Our engineers and medical colleagues are testing a prototype of a personal respirator they’ve developed for frontline healthcare staff tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working with industry partners including McLaren and Kemp Sails, to respond to the pandemic, the team had a prototype in testing in the space of just a few days. The team has been working with Southampton-based manufacturer INDO on behalf of Baynhams. If the tests are successful and the prototype obtains the necessary safety certifications, the concept will be published open-source so that it is available to other manufacturers and organisations around the world. The engineers on the team will also investigate the development of simpler prototypes using only components that are available in developing countries.
Made using off-the-shelf components in Southampton, the early-stage prototype consists of a fabric hood which covers the wearer’s head, with an integrated plastic visor to protect their face. A small portable unit delivers clean air through a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to the wearer from a battery powered fan pack mounted on a belt.
Paul Elkington, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at our University said:
“We must minimise the risk of infection for medical staff and stop them getting sick at the peak of the pandemic, so that they can care for others. The engineering team has rapidly developed something simple yet effective
“The HEPA filtered air removes 99.95% of particulate matter and the face mask protects from splashes, and so we think this will reduce the risk of infection”.
The device has received positive feedback from doctors, nurses and patients in initial demonstrations at the hospital, and will continue to be tested on the wards next week.
Hywel Morgan, Professor of Bioelectronics at our University said:
“This is an excellent example of industry, universities and hospitals combining their expertise and answering the call to develop solutions needed to save lives in the current crisis.”
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