The Cannula Carrier

Essential Carry-All Kit for Respiratory Care and Cannula Management

The CannulaCarrier was born from firsthand observations and conversations with Chantelle Shoaee (@hypoxic_hiker), a hypoxic woman from Idaho Springs, Colorado, who loves hiking despite her chronic respiratory condition. During a short hike, I saw her cannula fall into the mud, and she explained her hesitance to carry a spare due to tangling issues in her bag. This experience inspired the question: “How might I design a product for those with chronic respiratory diseases to feel more prepared and equipped for their next outing?” The CannulaCarrier thoughtfully addresses this need, empowering individuals with a compact, efficient kit that organizes essentials like a pulse oximeter, revolver key, inhaler, and more. Its external hook securely holds a spare cannula, ensuring confidence and peace of mind for outdoor adventures.

Spring 2024
Boulder, CO.

Process

The first prototype was a softgoods “bag” with subtle dividers to organize essentials but lacked the necessary structure to secure items like the pulse oximeter.
For the second prototype, I used a hard material to provide structure, keeping items in place and minimizing size, but it wasn’t ideal for wrapping the cannula securely.
The third prototype, though lower fidelity, explored organic shapes and experimented with elastic wrapping methods to keep the cannula in place.
The fourth prototype was a 3D-printed refinement of the third, improving structure and functionality with enhanced detail.
The final design introduced a lid with a secure lip mechanism, a handle for wrapping the cannula, an external hook, and an elastic band to protect the cannula from dirt, ensuring a clean and organized solution.