A seven-month-old cystic fibrosis sufferer could soon be slipping on an air compressor vest, as his parents have revealed that is the next item on their shopping list for their son.

CF is a chronic condition that leads to breathing difficulties; however, the symptoms can be eased by moving excess mucus off of the chest, helping to clear the patient’s airways.

Joe Lyons and Danielle Bannister are now seeking to raise enough funds to buy an air compressor vest for their son, seven-month-old Jacob, who was diagnosed with CF within the first few weeks of his life.

Mr Lyons told the Bradford Telegraph & Argus: “A physiotherapy vest, known as a high-frequency chest-wall oscillation, is something that we are currently researching for Jacob.

“This involves an electric air compressor that connects to an inflatable jacket to vibrate the chest and help shift the excess mucus damaging the lungs.”

CF is a serious, life-limiting condition that has adverse outcomes for patients and knock-on effects for their parents and other family members.

But with innovative uses of machinery like air compressors, it’s good to know that things can be made a little easier – and that young sufferers like Jacob hopefully face a longer, healthier life as a result.