Ventilation Systems Utilize Polycarbonate from Covestro LLC

The respiratory needs of individuals can vary greatly. Some people with respiratory insufficiency can go about their daily activities with simple oxygen therapy. Others have more serious conditions that require mechanical ventilation that is administered by qualified, trained personnel under the direction of a physician.

Breathe Technologies Inc. offers respiratory therapies intended to improve quality of life all along this continuum. The company’s two portable, wearable ventilation systems – the Non-Invasive Open Ventilation (NIOV) device and the Life2000h ventilator for life-support patients – feature components that utilize polycarbonate from Covestro LLC.

The Breathe Pillow Interface is used with both ventilation systems.

According to Breathe Technologies, the interface is uniquely capable of delivering ventilation therapy that does the work of breathing for a patient. Unlike other respiratory interfaces, the design is slim and low profile, allowing a patient to talk, eat or exercise while on therapy. The latest-generation models of the NIOV and Life2000h ventilation systems feature a Pillow Interface Sizing Gauge that helps patients determine the interface size that will provide the most-effective and most-comfortable fit.

The Breathe Pillow Interface and sizing gauge are injection molded from transparent Makrolon 2858 polycarbonate.

“Our company is committed to bringing the highest-quality devices to market so we chose durable, lightweight and long-lasting materials for all of our products,” according to Larry Mastrovich, President and CEO. 

Makrolon 2858 polycarbonate is a medium-viscosity resin that features easy release from the mold. It is acceptable for ETO and steam sterilization at 121 C and is biocompatible according to many ISO 10993-1 test requirements, making it an ideal choice for medical devices.

“We collaborated closely with the Breathe Technologies engineers to help ensure proper material selection, which was an important element in the smooth launch of the product,” says Amal Bitar, field market development, Polycarbonates, Covestro LLC.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide Breathe Technologies with the materials and technical support needed to bring a product to market that helps to improve the lives of people with respiratory needs,” says Lauren Zetts, North America market manager, Medical and Consumer Products – Polycarbonates, Covestro LLC. “I consider it a good illustration of Covestro’s commitment to our customers’ success and dedication to helping improve patient experience through use of our materials.”