His greatest concern lay with his patients who grappled with lung and respiratory diseases. During that era, respiratory ailments were primarily treated with medicine mixed with goose fat or petroleum jelly, applied to the throat and nose. Dr. DeVilbiss found this method too distant from the root causes of many lung and respiratory conditions. In his quest to provide easier breathing for his patients, he embarked on a search for an improved method of administering medication - and he succeeded.
The birth of the nebulizer
In the year 1888, he finally achieved a breakthrough. In a humble wooden shed located in the backyard of his practice, amidst a collection of old tools and fueled by unwavering enthusiasm, he tirelessly tinkered and experimented. His breakthrough came in the form of a contraption assembled from a rubber ball, a piece of metal pipe, and the bottom of a small oil can. He melted a drug into a semi-solid state over an open flame and transformed it into a delicate mist. This mist was then applied directly to the troubled respiratory tract using rubber balls and tubes, allowing the medicine to realize its full potential. This innovative "spray syringe" was so exceptional that it earned him a patent.
Good things take time
However, the world wasn't quite ready for his vision to revolutionize drug delivery in respiratory therapies. When he presented his invention to leading medical equipment manufacturers, they showed little interest. Yet, Dr. Allen DeVilbiss was a determined individual who wouldn't be discouraged by the rejections to produce his "Spray Syringe." In 1888, he promptly established his own company, "DeVilbiss Manufacturing" with a clear objective in mind: to manufacture his own atomizer, sell it, and change the world. This marked the inception of a success story that endures to the present day. After DeVilbiss continued its production and sales under its own name for several years, it was acquired by Drive in 2015. Consequently, the company's brand name was changed to 'Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare.'
The beginning of success
Today, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare stands as one of the leading creators, manufacturers, and distributors of respiratory and oxygen therapy devices, enhancing the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. From nebulizers to oxygen concentrators and diagnostic equipment, the brand's products significantly improve the lives of many.
Never give up
The story of Dr. Allen DeVilbiss serves as a testament to the fact that a humble individual, armed with courage, passion, and relentless effort, can indeed alter the course of the world. It's a tribute to all those who, in the face of adversity, stand firm and persevere without surrender. In the end, their determination reaps its rewards. After all, what other recourse do millions of asthma, COPD, and chronically ill lung patientshave in their quest to alleviate their suffering?
