A volunteer shows off the breathing aid that could help keep Covid-19 patients out of intensive care

A non-invasive breathing aid that can help to keep coronavirus patients from requiring intensive care has been developed and approved in a few days.

The device, known as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), was created by a partnership between the Mercedes Formula One team, University College London (UCL) and University College London Hospital (UCLH).

They work by pushing a mix of oxygen and air into the mouth and nose at a continuous rate, thereby increasing the oxygen into the lungs. They bridge the gap between an oxygen mask and the need for full mechanical ventilation, during which the patient must be sedated. Using them early can help prevent a patient needing ICU treatment.

Professor Tim Baker, of UCL’s department of mechanical engineering, said: