Reinventing yesterday’s tried and tested technology to save lives today. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in thousands of patients requiring help with their breathing problems caused by pneumonia. Our increasing understanding of the particular type of pneumonia that is caused by the COVID-19 virus suggests that support with oxygen and non-invasive methods of ventilation provides the best treatment in many patients who have to be admitted to hospital. The demand for devices which can deliver oxygen and help patients breathing is enormous and worldwide. Far more needs to be done as quickly as possible.