NHS collaborative effort develops device to support children with cystic fibrosis

Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW), in collaboration with Hydrate for Health, have developed a pioneering device called HydroBubble.

Following its launch across Coventry and Warwickshire in April 2024, the device, which aims to support children with Cystic Fibrosis, has received numerous positive comments from users and their families.

Yasmin Hussaini, Jane White, and Naomi Parsons, from the Cystic Fibrosis Team, developed HydroBubble after identifying a better way to deliver a critical NHS treatment.

Back in August 2023, the trio proactively contacted Mark Moran MBE, CEO of Hydrate for Health, to inquire about adapting one of Hydrate for Health’s products. The goal was to create a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to traditional methods of delivering Bubble Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP) for chest physiotherapy, a technique where patients blow bubbles into water to clear secretions (phlegm/sputum) from their lungs.

Following agreement from Hydrate for Health and the subsequent adaptations made, the innovative HydroBubble was created.

The device keeps your airways open by producing vibrations in the lungs to help loosen and move secretions. This, in turn, moves secretions up towards the larger airways, where a huff or a cough can clear them. By removing secretions, it reduces the risk of infections.

Healthcare professionals advise patients on how much water to put into a HydroBubble and guide them on the correct techniques and frequency of use.

Bubble PEP physiotherapy is traditionally administered using a one-litre bottle of sterile water and suction tubing. However, the team says this method is costly and results in significant waste, with the equipment challenging to store and dispose of.

The team states that the HydroBubble addresses these challenges and that the device is entirely reusable, aligning with the NHS’ commitment to achieving net zero emissions. It also says the HydroBubble is a more affordable alternative to existing PEP devices, ensuring cost savings without compromising quality or effectiveness.

HydroBubble can be easily held or hung, enhancing patient comfort and safety during therapy sessions. The device is also dishwasher safe and equipped with a flexible tube cleaning brush; HydroBubble simplifies maintenance and ensures optimal hygiene standards, according to the team.

Yasmin and Jane from the Cystic Fibrosis Team commented: “Children with cystic fibrosis need to do chest physiotherapy every day, which they can find onerous. We want to help keep their lungs as healthy as possible, and one way we can do this is by using Bubble PEP.

“The traditional Bubble PEP device consists of a bottle and tubing. It is complex to clean and challenging for our younger patients to use without the aid of an adult. It also creates a huge amount of plastic waste on our wards, as the device needs to be changed weekly. Therefore, we teamed up with Mark Moran, MBE from Hydrate for Health and developed the HydroBubble, which ticked all our boxes.

“We have been using HydroBubble with our Cystic Fibrosis toddlers and children. The device, which our children use twice daily for chest physiotherapy and think is great fun, can be conveniently used indoors, outdoors or on the go.

“The HydroBubble can also be used by adults and children who suffer with extra secretions, as well as people who have been diagnosed with a chronic lung condition such as COPD and Bronchiectasis.”

In addition to the sustainability and cost benefits, the team says the device makes chest physiotherapy appointments fun for children, which helps to improve up take. Furthermore, its versatility makes it suitable for various respiratory conditions requiring Bubble PEP treatment.

The team says feedback has been extremely positive, with families delighted that there is now a dedicated and fun device to support their children with cystic fibrosis.

Rebecca Bott, Mother of Ivan Wright, a cystic fibrosis patient, said: “The device is really simple and effective, and it makes chest physiotherapy fun for Ivan.”

“He can already drink by himself, so HydroBubble is simple for him to use by himself.”

Maggie Hufton, UHCW Consultant Paediatrician, added: “Airway clearance is a vital part of paediatric cystic fibrosis care, and we are so proud to be part of this exciting development.

“We have been trialling it on the ward to improve airway clearance for children with pneumonia and long-term respiratory conditions to aid quicker recovery and reduce length of stay. The device is colourful and easy to use, and our younger patients love using it.”

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