AirProne: Michelin’s intensive care cushions

Michelin is growing its non-tyre activities with the debut of Michelin AirProne, an air cushion kit designed for patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Made by AirCaptif, a French start-up that Michelin acquired in 2021, the kit will soon be available throughout Europe following its initial launch in France.

The company jointly developed AirProne with Amiens University Hospital after observing a significant rise in demand for equipment to assist intensive care patients during the health crisis of the past two years. The partners trialled the solution in nine French hospitals prior to its commercial release.

The purpose of this class 1 medical device is to reduce the prevalence of pressure ulcers, and to improve the ventilatory vital signs and comfort of patients in the prone position. The Michelin AirProne kit consists of cushions for the head, chest, pelvis, right arm, left arm, the knees and the shins. The cushions offer greater pressure distribution, while ensuring better patient positioning. The particularly complex headrest ensures no pressure is placed on the ear, provides side support and evenly distributes pressure. The 3D fabric meanwhile, drains off secretions and reduces perspiration.

“The Michelin teams are particularly proud to launch Michelin AirProne,” states Pierre-Henri Legrand, business initiative leader. “Designed as an emergency response during the Covid crisis, the solution highlights Michelin’s capacity for innovation and the potential bridges that exist between tyre manufacturing and a multitude of other sectors like the healthcare industry for example. We thank Amiens University Hospital and the nine French hospitals who were pivotal during the development of the device.”