Almost 10 months after the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the British Thoracic Society (BTS), and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) released an updated joint guideline for asthma care and management, a major milestone has been hit. Over 1 million people are now using combination inhalers instead of relying solely on blue reliever inhalers, marking a major shift towards inflammation-focused asthma management.1

Why does this matter?

Previously, many people living with asthma relied on their blue reliever inhaler, which relieved symptoms, making them feel better quickly. The problem with this was that whilst symptoms were being addressed, the underlying airway inflammation, the main driver of their symptoms, was not being treated. If the inflammation is not treated, symptoms continue to recur, damaging quality of life and increasing over-reliance on medication.1

The problem with symptom-led asthma care.

Patients who rely heavily on Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA) inhalers (rescue inhalers) may report feeling well and believe that their asthma is well controlled because regular use of their inhaler keeps their symptoms at bay.1 When, in reality, this reliance is masking the underlying issue: airway inflammation.

Combination Asthma Inhaler - FeNO and modern asthma care
Airway Inflammation Infographic

Airway inflammation cannot always be felt, and if left untreated, it could lead to further exacerbations, including asthma attacks.

The shift towards prevention-focused care.2

The update to the guideline placed greater emphasis on treating the underlying inflammation rather than just the symptoms, demonstrating an evolution in asthma care. The updated guidance reflects:

  • Earlier anti-inflammatory treatment,
  • Reduced SABA reliance,
  • Prevention of exacerbations,
  • More proactive asthma management.

The impact of this guidance is clear: over 1 million people now use combination inhalers to relieve symptoms and treat underlying inflammation, a significant milestone for asthma care.1

Why objective insight matters.

During routine asthma reviews, patients are typically asked about their symptoms, which rely on patient recall. Typically, people with asthma downplay their symptoms, believing that what they experience is typical of their condition.3

And whilst peak flow remains a useful tool in asthma care, it alone may not provide the full picture. It measures airflow obstruction, rather than the inflammatory activity driving asthma, demonstrating the need for objective assessment, because better asthma care starts with better insight.

The role of FeNO testing.2

Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) testing provides an objective tool to measure airway inflammation. It is non-invasive, easy to do at the point of care and supports:

  • Diagnosis,
  • Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) decisions,
  • Adherence assessment,
  • Monitoring,
  • Evaluation of exacerbation risk.

Aligning with the latest guidance, FeNO supports the move towards more personalised, biomarker-driven asthma care.

The NObreath® FeNO device.

The NObreath® is a modern FeNO device; it is portable and easy to use, making it perfect for primary care. Clinicians can measure a person’s airway inflammation in a short amount of time, fitting perfectly into a standard healthcare appointment. This objective insight enables clinicians to make informed decisions there and then without the need for a follow-up appointment to discuss results.

Combined with an extensive clinical history, a FeNO test with the NObreath® can aid in an asthma diagnosis and tailor treatment appropriately, providing enhanced asthma monitoring.

Precision medicine and the future of asthma care.2

Guidelines are updated as technology and research evolve to improve patient care. The latest guideline from NICE/BTS/SIGN marked a move towards:

Taking a FeNO test with the NObreath
  • Precision medicine,
  • Biomarkers
  • Personalised pathways
  • Earlier intervention,
  • Better outcomes.

The move towards combination inhalers marks more than a treatment change; it represents a broader evolution in how asthma is understood and managed. Objective insight can provide clinicians with a better understanding of what is going on beneath the surface, with FeNO testing supporting this objective insight and supporting future asthma care.

As asthma care continues to evolve, understanding airway inflammation will become increasingly important in helping clinicians deliver a more personalised and proactive approach.

To learn more about the NObreath® device and how FeNO testing is improving patient outcomes worldwide, visit the website here.

References

  1. “I no longer feel asthmatic”: more than a million people now using new style inhalers [Internet]. NICE website: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. NICE; 2026. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/-i-no-longer-feel-asthmatic-more-than-a-million-people-now-using-new-style-inhalers
  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Overview | Asthma: diagnosis, monitoring and chronic asthma management (BTS, NICE, SIGN) | Guidance | NICE [Internet]. Nice.org.uk. NICE; 2024. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG245
  3. Bidad N, Barnes N, Griffiths C, Horne R. Understanding patients’ perceptions of asthma control: a qualitative study. European Respiratory Journal. 2018 May 17;51(6):1701346.

Demonstrating innovations in respiratory and allergy diagnostics with the NObreath® and Gastrolyzer® range.

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., an innovative leader in the medical breath analysis industry with almost 50 years of experience, is pleased to join thousands of healthcare experts at this year’s European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) Congress 2026 at stand I03 to showcase its NObreath® and Gastrolyzer® range of non-invasive breath analysis devices.

The congress, taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th of June, is widely recognised as the world’s largest and most influential meeting dedicated to allergy and clinical immunology. It brings together thousands of clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals from across the globe each year to share new ideas and showcase innovations in diagnostics, playing a central role in advancing research, education and patient care in allergic diseases such as asthma and food allergy.

“Attending the EAACI Congress 2026 reflects our commitment to strengthening our global network. We look forward to connecting with like-minded organisations, sharing insights into our technology, and exploring new distribution partnerships with those seeking innovative solutions.” Said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®. “We see EAACI as a key opportunity to build relationships that will drive future growth in the allergy and immunology space.”

The Bedfont® team is pleased to be joined by its Turkish distributor, Teknikel, to demonstrate its Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) and hydrogen and methane breath testing (HMBT) technologies, highlighting how these innovative tools can support improved diagnosis, monitoring, and the management of respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.

The team will be at stand I03, where you can find the NObreath® FeNO device, which has been improving asthma care and management for over 15 years, providing an objective insight into airway inflammation, a key driver of asthma symptoms. And the Gastrolyzer® range of HMBT devices, which have been aiding gastrointestinal investigation for over 35 years, enabling clinicians to tailor treatment effectively.

For Bedfont®, this congress is invaluable not only for showcasing its solutions but also for engaging with partners and stakeholders as it continues to advance technology and expand its global reach. To learn more, visit the website here.

Bedfont® Team at EAACI 2025

Bedfont® celebrates global expansion by delivering UK healthcare solutions to a growing global audience.

SEHTA Export Finalist - Bedfont® Recognised

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, an innovative MedTech company that specialises in designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices, is thrilled to have been shortlisted in the Export Achievement category at the Science and Engineering Health Technologies Alliance (SEHTA) Healthcare Business Awards 2026.

The SEHTA Healthcare Business Awards are one of the South East’s leading healthcare innovation awards, celebrating excellence in healthcare, especially in life sciences and medical technology. Bedfont®, a world leader in breath analysis, has seen significant growth over the last decade and places a strong emphasis on international sales, with over 59% of export sales contributing to its annual turnover.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®, comments, “Being shortlisted for the Export Achievement award is a fantastic recognition of our team’s hard work and our mission to improve healthcare outcomes globally. Our international growth is a key part of our strategy, and we’re proud to represent UK innovation on the world stage.”

With a global network of over 100 distributors, Bedfont® prioritises long-term partnerships built on trust and collaboration. The company understands that entering new markets is a gradual process, requiring sustained investment in relationships and a tailored approach to each region. By adapting its service, support, and go-to-market strategy to local needs, Bedfont® ensures its solutions are both relevant and effective worldwide.

The awards ceremony, due to take place at Scale Space, Imperial College London, on Tuesday, 26th May, will bring together businesses across the South East to celebrate healthcare innovation. To find out more about Bedfont® and its innovative medical devices, visit the website here.

Included with every Gastrolyzer® range order, Bedfont® Scientific Limited provides practical resources designed to support and simplify hydrogen and methane breath testing (HMBT). One such resource was the interpretation wheel, which, until December 2025, offered clinicians a quick reference for interpreting Gastrolyzer® results. This resource has now evolved into a clear, A5 interpretation chart.

Gastrolyzer® Interpretation Chart

Why the update?

As part of the Bedfont® commitment to providing accurate, evidence-based clinical guidance, the interpretation resource has been updated to an A5 chart that offers a clear, concise, and practical reference for quick use during testing and reporting.

The new format includes tips for sample collection from ‘The Essential Guide to Hydrogen and Methane Breath Testing.’ A book by Dr Jafar Jafari, Head of Upper GI physiology at Guys & St Thomas’ Hospital, and a member of Bedfont’s Medical Advisory Board.

The new resource also aligns with the North American Consensus on HMBT.

What is the North American Consensus on HMBT1?

The North American Consensus on HMBT is a set of guidelines developed by a panel of North American experts in gastroenterology and breath testing. They address variation in practice and improve consistency, accuracy, and clinical relevance of breath test results.

Previously, breath testing practices varied significantly between clinics, which could lead to:

  • Inconsistent interpretation of results,
  • Confusion over cut-off values,
  • Reduced confidence in clinical decision-making.

The North American Consensus provides clear, agreed definitions and thresholds that help to ensure results are interpreted in line with recognised best practice.

Why clarity matters in interpretation tools.

Bedfont® understands that testing clinics are often under time pressure and that clear, concise, and simple interpretation resources are essential. That’s why its new interpretation resource is being supplied in an easier-to-read A5 chart format.

By aligning with recognised consensus guidance and prioritising clarity, the updated Gastrolyzer® interpretation chart is designed to help healthcare professionals provide confident interpretations promptly.

For more information on the Gastrolyzer® range, visit the website here.

Gastrolyzer® Interpretation Chart

References

  1. North American Consensus on Breath Testing. Rezaie, A., Lembo, A., et al. (2017). Hydrogen and Methane-Based Breath Testing Gastrointestinal Disorders: The North American Consensus. The American Journal of Gastroenterology, 112(5), 775-784.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited to showcase why the NObreath® is the FeNO device of choice at this year’s global event.

World leaders in breath analysis Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. are pleased to be attending this years American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, to exhibit the innovative NObreath® Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) device at booth 1236 alongside its US distributor coVita™. Bedfont® is an innovative MedTech company with nearly 50 years of expertise in the design and manufacture of medical breath analysis devices, helping to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

The ATS International Conference, taking place from the 15th and 20th May at the Orange County Convention Centre in Orlando, Florida, is a global event attracting more than 15,000 experts in pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine to share groundbreaking research and advance clinical practice. Bedfont® will be sharing how the NObreath® is revolutionising asthma care worldwide.

The team can be found at booth 1236, where they will showcase the NObreath®, which has been helping to improve asthma care and management for over 15 years by providing objective insight into airway inflammation, a key feature of asthma. It enables clinicians to measure inflammation non-invasively, supporting a future where today’s science meets tomorrow’s care.

“We’re excited to be part of ATS this year and to bring our expert team together on the stand to engage with the global respiratory community. We invite attendees to come and speak with us, experience our technology firsthand, and explore how we can work together.” Said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®. “ATS provides an important platform for us to showcase the NObreath® and its impact in respiratory care.” 

Bedfont team at ATS 2025

Joining Bedfont® and coVita™ at booth 1236 is Medical Advisory Board Member, Carol Stonham MBE, a respiratory expert who serves as the Children and Young People Asthma Clinical Lead at Gloucestershire ICB. Carol will be bringing a wealth of knowledge to the event and will be hosting a talk at Innovation Hub 3 on Sunday 17th May at 1:15 pm EDT; where she will explore the role of FeNO in practice and discuss emerging opportunities.

You will find the Bedfont® team at booth 1236 between the 17th and 19th May, to find out more visit the website here.

Embedding compassion into policies, practices and everyday actions.

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. is a world leader in breath analysis, with over 49 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing medical devices. The innovative med-tech company, based in Harrietsham, was proud to receive the Compassionate Workplace accreditation from Heart of Kent Hospice, in partnership with Compassionate Communities UK, in December 2025.

Compassionate Communities UK is a UK charity dedicated to embedding compassion into everyday life, including workplaces. The charity is collaborating with various organisations, helping employers ensure they operate in a compassionate way for staff who are dealing with bereavement, death and loss or those who may be facing a terminal illness themselves.

Heart of Kent Hospice, a charity-run hospice providing specialist palliative and end-of-life care for adults, as well as their families, carers and loved ones, is supporting employers in the local area with the tools and confidence to have compassionate conversations about end-of-life, loss and bereavement in the workplace. They were thrilled to have awarded Bedfont® with the Compassionate Workplace accreditation in December 2025.

David Dadswell, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Heart of Kent Hospice, said, “Bedfont’s commitment to becoming the first accredited Compassionate Workplace is a powerful statement. By recognising the realities of grief, caring and serious illness, they are setting a new standard for what a truly supportive employer looks like. Prioritising compassion at work will make a meaningful difference to their staff and families across our community.”

Having supported the hospice since 2023, sponsoring its flagship Bluebell Walk events and Shaun the Sheep trail, Bedfont® joined Heart of Kent Hospice for a roundtable discussion to identify areas where the hospice could provide support, such as signposting and delivering training. During the accreditation process, it was highlighted that some areas of the business required improvement, and the hospice subsequently delivered a group training session focused on those areas.

Compassionate Workplace

After completing the assessment, Bedfont® became the first business in Kent to achieve Compassionate Workplace status, underscoring the company’s commitment to providing an environment where every staff member feels valued, supported and heard.

“Receiving the Compassionate Workplace accreditation is a deeply meaningful milestone for us.” Said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont® Scientific. “As the first organisation in Kent to achieve this recognition, we feel both proud and responsible to lead by example. At the heart of our organisation are people, and we believe work should be a place of understanding, dignity and care, particularly during life’s most challenging moments. This accreditation strengthens our commitment to creating a culture where compassion is embedded in our leadership, our policies and our everyday actions.”

Already committed to employee wellbeing, Bedfont® has strengthened its offerings for staff, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to approach difficult conversations and support those dealing with bereavement or terminal illness.

To learn more about Bedfont® and its support of Heart of Kent Hospice, visit the website here, and follow them on LinkedIn.

Shortlisting recognises Bedfont’s role in driving innovation and technology leadership across Kent.

Bedfont CTO Shortlisted at National Technology Awards

Scott Deamer-Smith, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Bedfont® Scientific Limited, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to innovation and technology. Scott has spent an impressive 18 years of his career at Bedfont®, a med-tech company which specialises in the development of medical breath analysis devices and is thrilled to have been shortlisted in the Technology Leader of the Year category at this year’s National Technology Awards.

The awards are an annual UK programme hosted by National Technology News, designed to celebrate outstanding achievement and innovations in the technology sector. It spotlights companies, projects, products and leaders that drive technological progress and transformation across industries.

Scott Deamer-Smith, Chief Technology Officer at Bedfont® Scientific, comments, “I’m honoured to be recognised in the Technology Leader of the Year category and see it as a reflection of the strength of the team around me. At Bedfont®, innovation is something we create together every day, built on empowering people, encouraging curiosity & supporting bold ideas. This shortlisting represents the shared commitment & dedication of our technical team & the wider business. I’m incredibly proud of what we continue to accomplish together.”

To be considered in the Technology Leader of the Year category, individuals must demonstrate how they lead by example and inspire those around them to tackle the issues facing their business with innovative strategies and thoughtful staff development. Scott leads the technical department at Bedfont®, and its success is very much the result of his continued vision and commitment to driving technology development across the business.

“I count myself incredibly lucky to have seen Scott evolve since we were kids. Even back then, he was beating everyone in class with his technical prowess.” Said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®. “Bedfont® has benefited enormously from his big brain, relentless curiosity and determination to push boundaries. If the judges manage to glean even a small part of the contribution he’s made, not just to our company, but to the wider industry, then there’s really only one winner.”

Bedfont®, a world leader in breath analysis, is incredibly proud of Scott’s achievement. The innovative med-tech company prides itself on staff development and actively encourages career growth with a dedicated training budget available to all staff. Scott joined Bedfont® in 2007 as an IT and Technical Support Engineer and, throughout his career at Bedfont®, has been given numerous opportunities to advance, culminating in his leadership of the technical department as Chief Technology Officer.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Thursday, 14th May at the London Marriott Hotel, where leading businesses and individuals will gather to celebrate this year’s outstanding achievements. To learn more about Bedfont® and its commitment to innovation, visit the website here.

A collective community effort helps breathe new life into a much-loved school space.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, a local med-tech business located in Harrietsham, was pleased to help create a tranquil woodland-themed library for children at Harrietsham Church of England Primary School. The library space, which had been used as a flow-through area with no real purpose until 2 years ago, was created for children to enjoy during lunchtime; however, it lacked a certain magic. With tight educational budgets, the school asked for help and set out to revamp the school library.

When the school reached out to local businesses for support in revitalising its library, Bedfont® was proud to step forward. Over a couple of weeks, a dedicated team of Bedfont® volunteers worked side by side with school staff and family members to transform the space with a fresh coat of paint. The collaborative effort not only refreshed the physical environment but also helped create a brighter, more welcoming space that inspires students and encourages a love of reading.

“The physical environment plays a significant role in supporting young people’s wellbeing,” said Claire Dadswell, Wellbeing Manager at Bedfont®. “By helping to refresh the library, we’ve contributed to a space that encourages creativity, focus and a love of reading. It’s wonderful to know that students will benefit from this transformation for years to come.”

Bedfont® Supports School Library Revamp
Bedfont® supports school library revamp

Much of the library’s transformation was made possible through generous community support. The furniture was kindly donated by a library that was closing its doors, while the greenery used to bring the woodland theme to life was provided by online retailer Blooming Artificial. After discovering a striking feature tree on Facebook Marketplace, the school organised a ‘Wear It Green Day’ to raise the funds needed to purchase it. Additional proceeds from the school’s summer fundraiser, ‘HotDogs and Cool Music’, helped to fund the Accelerated Reader programme.

Staff and parents also volunteered to scan and label the library’s collection, while additional items, including the astroturf, were sourced through donations from the local community via Facebook Marketplace.

Jackie Chambers, Head Teacher at Harrietsham Primary School, said, “The school are extremely grateful for the very kind support of Bedfont® and the other members of our local community who have supported us with our library revamp.  They have really helped to bring the children’s vision for their new library to life.  Our thanks also to the staff who have helped and to Mr Walker and Mrs Mannering for their vision and hard work with this project.  This joint project has meant that our children now have the most magical and engaging space to enjoy reading.”

Supporting local initiatives is a key part of Bedfont’s commitment to community engagement, and the company was delighted to contribute to a project that will benefit pupils for many years. To learn more about Bedfont® and its community commitments, visit the website here.

Bedfont® appoints Michael Bencak to strengthen its position and accelerate growth.

Bedfont® Scientific Ltd., a world leader in breath analysis, has been designing and manufacturing medical breath analysis devices for almost 50 years and has seen significant growth over the past decade. The innovative med-tech company is pleased to add further experience to its board of directors with the appointment of Michael Bencak. Michael has over 20 years of experience building and leading companies in the global life science and healthcare industries. His strategic approach helps businesses unlock their potential growth and lead them through international expansion.

Bedfont® appoints Michael Bencak
Michael Bencak

Bedfont® works with healthcare professionals worldwide to provide cutting-edge breath analysis medical products to the highest standard, through technical innovation and professional business practice. Working with over 100 distributors worldwide, Bedfont® is leading the way in breath analysis, thanks to its innovative non-invasive devices that aid diagnosis and investigations, ultimately improving patient care worldwide.

“We are delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Bencak to the Board of Bedfont® Scientific Ltd. Michael brings a wealth of international experience in the medical device and life sciences sectors, with a strong track record of scaling businesses, building global partnerships, and driving strategic growth. His insight and leadership will be invaluable as Bedfont® continues its mission to advance breath analysis technology and improve patient care worldwide.” Said Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®, “As we enter an exciting new phase of growth, Michael’s appointment strengthens our Board and supports our long-term strategy to expand Bedfont’s global impact in respiratory diagnostics and beyond. Please join us in welcoming Michael to the Bedfont® Board.”

With Keensight’s acquisition of a majority stake in the business back in 2025, the addition of Michael’s experience can only accelerate Bedfont’s growth and move it closer to a world where everyone has access to instant, non-invasive, simple breath testing to aid medical diagnosis.

To learn more about Bedfont® and how it is improving accessibility and healthcare standards worldwide, visit the website here.

The NObreath® FeNO device offers a clear pathway to more effective asthma care, reducing over-reliance on blue inhalers.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited, an innovative med-tech company specialising in medical breath analysis devices, welcomes the new study at University Hospital Southampton exploring whether enhanced asthma check-ups can reduce inhaler use among children. For over 15 years, Bedfont® has supported improved asthma care with its NObreath® Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) device, which measures airway inflammation through exhaled breath. The quick and easy test provides clinicians with objective insight to guide medication decisions, reduce unnecessary reliever prescriptions, prevent over-reliance on blue inhalers, and help avoid future asthma attacks.

Research has found that children using 6 or more blue reliever inhalers a year are 3-5 times more likely to have an asthma attack1. Reliever inhalers only treat the immediate symptoms and mask the underlying airway inflammation, which can lead to further exacerbations.

The study aims to create a new alert system that automatically notifies general practitioners (GPs) when a child has been prescribed too many inhalers, prompting an immediate check-up. This will allow healthcare professionals to perform a review and help prevent future attacks.

Jason Smith, CEO at Bedfont®, comments, “We welcome the focus this important study brings to the growing problem of reliever inhaler over-use in children, a clear signal that many young people are still not getting the right support for long-term asthma control. Over-reliance on blue inhalers often reflects unmanaged airway inflammation and missed opportunities for targeted treatment. That’s why we continue to advocate for improving the accessibility of FeNO testing in primary care, a guideline-recommended, evidence-based tool that helps clinicians identify and treat underlying inflammation early. With better access to FeNO testing across the UK, we can help reduce unnecessary reliever use, improve outcomes for children, and support GPs in delivering truly personalised asthma care.”

Although FeNO testing is now recommended as a first-line test in UK asthma guidelines, access remains inconsistent across primary care. As a result, many children continue to be managed without the benefit of objective airway inflammation testing, increasing the risk of poorly controlled asthma and over-reliance on reliever inhalers. Reliever inhaler overuse in children is a well-recognised marker of uncontrolled asthma and is associated with a higher risk of exacerbations and emergency admissions.

NObreath Offers Asthma Pathway

Greater investment and targeted funding are urgently needed to support the widespread adoption of FeNO technology in primary care, helping clinicians deliver earlier, more accurate diagnoses and reduce preventable harm. To learn more about the NObreath® and how it can help asthma care and management, visit the website here.

References

  1. News I. Southampton researchers lead UK-first study to target “dangerous” asthma inhaler overuse [Internet]. ITV News. 2026 [cited 2026 Mar 3]. Available from: https://www.itv.com/news/meridian/2026-02-25/uk-first-study-targets-dangerous-overuse-of-asthma-inhalers-in-children

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