For a better life with asthma

Florian Mirschinka’s daily work revolves around the Vivatmo technology. It makes it possible to measure a patient’s FeNO level. FeNO stands for Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide — an innovative biomarker for airway inflammation. When the airways are inflamed, the body produces more nitric oxide (NO), which can be measured in the exhaled air. The higher the NO level in the breath, the more severe the inflammatory processes can be. The FeNO level can provide clues about this hidden inflammation.

However, the concentration of NO in the breath is incredibly low — measured in parts per billion. “It’s like trying to find five single brown blades of grass on an entire football field,” Mirschinka explains.

With Vivatmo me, Bosch is the world’s first manufacturer to offer a high–precision FeNO measurement device for home use. The technology is powered by high–performance sensors from within the company. Unlike other FeNO measurement devices, the Vivatmo sensor does not wear out or suffer from chemical aging. This means users can always rely on accurate results — for the entire lifespan of the device.

The Vivatmo technology was initially developed for doctor’s offices as a supplement to traditional methods, which mostly focus on symptoms. FeNO measurement allows for a more informed diagnosis and risk assessment. It also gives the physician important information to support the selection and dosage of medication.

However, sporadic FeNO measurements at the clinic are only snapshots. They don’t show how the airway inflammation develops between doctor’s visits. This prevents doctors and patients from reacting to acute changes and risks. That’s why Bosch developed FeNO measurement for home use: With Vivatmo me, patients can easily measure their inflammation level themselves at any time. Those who use the corresponding Vivatmo app can automatically transfer the values to their digital asthma diary. In addition to tracking inflammation, users can document other important information, such as pollen counts, medication, or asthma symptoms. This creates a more complete picture of the course of the disease. The monthly app reports can help the treating physician optimize the therapy.

The story of 13–year–old Lina shows what this technology means in everyday life. Due to exercise–induced and allergic asthma, the enthusiastic gymnast was often unable to participate in sports. It felt like a pressure on her chest, and breathing in and out was very difficult.

The turning point came with Vivatmo me. Through regular measurements at home, Lina and her parents were able to track the invisible course of her inflammation for the first time. When they saw rising FeNO levels in the app that matched Lina’s symptoms, her therapy could be specifically adjusted — in consultation with her doctor, Dr. Speidel.

For the family, the device brings more security and peace of mind. Lina’s mother appreciates how easy it is to use and that her daughter can do everything herself. And Lina? Today, she is almost symptom–free. “In school sports, for example, I can join in with everything again. You feel a little bit more like everyone else.”

For Florian Mirschinka and the Vivatmo team, the journey is not over. “We are working with doctors, experts, and healthcare payers worldwide to make this technology accessible to even more people.” Their vision is for Bosch to improve the lives of many more asthma patients around the world. True to the motto “Invented for life.”