DEMAND for a Hunter-backed medical device designed to boost the lung capacity of those with respiratory conditions has skyrocketed in the pandemic.
Maitland businessman Steve Owen and Tweed Heads-based engineer Paul O'Brien are partners in AirPhysio, an Australian-made device designed for those with conditions including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic bronchitis.
Before March, the company was selling up to 1000 of the devices but since COVID-19 emerged, that figure has leapt to between 4000 and 7000 products per month, largely sold via Amazon in the US.
"In early March our exporter said something might be happening with Covid-19 and we did some social media marketing in the US," Mr Owen said. "With no vaccine, people started looking for things to protect themselves, which our device obviously doesn't do, however it can help treat those with congestion, asthma and helps get rid of the build up of mucus."
Designed by Mr O'Brien, AirPhysio is a pipe-like device based on Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure (OPEP). Like similar products on the market, it is designed to increase lung capacity and help users expel excess mucus.
It is recommended that people consult their GP before using AirPhysio, which is not designed to replace medication or ventolin. AirPhysio won the Optus My Business Startup of the Year in 2017 and has a partnership with Asthma Australia.
Initially, Mr Owen and Mr O'Brien were targeting the Chinese market but while it remains a goal, they are focusing on the US and Australian markets. They are slowly gaining a foothold in the US and have distributors in Europe, Britain and South East Asia.
Since the first prototype was made, the company has designed three separate products, including one for use by professional athletes.
The devices are made in Burleigh Heads but the company is yet to secure a national distributor in Australia.
The company has eight staff in Tweed Heads and is looking to duplicate its operations in the Hunter.
