I designed the Patch Portion tool after I was diagnosed with Long Covid. My aunt was diagnosed shortly after and we were introduced to The Nicotine Test protocol. I walked into a pharmacy to buy patches and was surprised how expensive the lower dose patches were in comparison to the bulk packs of larger patches – the protocol calls for a very low starting dose of around 1 – 1.5mg, to minimise side effects. I bought the bulk pack and began dividing up my patches with a ruler, while my aunt took a more liberal approach with a pair of scissors and a dose of ‘that’ll do’. Looking for a better way of dividing up patches, I turned to 3D modelling and my small 3D printer. Three prototypes later – and some field testing – I had the Patch Portion tool.

I initially wasn’t going to create more than a few for my aunt and I, but with the ease of creation using the 3D printer, I decided to make them more widely available. They allow very even dosing, and small dosing steps – something that I have found important as my body is very sensitive to drugs.
Making accurate nicotine patching more accessible by lowering the cost is something that is also important for me. I am fortunate enough to have been supported through almost a decade of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but I know that many are not as privileged. The initial outlay for the bulk pack of 25mg patches is higher, but with the tool, the daily or monthly costs are greatly reduced.

The cost of the Patch Portion tool just about covers my time, tools and materials. This is not designed to be a for profit business. That is why shipping overseas is not available at the moment.

I have plans to widen the range of Patch Portion tools to fit different brands of patches, and offer a free printable paper version that you cut, fold and tape to create a temporary dividing tool. If you have a request for a particular brand of patch, please get in touch. This includes overseas as I can create 3D files to share.

Thanks for visiting!

Oliver