Respira
Respira is a collapsible asthma spacer concept designed to make inhaler use more practical and effective. Traditional spacers, though crucial for improving drug delivery, are often bulky and inconvenient, leading to low adoption despite proven benefits. Inspired by origami, Respira’s foldable design combines portability with optimal airflow. This project details agile prototyping to create a user-friendly solution.
Design a portable, foldable asthma spacer that improves inhaler drug delivery while being easy to carry, maintain, and use on the go.
Context
Asthma affects over 300 million people worldwide, and that number continues to rise, especially in urban environments where pollution, lifestyle, and stress compound the risk. For most patients, metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) are the frontline tools for managing symptoms — delivering bronchodilators or corticosteroids directly to the lungs. But despite their clinical importance, inhalers are only as effective as the way they’re used.
Here's the catch: using an MDI correctly requires a surprising level of coordination — pressing down on the canister and inhaling at just the right moment. Most people, especially children, the elderly, or those in distress, struggle with this. As a result, up to 90% of the medication can end up in the mouth or throat instead of the lungs, leading to poor symptom control and unnecessary side effects like oral thrush and hoarseness.
To solve this, spacers were introduced — tube-like attachments that hold the medication in a chamber, giving users time to inhale slowly and deeply. They work. In fact, studies show that spacers significantly improve medication delivery to the lungs and reduce complications. So, why don’t more people use them? and how can we design a spacer that can be more widely used? This is the problem we set out to solve in this project.
Initial Secondary Research
To better understand the nuances of this problem, we began with secondary research — exploring the broader landscape of respiratory illnesses, inhaler systems, and spacer technologies currently in use.
What are Inhalers and Spacers?
Inhalers are medical devices used to deliver medication directly to the lungs, primarily for managing respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They are small, portable, and designed to administer a precise dose of medication through an aerosol or powder form.
A spacer is an attachment for a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) that holds the medication after it is released, making it easier for the user to inhale the full dose. It acts as a chamber that suspends the medication, allowing patients to take a slower, deeper breath, which helps the medicine reach the lungs more effectively.
Where are They Used?
Inhalers and spacers are commonly used in both clinical settings (like hospitals and clinics) and home care environments. They are essential for:
- Emergency asthma attacks
- Daily maintenance therapy for chronic respiratory conditions
- Preventive care for exercise-induced asthma
These devices are crucial for managing symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.
Types of Inhalers
There are several types of inhalers, each suited to different needs:
Metered-Dose Inhalers (MDIs)
MDIs are the dominant type, known for their efficiency, ease of use, and ability to deliver a fixed dose with each puff. They are widely used for asthma and COPD treatment and can be readily integrated with smart technologies for adherence tracking.
Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)
DPIs are gaining traction, especially as environmental concerns surrounding MDI propellants increase. They are breath-activated, making them easier to use for some patients, and can offer personalized medicine solutions.
Soft Mist Inhalers (SMI)
This type is gaining popularity, particularly in the US. SMIs are designed to deliver medication in a fine mist, which can lead to greater drug deposition in the lungs, especially for elderly patients or those with difficulty using MDIs or DPIs.
Nebulizers
While not a smart inhaler device, nebulizers remain a significant part of the respiratory inhaler market. They convert liquid medication into a fine mist, which is then inhaled.
Types of Spacers
Spacers come in various forms to accommodate different patient needs and usage scenarios:
Valved Holding Chambers
The most common and effective type, VHCs have a one-way valve that holds medication until inhalation, ensuring better lung delivery. Though reliable, they are bulky and less portable. VHCs dominate the spacer market, valued at USD 1.8 billion (2023).
Basic Tube Spacers
Simple, non-valved tubes that increase the distance between the inhaler and the mouth. They are lightweight and affordable but less efficient, as medication can escape or deposit in the mouth. Their market share is minimal compared to VHCs.
Collapsible or Foldable Spacers
Designed for portability, these spacers can be folded when not in use (e.g., BreatheRite™, LiteAire®). While convenient, they can lack durability and anti-static properties, limiting their widespread adoption.
Disposable Spacers
Made from lightweight, inexpensive materials like paperboard, they are designed for short-term or single use, ideal in clinical settings. While cost-effective, they lack durability and are less suitable for long-term use.
Our initial research revealed a range of inhaler types and spacer designs. Among them, MDIs paired with Valved Holding Chambers (VHCs) stood out as the most widely used and clinically recommended. Given their relevance and known usability issues, we chose to focus the project on improving this specific combination.
Primary Interviews
Final Results
