Air-B

Cosa fa?

Air-B is an ergonomic, inflatable life jacket designed for sea rescue. It ensures comfort, safety, and visibility, adapts to all body types, and meets the practical needs of NGOs. Durable, compact, and sustainable—ideal for sea emergency contexts.

La tua ispirazione

The sea has always been part of my life. Growing up in Genoa, I learned to admire its beauty and power. My passion for swimming led me to join a rescue team, where I discovered a deeper purpose. This experience inspired me to design a life-saving product that improves sea rescue operations for migrants, addressing both the needs of those rescued and the challenges faced by rescuers during and after emergency interventions. Giving help to rescuers and above all giving dignity to the saved people who risk their lives for a better life.

Come funziona?

Air-B is a life jacket designed for sea rescue operations, developed to meet the real needs of migrants during rescue and the waiting phase aboard NGO vessels. It features a manual inflation system, either via pump or by mouth in emergencies, providing a buoyancy force of 150N—sufficient to keep an adult afloat even in critical conditions. A whistle is integrated into the buckle for use in emergencies. Made of Cordura and breathable mesh, it is lightweight, durable, and adaptable to different body types from man to pregnant woman. The inflatable inner part, known as the “bladder,” is made of 210 nylon coated with a polyurethane film, allowing high-frequency welding while maintaining excellent airtightness. Modular pockets enable the user to carry medications, documents, and essential items. Reflective elements ensure visibility at night. All components are designed to be disassembled and recycled in compliance with European regulations.

Processo di progettazione

The Air-B project was born from observing the real needs of migrants during sea rescue. It started with interviews and rescue reports to identify critical issues, such as the lack of suitable equipment. Then, using anthropometric data from the University of Ferrara, the average body measurements of rescued migrants were studied. The design phase began with sketches and patternmaking. A major constraint was ensuring 150N of buoyancy, which required calculating air volume and balancing airflow—for example, reducing inflation in the shoulder straps for better mobility. To define the ideal inflation height, Archimedes’ principle was used: by dividing the displaced volume by the vest’s area (calculated in Rhinoceros), a 6 cm height was determined, with 2 cm tolerance. The collar is detachable: in water, it supports the head; post-rescue, it acts as a pillow. Prototypes were tested for fit and performance in swimming pool, including on a pregnant woman. Later versions added modular pockets for essentials, reflective details for night visibility, and a disassemblable system for sustainable end-of-life disposal. The final product is light, intuitive, adaptable to all body types, and designed to restore dignity and safety during and after rescue.

In che modo è differente?

Currently, life jackets used in this type of rescue operation are typically made from expanded polyurethane. While they are inexpensive (approximately €12 on the market), they present several drawbacks: they are bulky, difficult to transport, abrasive when in contact with skin due to sea salt, and not ergonomically suited to the human body. Air-B, priced at €29, has been designed to offer comfort and adaptability to a wide range of adult and adolescent body types, regardless of gender. It is intuitive to wear without instructions and, thanks to its modular pockets and adjustable collar, it restores dignity to rescued individuals while also facilitating standard post-rescue procedures on NGO vessels, where beds and essential supplies are often lacking. Additionally, it can be compactly stored in its own packaging, which is made using production scraps of Cordura fabric, contributing to the environmental sustainability of the project.

Progetti per il futuro

In the future, I intend to develop a solution in which the packaging becomes an integral part of the life jacket, rather than a separate element. Additionally, I would like to experiment with alternative materials for the inflatable bladder, such as a technical fabric derived from collagen, which is ultra-lightweight, water-repellent, tear-resistant, and translucent. I also aim to explore new and improved options for the air intake and release valve to enhance both efficiency and sustainability. Finally, I hope this project can grow through collaboration with professionals from diverse fields who share a common belief in its mission.

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