What if something as natural as breathing suddenly became a struggle?

This is exactly what happened to Aulis Kärkkäinen – a Finnish inventor and active outdoorsman – who had suffered from breathing difficulties since childhood. Wheezing and shortness of breath were familiar to him from a young age, and the sensation was frightening.

He still remembers how the cold night air felt heavy in his lungs, but the crisp morning air brought relief. Later, he also found comfort in the sauna – in the combination of warm steam and deep breathing.

Over the years, his symptoms worsened, but Aulis didn’t wait for a solution – he set out to create one.

He wanted to bring a piece of the sauna’s soothing effect and the purity of Finnish air into his daily life – and eventually, to share it with others.

Aulis Kärkkäinen with the prototype

From Wheeze to Relief – In His Own Garage

It started with a simple idea: combine warm steam with breathing resistance to ease his symptoms. He made a prototype using tools he had at home, and the results surprised even him.

“After using the device, my airways felt clearer. I could sleep better. I could breathe freely again.”

–Aulis Kärkkäinen, WellO2 Inventor

Aulis Kärkkäinen with WellO2

A Daily Ritual for Better Breathing

For over a decade, Aulis has used the WellO2 method daily:

  • A few slow exhales into the device
  • Inhales of warm, soothing steam
  • Gentle breathing in between

Repeated just a few times, this became a daily reset for his lungs.

Today, he still uses the device – every morning and evening, before jogging, before singing, even in the middle of the night when needed.

Aulis Kärkkäinen

Results That Speak for Themselves

✅ Improved lung function (measured with spirometry)
✅ Better sleep and fewer breathing interruptions
✅ Reduced coughing and throat irritation
✅ Regained voice control—he could sing again

His lung capacity today is 40% better than average for his age – not just maintained, but improved.

From One Person to Over 150,000 Users

What began as a DIY project in Finland has now reached homes across Europe and beyond. In 2016, the device was approved for consumer use and launched in pharmacies. Since then, over 150,000 people have joined the movement to breathe better – naturally.

WellO2 is now a patented system, used by:

  • People with breathing challenges
  • Athletes seeking recovery
  • Voice professionals like teachers and singers
  • And anyone looking to sleep better and breathe easier

How WellO2 Was Born – Watch the Story

Try the Nordic Steam Breathing System

Aulis created WellO2 to help himself. It might just help you, too.