A Sunderland firm is set to make the lives of people with cystic fibrosis easier with the development of a new breathing apparatus device.

Product development company Design Right Solutions (DRS) has assisted marine engineer Chris Ball in developing PremiAir, an innovative monitor which aims to replace the equipment currently used in Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) treatment, a technique which helps clear users’ airways and prevent infections.

Chris Ball says: “At the moment PEP treatment is carried out using a pressure gauge and the user must count in their head. I became aware that the process was potentially problematic for young children who are easily distracted. I began thinking that, by using modern technology, I could perhaps find a way to improve the delivery of the treatment.”
Using his engineering knowledge, Chris began to develop a device that would automatically assess times, measure pressure and ensure that users would complete their treatment fully.

Chris continues: “I wanted the machine to be programmable to the individual’s requirements, with beeps acting as guidelines which would render the need for constant counting unnecessary. It was my belief that this would make users’ everyday lives easier.”

After completing his initial designs, Chris approached DRS, with the goal of turning his ideas into a tangible reality.

Peter Warriner, DRS Electronic Engineer, said: “As soon as we met Chris it was clear that he had huge passion and insight into the proposed purpose of the device. From that point on we embarked on a 3-year development and testing schedule which has culminated in the production of PremiAir.

“Obviously the primary aim in its production was to ensure that the device delivered the treatment effectively. However, as the older equipment is somewhat cumbersome and many users are young people, we also concentrated on aesthetic elements, creating a sleek and simple device which is pleasing on the eye as well as easy to use.”
Now commercially available, the PremiAir records users’ treatments, replacing manual methods and traditional percussion physiotherapy. In November the device was nominated in the innovation category of the CELS Healthcare Network Business for Life Awards.

Peter continues: “The PremiAir monitor provides the same high standard of treatment as the older equipment. The added advantage lies in the fact that it saves users time and effort, making the lives of those affected by this illness a little simpler.”

For further details on any of the services available from DRS contact ray.rutter@designrightsolutions.co.uk