The oxygen from an oxygen tank is 20 times drier than the Sahara Desert, causing millions of patients in need of oxygen therapy to experience painful dryness when breathing.
We often take for granted the ability to breathe comfortably. It is only when challenged by breathing difficulties that we think about the importance of every breath we take.
Michael Ferlan, a keen Ironman triathlete, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2012. Oxygen therapy was used to help him breathe, but Mike suffered from the discomfort that comes with oxygen treatment, in addition to the other burdens of his illness.
Craig Sunada, from Halma company Perma Pure, watched his close friend suffer from the pains of oxygen therapy and became determined to find a solution to add warmth and humidity to provide comfort to patients on oxygen therapy. Unfortunately, Mike passed away before he found a working solution.
Backed by Halma and Perma Pure, Craig persevered for over two years and developed the O2asis: a personal and affordable humidifier that moistens the oxygen to a comfortable level that would prevent other patients from suffering like Mike did.
Halma’s companies provide solutions to some of the world’s biggest problems. Our purpose runs deep, driving every business decision we make and we empower all our companies to focus on developing innovative technologies achieving this positive change.
"Halma’s unique organisational model allows each of our companies to prioritise what is right for their markets, enabling Perma Pure to bring the product to market."
Sharon Bracken, President and CEO, Perma PureCraig’s vision combined with the perseverance of the team, means that through the O2asis, patients on oxygen therapy can breathe without pain and discomfort. This is the legacy Mike leaves behind.
