Celebrating 135 years of Respiratory Excellence
3 mins read
For more than 135 years, people have breathed easier because Drive Medical were there.
It all started with a humble country doctor and Civil War veteran, Dr. Allen DeVilbiss. Seeking an alternative to swabbing goose grease and Vaseline on the throats and in the nasal passages of cold sufferers, Dr. DeVilbiss developed the first spray atomizer by combining a rubber bulb, a piece of metal tubing cut from a discarded surgical instrument, and the base from an oil can. Launching the company in Toledo, Ohio in 1888 to produce this revolutionary invention, we have led the way in developing and manufacturing innovative respiratory and healthcare products ever since.
A Legacy of Innovation
Today, Drive Medical still manufactures these atomizers and has brought to market some of the world’s most groundbreaking and trusted respiratory care products. Introducing its first stationary oxygen concentrator in 1977, Drive Medical has continuously advanced oxygen technology, including the introduction of PulseDose®conserving technology more than 30 years ago, allowing oxygen delivery to be customised to a patient’s inhalation rate.
In more recent years, these innovations have been joined by the iFill® Personal Oxygen Station and the first-of-its-kind auto-adjusting iGo2® Portable Oxygen Concentrator, now available with Bluetooth® for remote fleet monitoring.
For more than 40 years, thePulmo-Aide® Compressor Nebuliser System has been trusted for the in-home treatment of asthma, cystic fibrosis, emphysema and bronchitis. The range has since expanded to include the PulmoMate®, Pulmo-Aide® Compact, PulmoNeb® series and Traveler compressors. In 1964, we pioneered ultrasonic nebuliser technology, reducing liquid medication into ultrafine particles of uniform size, creating a fog-like mist. The DeVilbiss ultrasonic nebuliser became the standard of care in hospitals and clinics for aerosol therapy for over two decades.
The trusted Vacu-Aide® suction units continue to support care for neonates and patients with cystic fibrosis and other conditions. These compact, powerful units are built to last and, with the introduction of the quiet yet powerful Vacu-Aide® 7325, now utilise rechargeable lithium-ion technology for long-lasting performance in an ultra-lightweight design.
A Brief History
A Global Leader in Quality & Reliability
Joining forces with leading DME manufacturer Drive Medical in 2015, Drive Medical has grown to serve professionals and patients in more than 100 countries. Increasing production at our Somerset, Pennsylvania facility to an all-time high throughout 2020 and 2021 in response to the global pandemic, we were proud to supply healthcare providers with oxygen concentrators and other critical respiratory technologies needed to treat those affected by COVID-19.
This dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that enhance lives has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner in healthcare. We have consistently demonstrated our commitment to quality through meticulous engineering, robust quality assurance processes and adherence to rigorous international standards.
Leveraging the Past for a Healthier Future
As we commemorate 135 years of helping the world breathe better, we look ahead to meeting the respiratory challenges of tomorrow through the innovation, dedication, quality and compassion that have guided us since 1888. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, we remain committed to leading the way with groundbreaking solutions that empower individuals to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.