Published On: January 15, 2025Categories: Medical Device

Respiratory care is changing fast. New technologies are making breathing devices smaller, smarter, and more effective. In addition to this, awareness of respiratory diseases has reached a peak. COVID-19 has been a worldwide wake-up call for this industry to get the attention it deserves. By 2026, experts think the global market for respiratory care devices will grow to USD 31 billion (Statista, 2022).

Respiratory diseases can be diagnosed, managed and treated in many different ways. Every condition has its own complexity in delivering the right care. Respiratory care covers preventative, diagnostic, and acute treatment solutions (think of CPAP, ventilators, drug delivery, nebulizers, inhalers).

The breadth of the industry and the growing demand for respiratory devices, at home and in hospitals brings both opportunities and challenges for device makers. We need to keep up with new trends and prepare for what’s next, which helps us create better products for patients and doctors.

In this article Morgan James, Director Drug Delivery Systems at IDE Group, will look at:

  • New trends in respiratory care.

  • Technologies that could change how we make breathing devices.

  • What we think might happen in the next ten years.

Whether you’re a respiratory device manufacturer or a user, understanding these changes is important. Let’s explore how the future of respiratory care is shaping up and what it means for all of us.

Key Trends in Respiratory Care Devices

The respiratory care device industry is witnessing several transformative trends that are reshaping the way we approach respiratory health:

The demand for compact, lightweight respiratory devices is surging, with portable oxygen concentrators seeing a market growth of 5.3% annually (Grand View Research, 2024). Patient mobility and independence leads to better patient outcomes, driving the trend towards miniaturisation. An example of this type of product that IDE Group has worked on is a low-profile wearable “lung” that supports breathing, increasing the mobility of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Modern portable ventilators, weighing as little as 2 kg, can now provide hospital-grade ventilation in home settings. These ventilators have a compact design combined with sophisticated functionality, including features like multi-mode ventilation, built-in battery backup, and touchscreen interfaces. The shift to more portable ventilators improves the quality of life for those with chronic respiratory conditions and enables more efficient home-based care, reducing hospital readmissions by up to 30% in some cases.

Internet of Things (IoT) technology is revolutionising respiratory care by enabling real-time monitoring and data sharing between patients and healthcare providers. With better understanding of environmental risks, people want to track their own health. We see a new category of “smart” respiratory care products emerging. 

By 2025, it’s estimated that 75% of respiratory devices will have intelligent capabilities (MIT Technology Review, 2021). For instance, smart inhalers can now track medication compliance, dosage, technique, and environmental factors, transmitting this data to healthcare providers for more informed decision-making, as well as supporting patient management and monitoring. This level of connectivity has been shown to improve medication adherence by up to 50% in clinical trials, leading to better overall disease (self)management and opportunities for more personalized treatment options.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy in respiratory care. AI algorithms can now predict exacerbations in conditions like COPD with up to 78% accuracy (Stanford University, 2021), allowing for early intervention and reduced hospitalisations.

Machine learning models are being used to analyse lung sounds and imaging with precision, rivalling that of experienced pulmonologists. These AI-driven diagnostic tools have been shown to reduce diagnostic time by a large margin in some cases, enabling faster treatment initiation.

AI has been applied in the medical space for decades with automation, algorithm formation etc. AI-driven diagnostics are proving to be more accurate and especially much faster than the current manual practice of specialists. Now, despite ethical and regulatory challenges, AI is also obtaining a much more patient-facing presence, demonstrated by the trend of smart health-tracking devices previously highlighted, that make lifestyle recommendations based on environmental analysis.

IDE believes that AI has the power to unlock significant value in respiratory care. In the MedTech industry, it is of the greatest importance that AI is applied and used in harmony with and supporting trained specialists, especially for diagnostic purposes.

AI-driven technologies that IDE has worked on include an AI-guided maternal & foetal diagnostics device and a livestock pregnancy diagnostic device that analyses a sample of their breath. These projects involved creating a self-learning algorithm that is trained on hundreds of samples. It is complicated and delicate work, but the proven success of this technology opens up a whole spectrum of opportunities for faster and more accurate diagnosis supported by AI.  

Customization is becoming increasingly important in modern respiratory care. Devices that adapt to individual patient needs are gaining traction. For example, CPAP masks can now be custom-made, or smart CPAP machines can now automatically adjust pressure settings based on the patient’s breathing patterns throughout the night, leading to improved sleep quality and treatment adherence.

Personalized treatment approaches can increase therapy effectiveness compared to one-size-fits-all solutions. Smart health tracking devices support this trend as they gather real-time information, creating a patient profile, mapping out the patient’s health status, patterns and specific needs.

Emerging Technologies Reshaping Respiratory Care

Several cutting-edge technologies are set to transform respiratory care in the coming years:

3D printing is revolutionizing the production of devices for respiratory care, with the 3D-printed medical device market expected to reach USD 13.79 billion by 2034. This technology enables the creation of custom-fit CPAP masks and personalised spacers for inhalers, improving comfort, efficacy and patient outcomes. Advanced 3D-printed tracheal splints have already been successfully used in paediatric cases, saving lives by providing personalized solutions for complex airway disorders.

The ability to rapidly prototype and produce custom components is reducing development time for new devices by up to 50%. 3D printing technology enables designers to create better, more affordable prototypes that more accurately represent aspects of comfort, usability, durability and biocompatibility, leading to faster development of better devices.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are enhancing the efficacy of respiratory medications. As opposed to systemic solutions (e.g. a pill targeting the whole body), these systems can target specific areas of the lungs, improving drug absorption and reducing side effects.

For instance, nanoparticle-based inhalers have been shown to increase lung deposition of medications by up to 3.68 times more compared to traditional inhalers, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of conditions like cystic fibrosis and severe asthma. For targeted drug delivery, particle size control is crucial for the aerosols to bypass mucosal defences, and to be absorbed through the alveoli once the target area is reached.

IDE believes that targeted drug delivery will become the new norm, and it will demand a change of practice. It involves the development of not only new delivery systems, as well as new therapies. IDE Group is currently working on a targeted drug delivery solution to inject therapies for glaucoma, wet AMD and GA.

As contaminants in the air increase, people want to know more about the quality of air they are exposed to and environmental risks. As a result, the demand for wearable devices that continuously monitor respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs is rising. The global medical wearables market, including respiratory monitors, is projected to reach USD 272.03 billion by 2032.

Advanced biosensors can now detect subtle changes in breathing patterns and gas exchange, providing early warning signs of respiratory deterioration. Some wearable devices have demonstrated the ability to predict asthma attacks up to 24 hours in advance with high accuracy.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies are being used to educate patients about their conditions and guide them through therapy exercises. These immersive technologies can improve treatment adherence and outcomes. 

VR-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs have shown increased exercise adherence compared to traditional programs (Medicine, 2023). AR applications are being developed to provide real-time guidance for inhaler use, potentially reducing technique errors by up to 70%.

Sustainability in Respiratory Device Manufacturing

Sustainability is becoming a critical focus in medical device manufacturing:

  • The use of eco-friendly materials, such as biodegradable plastics in disposable components, is on the rise.

  • Energy-efficient devices are not only better for the environment but also extend battery life for portable units.

  • Circular economy approaches, including device recycling programs and refurbishment initiatives, are gaining traction in the industry.

The Role of Telehealth in Future Respiratory Care

Telehealth is reshaping how respiratory care is delivered. 

  • Remote patient monitoring systems for respiratory conditions are expected to grow at a CAGR of 18.6% to 27.55% between 2024 and 2032. 

  • Integration of telehealth features in respiratory devices, such as built-in video conferencing capabilities in home ventilators, is becoming standard.

  • Challenges include ensuring reliable connectivity and developing user-friendly interfaces for both patients and healthcare providers.

MedTech ventures often provide combination products (a telehealth service consisting of a wearable monitoring device with a connected data platform, e.g.) Telemedicine platforms specially designed for respiratory care now include features like remote spirometry testing and real-time data transmission from home-based ventilators. This allows for continuous monitoring of patients with chronic respiratory conditions, enabling early intervention and reducing hospital readmissions. This helps burdened healthcare workers to increase the efficiency of their workflow, and patients can now get care from the comfort of their homes. Considering the growing preference for at-home healthcare, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, anticipation of this trend is crucial for innovators in the field.

Predictions for the Next Decade

Looking ahead, we anticipate several groundbreaking developments:

Advancements in bioengineering may lead to the development of artificial lung organs, potentially revolutionising treatment for end-stage lung diseases.

Big data analytics will enable highly personalized treatment plans, predicting exacerbations and optimising medication regimens on an individual basis.

Integrating glucose monitoring in respiratory devices could be a game-changer for managing comorbidities in patients with respiratory issues and diabetes.

Direct brain control of ventilators could significantly improve the quality of life of patients with neuromuscular disorders.

Advanced air purification systems integrated into respiratory devices could provide cleaner air directly to patients, reducing the impact of environmental pollutants.

Innovating for Better Breathing: IDE Group’s Commitment

At IDE Group, we’re dedicated to advancing respiratory care through innovative device design. Our focus on AI, IoT, and patient-centric solutions aims to improve outcomes and accessibility in respiratory health. With over 20 years of experience developing respiratory care products, we have acquired a set of skills specific to this field, for example designing facial interfaces (e.g. Pixie, the first ever paediatric CPAP mask.)

We invite healthcare providers, manufacturers, and potential partners to join us in shaping the future of respiratory care. Whether you’re interested in our latest innovations, collaborative opportunities, or staying informed about industry developments, we’re here to help.

About the author: Morgan James, Drug Delivery Systems Director at IDE Group

Call to all Innovators: connect with us via partnering@ide.group 

References:

The Future of Respiratory Care: Overcoming Challenges through Innovation
Top funding opportunities for MedTech startups in the Netherlands and Europe