Hi, I am a product design student at Strathclyde University and am currently doing a project looking at reducing the waste produced from medical devices. I have chosen to focus on asthma inhalers and am looking to gather some information from actual inhaler users. I would really appreciate any feedback you can give me on the general design, any problems you have found or features you like in current inhalers. I also have a short survey which should only take 5 – 10mins online at;
This subject has come up before- if you search the forum you will find something useful. I know the issue of powder inhalers and them getting damp has come up before.
Hi don, Page didn't open.
Hey, very sorry about that, I've tried the link and it looks correct(I think its maybe because on the post it makes it go over two lines?), but this link should work now hopefully.
I did a search for the past design topics like you said, there was some useful info in there but it wold still be a big help if some people could take the time to do my survey,
Thanks very much,
Don
Hey, very sorry about that, I've tried the link and it looks correct(I think its maybe because on the post it makes it go over two lines, a space appears between the 2 and 4 if you delete this space in the address bar it works), but this link should work now hopefully.
I did a search for the past design topics like you said, there was some useful info in there but it wold still be a big help if some people could take the time to do my survey,
Thanks very much,
Don
Chose another project!!
I don't think it's appropriate to look at ""reducing waste"", asthma treatment is not perfect and some folk suffer baddly from asthma. Looking at designing a more effective inhaler or better testing methods for inhalers might be better projects. All that is needed is clear recycling instructions on existign devices, but that's not really a matter of design
1. The part of the inhaler that goes into the mouth should be longer as I have noticed that too much of the medication ends up in my mouth but should be going down into my tubes. I can taste it and the leaflet says to rinse the mouth after using the inhaler.
2. All inhalers should be aerosol because the problem with asthma is that you are struggling to breathe therefore to be asked to take a sharp intake of breath is too difficult.
3. If possible, it would be great if it comes with a counter so we know how many puffs are left. If an automatic counter is too difficult then a manual one would be acceptable perhaps along the line of a knitting row counter.
I really should read stuff properly lol - refills are a good idea
survey done
I think a counter is a very good idea, also one type on market has a lock type system which means when the cap is in place it cannot be triggered accidently. The Blue ventolin one can go off when in your pocket esp. when active and moving around, also as that does not have a counter on it, it can be difficult to guage how many shots are left.
inhaler design
i agree the mouth piece needs to be longer as the medication ends up on my tongue not in my throat!
i am luckily enough to have a counter which is brilliant to manage my prescriptions and my bank balances! i also think they should be bigger to reduce waste, my 200 puff inhalers only last a month when taking 4 puffs a day. also could we just get refills, my combined inhaler is the traditional style (with the metal canister, that you push) so you could get a refill fitted easily and save the environment and nhs money
Survey filled in. Thanks for suggestion on removing the space as address shown here over two lines.
Some form of counter for Ventolin inhaler is the thing I'm looking for most. Have an I-Phone app, Inhaler Tracker by Shaun Austin Limited, to tap when I've used my inhalers but sometimes forget to do so. shaun-austin.com/InhalerTra...
What I do at present is weigh my inhaler from time to time. I've tested how much a new inhaler weighs in grammes and a completely empty one too. Tend to err on the side of caution when putting in for repeat prescription.
Hey everyone, thanks very much for the feedback and taking the time to do the survey. getting some realy useful information. Could still do with a bit more so if you know anyone who you could pass it on to that would be great.
Thanks again
Don
Sorry, couldn't fill in your survey because the link wouldn't open.
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