In DirectHaler™ Pulmonary, each dose has its own device; leading to elimination of “traditional” DPI-device mechanisms:

This has allowed us to focus on the essentials of inhalation, applying advanced aerodynamic principles – and to achieve a device concept which applies sophisticated engineering to acheive manufacturing simplicity and extreme ease of use.

The key functionality requirements in dry powder inhalation
DirectHaler™ Pulmonary is designed with attention to the key functionality requirements in dry powder inhalation, and for achieving improved patient compliance. The key functions (as illustrated below) are defined from our R&D in inhalation technology.

The Powderwhirl Chamber
The core of the innovation behind DirectHaler™ Pulmonary is the unique and world-wide patented PowderWhirl chamber. As shown in the photo sequence below, the powder dose is resting, visible for the patient, in the chamber before inhalation. The shape of the chamber ensures that the powder is positioned correctly before inhalation.

The sequence shows, how the patient generated airflow is a strong source of energy for powder dispersion and entrainment into the inhaled airstream. When the inhalation is completed, then the PowderWhirl chamber is completely emptied – ensuring a very high and uniform emitted dose.

 Before inhalation

The pre-filled dose in DirectHaler™ Pulmonary rests in the bottum of the currugations. Ready for inhalation.

 Inhalation start

The corrugations in the PowderWhirl Chamber make high turbulence. The powder is gradually lifted and dispersed.

 Inhalation peak

The powder is forced up the currugated wall in the PowderWhirl chamber - for gradual dispersion and entrainment into the inhaled airstream.

 Inhalation complete

The inhalation dose is delivered. The turbulent flow has completely emptied the DirectHaler™ Pulmonary.

The DirectHaler™  integrates three powder dispersion and entrainment principles - and applies them simultaneously.
The entire DirectHaler™ Pulmonary device, and especially the PowderWhirl chamber, as shown below, is engineered for applying three integrated airflow/powder dispersion principles for optimal inhalation.

The first step is to prepare the air stream before it is directed into the PowderWhirl chamber. The air intake has the functionality of both balancing the inspiratory resistance of the device, and to make the airstream turbulent before it enters the chamber.

When entering the PowderWhirl chamber, the corrugated tubular geometry is designed to entrap, disperse and entrain the powder dose.
The corrugations generate re-circulation zones, where the pre-turbulated airstream gains increased turbulation, and the powder particles are accelerated and dispersed in the re-circulation zones. As the corrugations are effective around the whole circular chamber, then the entrapment and gradual powder entrainment is generated by the chamber geometry.

Principle 1
Pre-turbulation of air

The air intake of DirectHaler™ Pulmonary is designed for generating and feeding in turbulent air to the PowderWhirl chamber.

Principle 2
Re-circulation zones

The corrugation are designed to generate turbulent whirls - the re-circulation zones contribute to powder dispersion.

Principle 3
Gradual powder entrainment

The turbulent airflow, forces the powder up on the inner walls. From here, it is gradually entrained into the inhaled airstream until DirectHaler™ Pulmonary is completely empty.