company news history career
70 years with an unyielding
mission to improve safety in
non-breathable environments.
innovation heritage
Interspiro has a proud heritage of safety innovations. Three images from our past achievements (top to bottom):
Firefighting SCBA/BA (1920's)
AGA Sport Divator (late 50's)
G-suit/breathing system (late 60's)
INTERSPIRO began its existence as a part of AGA – a multinational industrial group started in 1904 by Swedish Nobel laureate Gustaf Dalén [link to Nobel e-museum]. Early on AGA diversified from navigation aids and gas to a wide range of core related products, including regulators to save gas in AGA's lighthouses. These regulators found their way into applications for the medical field and for respiratory protection.
In the second half of the 1940's breathing equipment – for fire fighting and diving – had become a recognised product range and due to the technological level of AGA many new and advanced innovations saw the light of day.

In 1974 AGA Spiro was formed as a part of AGA's medical division. In 1983 AGA concentrated its company portfolio, AGA Spiro become INTERSPIRO and left the AGA company sphere. Interspiro has had a steady expansion over the years, with a policy to first ensure a good service organisation and product knowledge before taking the step into a new market. In 1979 the companies in Germany and Austria was incorporated, in 1983 the UK company and shortly thereafter companies in the Netherlands and Switzerland. In 1985 Interspiro started a company in USA and in 2002 a company in Malaysia to cover the Asia/Pacific region.

Interspiro has always been at the forefront in the development of respiratory protection. Working closely with the Swedish Air Force Interspiro developed the first combined
G-suit/oxygen breathing system used in the fighter Saab 35 Draken and the multi-role fighter Saab 37 Viggen.

Interspiros goal in the design of respiratory protection is to satisfy customers needs in regard to safety, performance, reliability and quality. Our customers work in tough environments, under extreme conditions, and the life support system must cater for these conditions – allowing the operator to concentrate on the task at hand. With this philosophy Interspiro has developed many revolutionary solutions that have dramatically improved our customers working conditions.
technology milestones
1948 Breathing valve with inhalation and exhalation in the same diaphragm
The same pressure, suppressing the breathing work by a reduction of pressure differences, affects the valve.
1958 Hydrostatic weight balancing of the breathing bellows
Through hydrostatic balancing the pressure difference between lungs and breathing bellows is eliminated.
1961 Positive pressure
Using the knowledge gathered during the development of the fighter air craft apparatus Aviatic and years of physiological studies Interspiro develops the first system with positive pressure. Today positive pressure is a standard around the World.
1963 Fog free face mask for diving
Dry air flushes the inside of the visor keeping it fog-free.
1965 Introduction of 300 bar technology
A considerable increase of the duration with small cylinders. By using double cylinders with a common cylinder valve the balance and impression of weight was improved, thus reducing strain. Increased duration also enhanced safety.
1969 Mechanically controlled mixed gas diving apparatus
With the development of the ACOC a mechanically controlled mixed gas diving apparatus was invented.
1973 Incorporation of radio communication
To increase safety Interspiro incorporates a radio communication device with the SCBA/BA. Today a regulation in many countries.
1973 Reserve air valve with warning
Interspiro creates a reserve air valve with a warning before the valve is completely closed.
1974 Quick connection of an extra mask
Development of a positive pressure extra mask and artifical respiration unit with a quick coupling to the SCBA/BA to aid victims.
1976 Mechanical Nitrox mixer
Interspiros mechanical Nitrox mixer gave optimal control of oxygen level, and thus optimized the divers breathing gas partial pressure.
1977 Ventilation of gastight suits
Comfort and user safety were greatly enhanced when Interspiro used air from the SCBA/BA to ventilate gastight suits.
1981 Reserve air valve with automatic reset
Interspiro introduced a reserve air valve with an automatic reset to warning mode.
1981 First breath activation
Automatic activation of positive pressure was a logical step for improvement. The first breath activated positive pressure ensuring its on mode.
1982 Divator MK II
Interspiro introduced Divator Mk II with low volume glass and automatic activation of safety pressure.
1991 Full composite cylinders
After years of development and testing together with ABB Interspiro introduced the first full composite cylinder. Weight reduction, balance and safety were key variables in this product development. The superior combination vastly increases the cylinder life, today with a NLL (Non-Limited Life) approval.
1996 Computerised SCBA/BA: Spirotroniq
Interspiro was once again placed in the development front line with the introduction of Spirotroniq. A computer monitors the equipments functions and a self-test is performed every time the cylinder valve is turned on. In accordance with Interspiro philosophy it is designed to easily incorporate future upgrades and improvements.
2002 CBRN
An Interspiro SCBA/ BA is the first in the World to be approved under NIOSH CBRN – full compliance with the new NIOSH specifications for dealing with chemical, biological and radioactive threats.
2003 High-pressure surface supply
The DP1 Surface Supply introduced an umbilical combining a high-pressure supply hose with a lifeline. This umbilical reduces weight and volume compared to existing surface supply systems and the surface attendant does not have to monitor the diving depth.
2004 Diving with neutral buoyancy composite cylinders
Interspiro continues to expand the field of use for composite cylinders – enabling the use of composite cylinders for diving. A flexible weight system makes the air supply neutral buoyant in water.
Do you want to know more about INTERSPIRO and our products? Details on how to reach us is found in the contact section you can also send an e-mail to info@interspiro.com.