Triangle

Improving the experience of CPAP machines to provide a sounder sleep for those with sleep apnea.

 

Luke Armstrong

Hey, thanks for checking my project out and taking time to learn more about me! I'm Luke Armstrong and from Leicester. I am an avid dinghy sailor; I know, Leicester isn’t the ideal place for sailing! I also have a keen interest in model making and cooking, where I enjoy exploring new recipes in the kitchen.

Soon, I'll be graduating with an integrated master's degree in Product Design and Manufacturing with a placement year. This was undertaken at BOSCH Lawn and Garden as a Product Development Intern, where I had the incredible opportunity to work on developing award-winning products. From ideation to building proof-of-concept prototypes, and diving headfirst into the development and testing process, it was an incredible experience that taught me invaluable lessons and reaffirmed my unwavering passion for design and product development.

But that's not all! During my second year at university, I embarked on an eye-opening adventure in Ningbo, China as part of my course. It was a whirlwind experience that not only expanded my knowledge of design but also broadened my horizons when it came to working with people from diverse cultures. Although cut short due to the infamous COVID-19 pandemic, it left an indelible mark on my journey and further fuelled my thirst for knowledge and growth.

I'm truly passionate about design and the exhilarating process of developing new products. Nothing gets me more excited than diving into problem-solving mode. I thrive at the front end of the design process, where I can roll up my sleeves and bring new ideas to life, testing and refining them to address key challenges.

If you'd like to explore more of my experiences and dive into the projects I've been a part of, check out my LinkedIn profile and online portfolio. And if you want to get in touch, whether it's for a potential collaboration or simply to chat about design, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.

Luke Armstrong, MEng Product Design and Manufacture

 
 
 

 

 

Improving the experience of CPAP

In today's world, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of millions of individuals. OSA restricts users' airways during sleep, preventing them from breathing properly and causing numerous health complications. With the obesity crisis only growing, finding effective solutions is paramount. The solution, CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machines, which have long been the standard treatment for OSA. However, despite significant technological advances, CPAP machines have remained largely unchanged since their creation in the 1980s.

My extensive research, including interviews and surveys have shed light on the key issues plaguing traditional CPAP machines. Users have expressed concerns about portability, lengthy setup times (ranging from 15 to 30 minutes), embarrassment during use, and a reliance on mains power supply, limiting their ability to camp or travel to places with unreliable electricity. In some cases, users have even experienced life-threatening situations during power cuts. Realizing the urgent need for a holistic solution, I embarked on a journey to radically rethink the CPAP machine and address these pressing problems head-on.

Problems_2
 

The result is airwave, a game-changing, integrated, and minimalist solution that offers users unparalleled freedom, comfort, and peace of mind. Despite its unconventional placement on the head, airwave boasts incredible benefits that significantly improve the user experience. Not only does it allow for unrestricted movement while lying down, but its size and weight make it ideal for travelling with.

Airwave’s ingenious double tube design enables seamless communication with loved ones without the need to remove the mask. Furthermore, when users roll over during sleep, potentially blocking one tube, the other tube continues to supply much-needed therapy, ensuring uninterrupted treatment throughout the night. And without any trailing breathing tubes, users can have a peaceful sleep.

With its compact size, airwave fits effortlessly into any bag without the need for excessive tubing, or power cables. This unprecedented portability and battery pack system, meaning that users can finally enjoy the freedom to travel anywhere without compromising their therapy. Whether it's a weekend camping trip or a vacation to a remote location, airwave ensures that individuals with OSA can maintain their sleep regimen and prioritize their health without limitations.

But airwave’s advancements go beyond mere convenience. Through meticulous design and engineering, airwave has prioritized user comfort without sacrificing effectiveness. Its innovative technology shown by its impeller that operates above natural human hearing frequency, delivering optimal therapy while minimizing discomfort, ensuring a peaceful and restorative night's sleep.

In conclusion, airwave represents a ground-breaking leap forward in CPAP technology. With its integrated, unobtrusive design, seamless communication capabilities, unmatched portability, and enhanced user comfort, airwave empowers individuals with OSA to take control of their sleep health like never before. Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional CPAP machines and embrace a new era of freedom, comfort, and peace of mind with airwave.

 

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