Compressed Gas Ventilator Helps Patients Breathe

A new compressed gas breath support system aids patients with neuromuscular diseases and non-oxygen dependent respiratory diseases.

The Non-Invasive Open Ventilation (NIOV) System provides supplemental oxygen and augmented tidal volume for people with respiratory insufficiency. The wearable system reduces the work of breathing for those with respiratory insufficiency caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but people with pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis (CF), and most other respiratory conditions can also benefit. The system can also help patients with neuromuscular diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS).


The noninvasive mechanical ventilator weighs just 400 grams, and works by unloading the ancillary respiratory muscles using venturi technology delivered via a comfortable facial interface that can be worn while talking and exercising. The NIOV System technology thus reduces dyspnea (shortness of breath), increases oxygenation, enhances exercise endurance, and reduces respiratory muscle activity, all in a system that supports patient mobility and independence. The NIOV System is a product of Breathe Technologies (Irvine, CA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“We have demonstrated that Breathe Technologies' NIOV System has broad applications to help patients with respiratory insufficiency diseases become more mobile and independent,” said Larry Mastrovich, president and CEO of Breathe Technologies. “Our newest clearance allows many patients with neuromuscular disorders to have access to our technology as well.”

“The Breathe NIOV System offers a lightweight and wearable design that couples the efficacy of mechanical ventilation therapy with the benefits of mobility for spontaneously breathing patients whose muscle strength and overall mobility is compromised,” said Robert McCoy, general manager of ValleyAire Respiratory Services (Apple Valley, MN, USA). “It is also a welcome therapeutic addition for patients with non-oxygen dependent respiratory diseases.”

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