X-Hale Device
Learn more about us through this quick video
Our Mission
Needs statement
Take Back Control One Breath at a Time
X-HALE is a medical company aiming to assist and improve quality of life for asthmatics. Our aim is to bring about a device which will detect and monitor the severity of an asthma attack so that our customers will be able to have better asthma control. With the determination for the improvement of patient's lives, our company is dedicated to providing innovative and affordable home devices.
The Problem
One of the major problems in controlling asthma is the lack of quantitative methods to monitor
it over time and enable preventative action. In the United States, over 25 millions people suffer
from asthma and, currently, it is the leading chronic condition in children. During an asthma attack, a
patient only has six minutes to recieve treatment; otherwise, they may be left with brain damage, hypoxia,
or even death. A majority of deaths due to asthma are entirely preventable and would be able to be stopped
with proper prevention, treatment, and asthma control.
Need
Unless patients have regular check-ups, it is diffucult to asses their asthma control, and the effectiveness of their current corticosteroid treatment. Therefore, there is a need to quantitatively monitor asthma at home in an easy, accurate, and cost-effective way.Our Solution
At X-HALE, we aim to help asthmatic patients by providing patients and healthcare providers an affordable method to quantitatively monitor exhaled nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide is released in the breath when the airways are undergoing inflammation, and studies have shown that it has a correlation with inflammtion and asthma flare-ups. By monitoring Nitric Oxide levels, healcare providers will be able to assess airway inflammation and make better informed decisions regarding treatment and drug usage.
Our Product
Product Explanation
The Workings of our device
Our portable Nitric Oxide Sensor enables users to collect accurate nitric oxide measurements from the breath. The device consists of a main Nitric Oxide sensor, as well as peripheral temperature/humidity and flow rate sensors. These sensors ensure that the readings are normalized and accurate in all conditions. The patient will breathe into the sensor, and an Arduino microcontroller will handle and process the data. Sensor readings will be outputted to a digital LED screen with information regarding whether readings fall within a healthy range. The device will show the NO value, and either a red, yellow, and green light depending on the values.
The ranges will be evaluated using the recommendations from the American Thoracic Society. Furthermore, the mask will be made from medical grade PVC and will be available in multiple size options to securely fit over a patient’s mouth and nose.
3D Modeling
The first iteration consisting of a propellor, funnel, and electrochemical sensor assembly. Later in our design, we decided to use a commercially vailablsensor that could reach ppb.
Simulation Testing
Simulating gas flow through a mask, attachable to a commercial nebulizer with a removable mouthpiece and sensor assembly. We wanted to ensure that the sensor could capture the NO properly.
Rapid Prototyping
3D printed prototype of the sensor and mouthpiece attachment for MVP testing and verification purposes. We also purchased the NO sensor, an arduino, arduino kit, the temp/hum sensors, and filters. For our next prototype we will use an air flow meter and include filters that protect the sensor.
Testing and Verification
Testing apparatus for the verification of the initial design requirements and specifications. We test the device by placing placing it in a chamber and releasing NO at different NO concentrations with a known air flow.