Sip-and-puff (SNP) switches help people with paralysis or limited motor skills navigate computers, mobile devices, and wheelchairs. These devices work through a straw-like mouthpiece that detects air pressure changes when users blow into (puff) or suck from (sip) it. The mouthpiece connects to a system that translates these actions into digital commands, similar to keyboard strokes or mouse clicks.

Here's how SNP systems work:

• Setup: The mouthpiece attaches to a headpiece or mounts on a wheelchair or desk, connecting to devices via wire or wireless technology
• Operation: Users sip or puff air through the mouthpiece to trigger different commands
• Customization: Software interprets these actions based on user preferences — for example, puffs might move between screen elements while sips activate them
• Functionality: Systems can range from single switches to multiple ones for complex tasks, with specialized software to emulate keyboard and mouse actions

Image credit: Permobil

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