Design graduate James Plimmer has created an inhaler for asthmatics that improves posture and technique during use to ensure more medicine reaches the lungs.
The concept is intended to improve the pressurised metered dose inhaler (PMDI) by helping users maintain an optimised inhaler technique over time.
The problem with existing inhalers is ensuring an optimum amount of medicine reaches the lungs.
Poor technique can mean that as little as seven per cent of medication makes its way to the lungs, in comparison to around 50 per cent when the inhaler is used correctly.

According to Plimmer's research, inhalers are used incorrectly 70 to 90 per cent of the time, contributing to a statistic suggesting that 67 per cent of asthma-related deaths are preventable through improved asthma care. His design aims to improve the user's posture when using the inhaler by encouraging them to raise their chin. This helps to open up the throat and maximises the flow to the lungs.

"Unlike traditional inhalers, Flohaler is intended to be gripped rather than pinched," the designer explained. "Coupled with the angled mouthpiece, this means the most comfortable and natural way to use it is by patients lifting their chin."
"This results in the throat being straightened, reducing the deposition of the dose in the mouth and at the back of the throat," he added.
The design also helps to improve the dosage received by employing a more restrictive opening around the canister...