Tag: innovating health

Beyond symptom relief: What the 1 million inhaler milestone reveals about modern asthma care

Posted on

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.

World No Tobacco Day 2026: Unmasking the appeal and the healthcare burden behind it

Posted on

Tobacco kills more than 7 million people each year, including an estimated 1.6 million non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.1 It is estimated that tobacco costs the global economy more than $1.4 trillion a year in healthcare costs and lost productivity.2 This World No Tobacco Day, we are going to explore the appeal behind smoking tobacco and the healthcare burden it causes.

What is World No Tobacco Day?3

World No Tobacco Day is a global awareness event, held every year on the 31st May by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The event was created to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable deaths and diseases it causes. Each year follows a new theme; the theme for 2026 is Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine addiction. Whilst global tobacco use has declined in recent years, its burden remains devastating.

The appeal: Why tobacco still attracts users.

Cigarette in a hand

Whilst evidence does not support this, smoking is still widely perceived as a stress reliever, with studies indicating that between 36-43% of people believe smoking helps manage stress, anxiety and depression. The truth is, smoking actually increases tension and lowers mental health in the long run.4

Marketing tactics have changed over the years with the introduction of vapes, flavoured products, and targeting youth and young adults, especially in low-income communities and regions with weaker tobacco regulations.

Together, these psychological misconceptions and evolving marketing strategies create a powerful and carefully engineered appeal. Nicotine products are framed as tools for coping, symbols of independence, or fashionable accessories, rather than addictive substances. These influences normalise use, particularly among younger and more vulnerable populations, making tobacco appear not only acceptable but desirable.

The health burden: What tobacco really costs.

Smoking tobacco has a direct impact on health and is linked to diseases like:5

  • Lung cancer,
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
  • Coronary artery disease,
  • Stroke.

This doesn’t just impact the smokers themselves; non-smokers are also affected by second-hand smoke, leading to a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide.

Smoking-related hospital admissions and care in the UK alone cost the NHS £1.9 billion each year, signifying an urgent need for change.6

What needs to change?

There are many contributing factors that could change and improve outcomes worldwide, and whilst there are already various initiatives in place, such as:

  • Plain packaging,
  • Smoke-free zones,
  • Less advertisement.

More can be done across the board to remove the appeal.

Awareness campaigns like World No Tobacco Day help to raise awareness of the significant impact smoking can have on health and economic costs. Additionally, smoking cessation programmes can provide support for those looking to quit smoking. These services can educate smokers on the long-term benefits of quitting smoking as well as highlight tools which can aid a quit attempt. One of those tools is carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring.

What is CO monitoring?

Taking a CO test with the Smokerlyzer

When someone smokes tobacco, they inhale CO, which enters their bloodstream and reduces oxygen delivery around the body.7 A CO monitoring device like the Smokerlyzer® measures CO levels in a person’s exhaled breath. The Smokerlyzer® is widely used across the world as a motivational tool to aid a quit-smoking attempt. Seeing CO levels drop empowers smokers to continue their quit-smoking journey.

Smokerlyzer Range

A 2012 study found that people who used a CO monitoring device reported feeling more motivated to quit smoking. Participants described how seeing their CO levels decrease over time provided clear, tangible evidence that their efforts were making a real difference. This immediate, visible feedback appeared to strengthen their commitment to quitting by reinforcing the health benefits of staying smoke-free and encouraging them to keep going, especially during moments of doubt or temptation.8

World No Tobacco Day 2026 is highlighting how the appeal to nicotine and tobacco addiction is engineered and not accidental. With healthcare and economic costs rising, it is vital that more is done to tackle the tobacco epidemic.

To learn more about the support available to aid a quit smoking attempt, visit the NHS website here.

To find out more about the Smokerlyzer® range and how it is helping people quit smoking for good, visit the website here.

References

  1. World Health Organization. Tobacco [Internet]. World Health Organization. World Health Organization; 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco
  2. ‌US$ 1.4 trillion lost every year to tobacco use – New tobacco tax manual shows ways to save lives, money and build back better after COVID-19 [Internet]. www.who.int. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/12-04-2021-1.4-trillion-lost-every-year-to-tobacco-use-new-tobacco-tax-manual-shows-ways-to-save-money-and-build-back-better-after-covid-19
  3. ‌World. World No Tobacco Day 2026: Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction [Internet]. Who.int. World Health Organization: WHO; 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news/item/17-10-2025-world-no-tobacco-day-2026–unmasking-the-appeal—countering-nicotine-and-tobacco-addiction
  4. ‌Perski O, Theodoraki M, Cox S, Kock L, Shahab L, Brown J. Associations between smoking to relieve stress, motivation to stop and quit attempts across the social spectrum: A population survey in England. Kaye JT, editor. PLOS ONE [Internet]. 2022 May 17;17(5):e0268447. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0268447
  5. ‌ASH. Smoking and Other Health Conditions – ASH [Internet]. ASH. 2025. Available from: https://ash.org.uk/resources/view/smoking-and-other-health-conditions
  6. ‌Action on Smoking and Health. Latest figures show cost of smoking in England up 25% to at least £21.8 billion [Internet]. ASH. 2024. Available from: https://ash.org.uk/media-centre/news/press-releases/latest-figures-show-cost-of-smoking-in-england-up-25-to-at-least-21-8-billion
  7. ‌Raub JA, Benignus VA. Carbon monoxide and the nervous system. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews [Internet]. 2002 Dec 1;26(8):925–40. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12667497/
  8. ‌Beard E, West R. Pilot study of the use of personal carbon monoxide monitoring to achieve radical smoking reduction. Journal of Smoking Cessation. 2012 Jun;7(1):12-7.

Bedfont® Scientific recognised for global growth with SEHTA Awards export shortlist

Posted on

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.

Shaping the future of asthma management with the NObreath® at ATS 2026

Posted on

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.

Bedfont® Scientific Limited strengthens its position as world leaders in breath analysis with a new board member

Posted on

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.

Study on inhaler overuse highlights urgent need for better objective asthma monitoring

Posted on

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

Bedfont celebrates 45 years of business in 70’s style

Posted on

Local medical device manufacturer, Bedfont Scientific Ltd., returns to the era it all began for its 45th birthday

On 8th December, Kent Med-tech company, Bedfont Scientific Ltd. celebrated 45 years of business with a 1970’s themed party. The Bedfont Family celebrated with costumes from prominent 70’s characters, 70’s party games, 70’s party food, and a video tribute from a number of employees and distributors who have contributed to the business since 1976.

Jason Smith, Managing Director, remarks, “Back in 1976 the incidence of serious hazards related to medical gas supply systems was described as ‘alarming’. My favourite inspirational quote is ‘a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty’ from Winston Churchill. I think this describes very aptly how my godfather, John Marron, went on to design and manufacture Bedfont’s first ever product; the TM3 Medi-Gas Check for ensuring gas supply systems were safe before use. This product undoubtedly saved lives and started Bedfont on a road of life-saving gas monitors. Back then, Bedfont employed one person and was based in a bedsit in London; now we employ 50 direct staff, have over 80 global distributors, and even have our own offices in Kent and Austria. We will continue to innovate new non-invasive breath analysis devices to bring these life-saving products into people’s homes worldwide, and hope to do so for the next 45 years!”

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce names Bedfont Scientific Ltd. as Innovative Business of the Year 2020/2021

Posted on

The KICC awards recognises Med-tech company, Bedfont’s innovative success

The long-awaited Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC) awards took place on Thursday 18th November, and named medical device manufacturer, Bedfont, as Innovative Business of the Year.

The KICC awards, celebrated every year, brings together businesses across Kent, showcasing their amazing achievements. The awards had unfortunately been delayed due to COVID-19, but finally took place on Thursday at Westhanger Castle, Hythe, boasting an even more impressive evening than ever before.

Local medical technology business, Bedfont, was delighted to have received the accolade for Innovative business of the year. A multi-award winning medical device manufacturer, Bedfont is based in Harrietsham, Kent. Their products help to detect a range of medical conditions via breath analysis, removing the need for needles, blood samples, and long waiting time for results.

Managing Director, Jason Smith, explained, “It’s been a difficult couple of years, being a breath analysis device manufacturer during the Coronavirus pandemic – a disease spread by breath! However, Bedfont did what it does best; innovate. We adapted our products, resources, and services to better support both our employees and customers remotely and the Bedfont Family are over the moon to see that this has been recognised.”

Back to top