Spira Nebuliser

What it does

Spira is an ergonomic child-focused nebuliser that releases medication only when inhaled, reducing drug waste into environment and treatment time by 3x engaging children, guiding parents via an app, and using recyclable biodegradable plastics for dose capsules

Your inspiration

I have a young daughter who had a respiratory condition and had to use an air jet nebuliser. I experienced firsthand the struggle of convincing her to undergo treatment that isn’t painful, yet the noise and bulky, wired device made her scared and uncomfortable. This personal experience made me realise how many other children worldwide suffer from respiratory diseases and face the same challenges. Spira was inspired by the need for a portable, quieter, and more engaging solution that makes treatment easier and less distressing for children, while also offering a more efficient and parent-friendly experience.

How it works

Spira uses a pre-measured, biodegradable, and recyclable drug capsule inserted into a transparent chamber. The device provides intuitive LED feedback: yellow for preparing, green when ready, and red for errors. A built-in pressure sensor detects inhalation, ensuring medication is released only when the child breathes in, preventing waste. A visual indicator on the device shows drug delivery progress so both the child and caregiver can track it easily. Spira connects via Bluetooth to a companion app that displays battery level, dosage progress, and maintenance needs. The app also sends reminders to clean the device and replace face attachments to ensure hygiene and performance. It includes playful animations to keep children calm and entertained during treatment, encouraging deeper breaths. Additionally, parents receive notifications when treatments are completed and when maintenance is overdue, ensuring consistent and effective therapy.

Design process

The design process began with extensive medical and primary research, including interviews and surveys with parents to understand the challenges of nebuliser use and what they prefer for their children such as comfort, ease of use, and shorter treatment times. I started with divergent thinking, producing a variety of sketches aimed at making the device feel less clinical and more comforting for young users. Human factors analysis guided decisions on grip size, overall weight for portability, and the optimal mouthpiece angle to support natural inhalation. Measurements were informed by ergonomic standards like ISO 9241 and relevant anthropometric data. From there, I created foam and dry clay models to explore form, proportions, and how the product sits in the hand. PLA 3D prints helped test ergonomics and refine proportions before moving into detailed CAD work, where I developed internal component layouts and considered the interaction flow. I explored tactile qualities, visual feedback elements, and assembly details to enhance usability. Feedback from parents provided insight into hygiene expectations, device clarity, and ease of setup. Through iterative prototyping and refinement, the design evolved to balance technical function, emotional comfort, and intuitive interaction.

How it is different

Spira stands out by combining smart inhalation detection with a child-friendly, ergonomic design. Unlike conventional nebulisers that continuously release medication, Spira uses a pressure sensor to deliver the drug only when the child inhales, reducing waste and improving efficiency. Its soft, circular form feels familiar and less intimidating, promoting comfort. The biodegradable capsule system simplifies preparation while reducing environmental impact. A clear visual indicator shows treatment progress, offering reassurance to caregivers. It also connects to a companion app that tracks dosage, battery level, and maintenance needs, while providing engaging animations that keep children calm. Additionally, the app sends notifications for cleaning and face attachment changes, ensuring hygiene and optimal performance. Every element of Spira is designed to create a seamless, interactive, and reassuring treatment experience for both child and parent.

Future plans

I believe Spira has strong potential as a market-ready solution that could transform how respiratory treatments are delivered to children. The next steps involve developing a fully functional prototype for further testing and refining the app experience to enhance user engagement. I plan to seek collaborations with healthcare professionals and manufacturers to explore pathways to production. In the future, I aim to expand Spira's capability to support different medications and provide data insights through the app, offering personalised care. My goal is to make treatment more effective, sustainable, and comforting for families.

Awards

Project was nominated as Best Model at the Made in Brunel showcase. It received the Award of Excellence, recognised by the Institution of Engineering Designers as Best Final Year Project. Additionally, it won the New Designers Dolmen Future Innovator Award for its innovative approach to healthcare design.