Laminar Airflow Device Alleviates Asthmatics Sleep

A temperature controlled laminar airflow device (TLA) envelops asthma sufferers breathing zone, protecting them from allergens and irritants while they sleep.

The Protexo TLA device is designed to create a downward flow of filtered air, which protects the asthma sufferer from environmental convection currents that normally flow around the sleeping zone. The constant, slightly cooler airflow displaces warmer air containing irritants and allergens, staving off the abnormal immune response that triggers a systemic allergic reaction, including the airway narrowing typical of an asthma attack. The device is easy to use and place, and is activated by pressing an on/off button; it can also be programmed for automatic activation and shutoff.


Researchers at Imperial College London (United Kingdom), Karolinska University Hospital (Solna, Sweden), and other institutions conducted a study involving 312 individuals to determine whether the device could improve the quality of life (QOL) of patients with persistent atopic asthma. The results showed a significant difference of 14%-15% on QOL scores between those using Protexo and those using a dummy device. A steep fall in nitric oxide (NO)--an indicator of inflammation--was seen among those using the Protexo, especially among those with more severe asthma. Those using the device also had significantly smaller increases in immunoglobulin E--another indicator of persistent, severe inflammation. The study was published in the November 2011 issue of Thorax.

“The reason that nocturnal TLA is successful where so many other approaches have failed may be the profound reduction in inhaled aeroallergen exposure, which this treatment achieves,” concluded lead author Robert Boyle, MD, of Imperial College London, and colleagues.

The Protexo device is a product of Airsonett (Ängelholm, Sweden), and is offered as a nonpharmaceutical asthma treatment for patients with poorly controlled persistent atopic asthma despite medium to high dose pharmacotherapy. It is recommended as both a complement and/or an alternative to increased dosage or addition of other asthma medication.

Related Links:
Imperial College London
Karolinska University Hospital