a bag to keep it all together for emergency use. Has 3 different face coverings for use from toddlers to adults. 10/10 would recommend.
Final Thoughts
As a mom, I wanted peace of mind. Instead, I got a pricey product with poor support and buyer’s remorse. If you’re thinking about ordering from Chokehero.com, please do your research first. There are better, more affordable options out there. Ones that don’t rely on sketchy marketing or inflated claims.
Trust your gut. Check Amazon. And never assume a fancy ad means it’s the best product for your family.
FAQ
Q: Is Chokehero FDA approved?
A: There’s no public information confirming FDA approval. Most similar devices are “FDA registered,” which is not the same as FDA approved.
Q: Does Chokehero actually work?
A: It can work in theory. Suction-based anti-choking devices have helped in some real emergencies. But your technique matters, and so does product quality.
Q: Where is Chokehero made?
A: Despite the U.S.-based marketing, the device is manufactured and shipped from China.
Q: Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied?
A: Good luck. The site offers vague return policies, and customer service is hard to reach. Use PayPal if you’re concerned.