absolutely, there can be few thing more simple to do.If you can't get it to start syphoning just by shaking it, suck the end of the hose until the water starts coming through and then shake to get it going properly. Make sure you have the bucket you're draining into on the floor so you get best suction.
perhaps try doing it more carefully? its worked for thousands of fishkeepers for many many years.I tried that and ended up with fish water in my mouth, had to treat that with H2O2, and watched video on you tube, tried that method and it just didn't work. I'm going back to store with it to exchange it for something else. Thanks for writing, I had one years ago that was wonderful, can't recall how that one worked so well. I'll even write later to let others and you know how I fixed this problem.
its hard to see why it has stopped, just for you!
sure, if you are not concentrating, you may end up with a little in your mouth.
I've personally never had a problem (in over seven years). nor can i find any evidence its ever hurt anyone.
these silly items, like linked, are slow to syphon (small pipe bore) and fragile as heck. and with so many bends, junctions and ribs. are far more likely to harbour harmful elements from your water.
looking at it more sensibly, H202 is far more dangerous than tank water anyway.
so suck or fill the syphon in the tank, both work every time with little disturbance
lol, you are looking for a solution to a problem that only exists in you mind.