The Coronavirus pandemic, with high transmission rates and quick deterioration in health for many infected, put a vast strain on resources globally. As the health crisis worsened demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) and treatment options quickly began to outstrip the supply.

In 2020 Isinnova, a research and innovation company based in Brescia, Italy, began the Easy COVID project in order to respond to the shortage of medical equipment. The team began by creating much sought-after venturi valves, and then expanded the project to make a universal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine which could be used globally. Isinnova created the Charlotte valve that could be fitted to a Decathlon off-the-shelf snorkelling mask. Once approved the designs for the valve were given to the Oldrati group to injection mould and increase production.

Isinnova works with designers, engineers, creatives and inventors to develop projects and business proposals, and to undertake 3D printing and ideas prototyping.

Decathlon is a French company and one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the world. The company first started working with ISINNOVA on 16 March 2020 to help create and produce the valve to fit the ‘Easy Breath’ snorkelling mask. Decathlon took the initiative to block sales of the mask to support the fight against COVID-19. The mask itself was designed by the Subea Team, Decathlon Watersports Centre, France. Of the more than 120,000 ‘Easy Breath’ masks provided to hospitals free of charge, 2000 were sent to the NHS in the UK.