Imitation is a direct result of a brand's success. As happens in many industries - from fashion to food - masterful products are often reproduced without authorization. Made in Italy is particularly affected by this phenomenon because, after all, it's well-known: Italians do it better!
Due to their success, our turbines are reproduced in other parts of the world, creating a parallel business that falls outside our quality and performance guarantees.
MIR believes in its products and has spent over 30 years investing in Research and Development to supporting patients in respiratory wellness. This long-standing commitment reflects our deep passion for what we do, and it's why we take personal responsibility for the quality of our products.
But first, what are the consequences of using non-MIR turbines with MIR spirometers?
- Compatibility issues: If the turbine does not have perfectly compatible fittings with your MIR device, it could lead to breakage or irreparable damage.
- Inaccurate readings: The engineering of non-MIR turbines may overestimate or underestimate readings, rendering the results invalid for spirometry.
- Calibration errors: A poorly designed turbine can lead to inaccurate calibrations, affecting the overall performance of spirometry tests.
- Biocompatibility concerns: MIR does not take any responsibility for the biocompatibility of non-MIR turbines. Using turbines that have not undergone rigorous testing for biocompatibility could pose health risks to patients.
- Use with non-MIR devices: MIR turbines are meticulously engineered to perform optimally with MIR spirometers, and vice versa. As a result, we do not ensure accurate measurements or prevent potential damage to medical devices if an MIR turbine is used with a non-MIR device.
Quick guide: how to spot a non-original turbine
Non-authentic turbines may resemble the original, but there are some aspects you can control to ensure if you are purchasing an authentic MIR turbine:
- Check the packaging: Original MIR turbines will come in packaging that clearly displays the MIR logo and branding and will also include an instruction leaflet.
- Look for the lot number: Each MIR turbine has a specific lot number for tracking. Ensure the turbine you are buying has this number clearly marked. You can contact MIR to confirm if the serial number is legitimate.
- Inspect the turbine design: Authentic MIR turbines are specifically designed to fit MIR spirometers perfectly. If the turbine seems loose or does not fit securely, it could be a copy.
- Verify the seller: Make sure to purchase a turbine from an authorized MIR distributor.
- Suspiciously low prices: If you find a turbine being sold at a price significantly lower than the market value, it’s likely an imitation.