6 years ago 2 years ago

Is Your Spouse’s Snoring Driving You Insane?

by robert_bear 6 years ago2 years ago

The Invention Stories Podcast Episode 44…Phillipa James and Breathing Relief

How many hours have you spent listening to that person roaring away while you lay awake and…becoming ever more frustrated? Do you find yourself trying to fall asleep before that snoring partner of your does? You can nudge them but that will only buy you time. Now you can wear earplugs but you know you shouldn’t. And sleeping in another room seems to set the course for disaster. Isn’t it frustrating to get a lousy night of sleep from the snorer keeping you awake half the night only to have them wake up and tell you they had a lousy night of sleep? Have you tried all the snoring aids on the market only to find they didn’t work for you?

Laurie James

Laurie James was the owner of an international car designing company before he retired. He designed cars such as the Rolls Royce Corniche. Laurie was also a keen horse and dog racer and won the Derby, which is a large race in the United Kingdom.

Laurie attended technical college in the UK and trained at Fords Motor Company as a product designer. After graduating, Laurie worked in the United States before starting his own company in Germany. Being trained a product designer meant he thought like an engineer and able to ultimately design the Breathing Relief.

Chronic Snoring

Laurie had suffered from chronic snoring for decades. The ending of his second marriage due in large part to it was the final straw and the impetus to find a cure for his debilitating condition.

Laurie had tried everything: two painful operations, a cumbersome and intrusive C-Pap machine and every type of snoring aids available on the market. Being the experienced car designer as mentioned previously, he decided to take matters into his own hands and develop a solution.

“I knew the devastating effect that snoring and a lack of sleep could have on my life. And I just wasn’t prepared to rest until I’d found a cure” said Laurie.

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Laurie invested eight years of his life and a tremendous sum of money working with specialists to develop a natural cure for his snoring. He collaborated with an ear, nose, throat consultant and a plastic specialist. Finally, Laurie invented a simple, natural and cost effective product that is clinically proven to reduce, and in many cases, stop snoring.

“The Breathing Relief Nasal Dilator cured my snoring naturally” says Laurie. “My only regret is that I didn’t do something about it sooner.”

Phillipa James

Laurie’s daughter Phillipa was inspired by the effectiveness of the Breathing Relief. When Laurie passed away, Phillipa continued her fathers vision of helping those with breathing/snoring issues lead a happier, healthier life. Today, she heads up the company marketing and distributing Breathing Relief. Phillipa is also a partner in a start-up platform for SMEs (small to medium enterprises) that will be launched this year and the Chair of the Dyslexia Association of London. Breathing Relief is currently stocked in more than 400 outlets across Europe with more coming online every week.

Episode 44…Phillipa James and Breathing Relief Recap

Phillipa James joins us on the Invention Stories Podcast from London, England where I begin the interview by asking her what Breathing Relief is. She says Breathing Relief is a nasal dilator designed to open up your nostrils. It helps you stop snoring by allowing you to breathe easier.

Her father Laurie invented Breathing Relief because he struggled for many years with snoring. She explains how Laurie couldn’t find a solution for his problem so he set out to invent one. Laurie had been a car designer for many years so he had an engineering mindset. He tried most of the products available on the market but they didn’t work. Laurie designed Breathing Relief to be moldable to the individuals nose because is everybody’s nose is a different size and shape. Phillipa shares the obstacles her father incurred when trying to develop a prototype. When Phillipa was young, her father used her nose to develop the child or smaller size and his own for the adult.

Phillipa shares the story behind naming this invention Breathing Relief. It does more than just stop snoring. Breathing Relief allows you to breathe easier and she says some customers wear them all day long. In addition, runners have told Phillipa wearing one helps with sleep recovery.

Audiobook Now Available

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Prototype and Patent Process

The patent process took a lot longer than seven years and was ultimately determined classified an over-the-counter product rather than a medical device. Phillipa believes if they were to created Breathing Relief today , the prototype process would be completed quicker due to 3-D printing and other technologies available.

Manufacturing

Breathing relief is manufactured in Essex, a city about an hour outside of London. It was important to Laurie and Phillipa to manufacturer Breathing Relief in the United Kingdom. This was to ensure quality was maintained and the specific standard formats are followed.

Why Breathing Relief is Better…

There are several products that are similar to the theirs on the market but Breathing Relief is the only one with the ability to shape and open the nostrils. This is important is because that’s what allows air to flow through to your lungs. Your nose being obstructed will result in you opening your mouth and snoring.

Phillipa believes because everybody reacts differently, some users will benefit from using both a mouth guard and the Breathing Relief. There are instructions/directions for use when followed increase your chances of success. Once you’ve trained yourself to breathe through your nose…you won’t open your mouth. Some people can do this quickly and while others take time.

So Laurie invented the Breathing Relief and Phillipa marketed it and they made a great team. Phillipa shares with the listener her background, which is in marketing and why she enjoys it. She had been working for another company when it came time to launch Breathing Relief. When she realize the amount of work required to do this successfully…she quit her job. Laurie and Phillipa worked together successfully because they believed in their product and how it can help.

In Conclusion

We would like to thank Phillipa James for allowing us to interview her on the Invention Stories Podcast. To list , please click the button on the top left of this page.

Sleep Apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a condition where the muscles in your throat and airways relax and this results in interrupting your normal breathing. When this occurs, your brain is not receiving enough oxygen and will wake you up with a start. This action of your being jolted awake is often accompanied by a loud gasp or grunt.

The NHS categorises sleep apnoea into two types of breathing interruptions-

apnoea – a total blockage of the airway for 10 seconds or more
hypopnoea – a partial blockage of the airway that results in an airflow reduction of greater than 50% for 10 seconds or more

Many who suffer with either type of apnea may experience waking up several times a night. They may not complete the deep sleep phase of the sleep cycle, so they wake up in the morning feeling tired. Apnoea also affects those sleeping nearby as the sufferer will snore heavily, disturbing them also.

Long term effects of sleep apnea

Long term effects of sleep apnea are an increase in the risk of heart related conditions. These include hypertension (increased blood pressure), heart disease, as well as strokes and diabetes. When your brain does not receive enough oxygen…your heart rate increases. And this results in extra stress on the heart.

Chronic sleep deprivation, due to not completing a deep sleep cycle, is also a concern for both the sleep apnoea sufferer as well as those around them. This is due to the disruptive nature of loud snoring. If you, or someone in your household are suffering from periods of waking throughout the night due to snoring or sleep apnoea, seek medical advice.

Are you frustrated with buying Snoring Aids that Just Don’t Work?

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Feedback

The feedback Phillipa receives from her customers includes helping them lose weight, run faster, stop snoring, and sleep better. Most importantly, her customers tell her they are finally able to breathe through their noses.

If you or your someone you share a bed with snores…it’s time to listen to this Invention Stories Podcast Episode 44…Phillipa James and Breathing Relief. I invite you to click the listen button at the top left of this page.

Breathing Relief Success Stories

Joanne’s Story

Joanne O’Donnell is 35 and has suffered from snoring for as long as she can remember. Her earliest memory of having a snoring problem was back in her 20’s when she claimed that her snoring would wake the whole house. “I dreaded sharing a room so would make up an excuse not to have to” Joanne.

Desperate and “self-conscious” with her embarrassing, severe snoring habit, Joanne sought specialist advice. She was diagnosed with nose spurs- a small growth in the nasal cavity. Despite initially being given the option to undergo surgery, Joanna evaded this daunting prospect and resorted to a range of expensive snoring medicines including a nasal strip to no avail. Click here to continue.

Enrico’s Story

38 year old Enrico used to snore to the point where he had difficulties breathing. This was accompanied with a throbbing headache in the morning. Untreated, Enrico would find getting out of bed to be a daily struggle, as a result.

Enrico has suffered from breathing difficulties for as long as he can remember. For the past 10 years he has been using the breathing strips, which not only put a dent in his wallet, Click here to continue

Wendy’s Story

Wendy is a terrible snorer. She would constantly wake up during the night to her own snores which sounded like a foghorn. And being overweight was not helping her snoring situation but she enjoyed her food too much to diet. So she was extremely self-conscious when guests were visiting, so much so that she would make sure she went to sleep hours after her guests! Even her daughter was being kept awake by her snores from another room! Click here to continue

Hannah’s Story

35 year old Hannah only found out she was born with a nasal deviated septum when she was 25. Before her diagnosis, Hannah endured days of breathing difficulties, constant headaches, dizzy spells and snoring during the night. And with her symptoms worsening, at times being unable to drive, Hannah was desperate to find out what was wrong with her.

As a child, Hannah had bouts of tonsillitis that never seemed to go away. Click here to continue

Anthony’s Story

So About ten years ago my nose developed Rosacea (following blood poisoning from Peritonitis which had resulted in a major operation). Deviated septums were also involved and the Medicos stated they could operate on the nose to cure the condition both externally and internally during the same operation.

This operation was successful except that one nostril was improved but still blocked at night when laying down. The doctors advised that to correct this residual problem… Click here to continue

Belinda’s Story

Belinda has suffered from a snoring husband for many years. “Luckily I am a fairly deep sleeper but I would still wake up several times in the night. And the more I woke up the more lethargic I would be in the morning.”

Belinda said her husband had tried several other products but he either found they did not work or they were too intrusive. “I only wish I had found this product sooner as it was a struggle when the children were younger to get up in the morning after a disruptive sleep. And now, whilst using Breathing Relief, his snoring is almost non-existent.” Click here to continue

Jan’s Story

Jan West is 49 and from North London. She has been suffering with breathing problems for over 17 years.

So uncertain as to whether it was due to a cold or hay fever she visited her doctor who prescribed steroid spray. It worked immediately and a couple of days later she was able to breathe normally again.

However, her breathing problems resurfaced again every few months and eventually the steroid sprays stopped working. So her doctor put it down to a possible deviated septum which seemed like a fair diagnosis since Jan couldn’t breathe at all if she laid on her right side. Click here to continue

Jeremy’s Story

Jeremy Wright is the Director of Boileaus Estate Agents in Barnes and like many professionals he is time starved. The only time he gets to himself is during his morning runs. Mr Wright tried Breathing Relief and LOVED it. “Breathing properly whilst exercising is so important. I found the nasal dilator to be very effective in improving my nasal breathing” says Jeremy. In terms of his sports routine he has found it to have a good effect on him whilst running.

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Phillipa James Work Experience

The Digital Marketing Pro

Interim Marketing Consultant

Jan 2013 – Present

London, United Kingdom

-Managed the development and launch of new websites, including the management of web developers and graphic designers.
-Website Analysis (Google Analytics and Webmaster Tools, Bing Webmaster Tools)
-SEO specialist, site optimization, link building, digital PR
-Lead generation and conversion through digital marketing
-Developed strategic marketing campaigns to build website traffic of new local niche websites
-Managed budgets to maximize impact of various online initiatives
-Development of strategic partnerships and sponsorship campaigns
-Established brand identity for the websites, marketing materials, promotional materials and social media sites
-Established and developed yearly and seasonal marketing plans and strategies for national/international companies
-Developed and activated successful social/new media campaigns with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and blogs
-Reported, tracked and analyzed campaigns proving success in strategies and return on investment
-Developed large e-commerce stores implementing Google Adwords and Google shopping campaigns

WBMS

Group Marketing Manager (Interim)

Nov 2015 – Oct 2016

London, United Kingdom

Head of Marketing for the Wilton & Bain Group including the Wilton & Bain Executive Search arm and the Interim arm WBMS.

WBMS is an exclusive leadership resource consultancy, offering insight-led management solutions and business transformation through an invitation only network of experienced, game changing interim professionals. The businesses we work with require an injection of external talent, to accelerate their journey, or to help them address emerging challenges and rewire for change. Unlike management consultancies we are process agnostic – not bound by any set methodology – and we work with you to find the answers you need to co-create your best solution.

Our unique network of highly experienced associates combine the skills and experience of a Big-4 Partner with deep sector expertise and the leadership capability to embed, engage, communicate and influence at every level within an organization in order to support all stages of the transformation process and help build a lasting capability.

WBMS also offers traditional interim resourcing and were voted the fastest rising interim management provider in the UK and only new entrant to the Top 10 Platinum Interim Provider list (IIM survey 2016).

Keep up to date on LinkedIn, follow us on twitter or visit our website www.wbmsglobal.com

Wilton & Bain

Group Head of Marketing (Interim)

Nov 2015 – Oct 2016

London, United Kingdom

Breathing Relief Ltd.

Director

2010 – 2013

London, United Kingdom

Designed, manufactured, branded and launched a patented product and took it to market into retail including Waitrose and online. Skills used during this role: Campaign management, media buying, invoicing, client liaison, print design, social networking, digital marketing campaigns, trade shows, web updating and strategy. Brand development, website creation, go-to-market strategy.

Epson Europe B.V.

Media Buying Manager (Interim)

Jan 2010 – Jun 2010

Global media buying, print, online and outdoor including a global TV campaign. Campaign management liaising with agencies, working with company objectives as well as individual country sales needs and cultural differences.

ACCO Brands

European MarComms Operations Executive

Dec 2007 – Nov 2009

Kensington Computer Products Division

Responsible for the fulfillment processes of marketing materials and tools across Europe. Heavily involved in all marcom projects to ensure timely availability of product launch and campaign materials in up to 12 language versions for placement on web, in channel and media.

Channel and Operations
-Developed and launched online partner program in 12 languages for European trade customers. Offers customization for print and email campaigns.
-Set up email campaign strategy and launched in 5 countries.
-Implemented a European database system and launched 15 European websites.
-Managed design and e-commerce agencies.

Customer Service

-Implemented customer service tracking and reward scheme.
-Created systems in the website to reduce unnecessary enquiries and cost (estimate save £60k per annum)
Improved European data capture on the website.

Collateral
-Developed the 2008 catalogue and the launch campaign for the online partner program.

Media
-Online and offline media buying to support pan-European campaigns (e.g. FM Transmitter online advertising to drive traffic to purpose built websites).

Training
-Trained staff on all new systems. Including European sales team on the partner system. Sales teams on emailing tools for country campaigns. European team members on data systems.

ACCO Brands

Marketing Assistant

Dec 2006 – Dec 2007

Kensington Computer Products Division

-Managing image content
-Creating European business collateral
-Liaising with European teams
-Overhauling the customer service power division
-Managing product photoshoots
-Managing agencies

Oxford University

Trials Coordinator

Aug 2006 – Dec 2006

J.L. Medical Ltd.

European Marketing Executive

Jan 2006 – Aug 2006

Responsible for Customer Communications

-Trade Communications, Incentives & Promotions
-Implemented online trade incentive and promotions
-Devised and launched eBulletin service.
-Management of external publicity handling and fulfilment house.
-Responsible for all local website content.
-Identified and removed significant content duplication.