A mobile, compact and patented technology that delivers ISO 5 air quality beyond the surgical suite
In an era where sterile conditions are no longer limited to operating rooms but a growing necessity across various areas of medicine—and beyond—Soffì emerges as a groundbreaking solution. Developed by Stertec, a Veneto-based Italian startup, Soffì is designed to deliver surgical-grade air quality directly to the working area. It offers this in a fast, simple, and mobile format.
Behind Soffì is a team whose vision bridges pharmaceutical know-how with advanced laminar flow technology. In this article, Gianluca Zappa—one of the key figures behind the project’s development—shares how an idea born in the field of podiatry evolved into a state-of-the-art solution. This solution is poised to redefine standards in medical air protection.
A specific need: diabetic foot care in podiatry
The story begins with a highly specific yet widespread clinical issue: the management of diabetic foot ulcers. These ulcers are one of the most challenging and infection-prone areas in podiatric practice. Treating these lesions demands an environment as sterile as possible—something that standard medical offices often lack.
It was in this context that Stertec began to take shape. The original idea came from Francesco della Valle, founder and president of Epitech Group (Stertec’s parent company), alongside two key collaborators: Paolo Romanato (now Stertec’s CEO) and Vanni Canton. The goal was simple yet powerful: to enable localized sterility outside traditional surgical settings.
Following initial research and prototyping, the project gained new momentum. This happened with the involvement of Della Valle’s daughter Raffaella della Valle and Gianluca Zappa, an experienced engineer specializing in international project management.
From vision to product: the birth of Soffì
The challenge was to turn a brilliant concept into a truly usable device.
“We started with something complex and hard to industrialize,” Zappa explains. Nevertheless, they ended up creating a machine that is simple to use yet technically sophisticated.”
That machine is Soffì, a laminar flow hood that generates a sterile air “bubble” directly above the treatment area.
The air emitted is filtered through HEPA H14 absolute filters, ensuring air purity within ISO Class 5 to 7 according to EN UNI ISO 14644-1. This is comparable to the standards of hospital operating rooms. All of this is delivered in a compact, adjustable unit equipped with LED lighting and an integrated camera.
Mobility and versatility: a new standard for clinics
Soffì, however, is not just for podiatry. The device is fully mobile, consumes less power than a hairdryer, and can be relocated from one room to another within seconds. This makes it ideal for cosmetic surgery, veterinary clinics, dermatological procedures, and even for military or humanitarian applications, such as mobile field hospitals.
At the Medica trade fair in Düsseldorf, Soffì was introduced to the global market. Feedback expanded its potential applications even further. From ambulatory surgery to emergency medicine, and even hospital departments lacking air filtration systems, Soffì proved to be a multifunctional solution—extending even to sensitive electronics repair requiring cleanroom-like conditions.
Technological innovation: the dual filtration system
Soffì’s strength lies in its patented architecture, which includes two independent ventilation and filtration systems. One system targets the general environment, and the other focuses specifically on the operational area.
This dual system not only purifies the surrounding air but also maintains a unidirectional, controlled laminar flow precisely over the intervention site.
The top-down airflow creates a dynamic containment zone, shielding both the patient and the operator from potential cross-contamination.
“It’s the same principle used in pharmaceutical sterile manufacturing,” says Zappa.
“A vertical laminar flow prevents the backflow of particles and bacteria. This includes contaminants from the operator’s own breath—into the sterile field.”
A name that carries meaning: Soffì
But why the name “Soffì”?
The answer lies in the device’s essence.
“The idea was to evoke the gentle, controlled airflow of clean air,” explains Zappa. “‘Soffio’—the Italian word for ‘breath’ or ‘blow’—felt like the perfect fit. From there, the name Soffì was born: a feminine name that suggests care, precision, and protection.”
It’s a name that captures not only what the device does—delivering sterile air over the workspace—but also how it does it: with subtlety, efficiency, and refined engineering.
Looking ahead: research, trials, and global reach
Today, Stertec is focused on expanding Soffì’s reach. On one side, the company is actively seeking commercial partners, distributors, and technical support centers both in Italy and abroad. On the other, it is collaborating with the University of Pisa to conduct comparative clinical trials. These trials are aimed at scientifically validating Soffì’s effectiveness in reducing bacterial contamination during medical procedures.
Particular attention is also being paid to emergency departments, where air purification is often lacking.
“With Soffì, you can establish an ISO 5 environment in under 15 minutes without modifying or building new infrastructure,” says Zappa.
“That translates to fewer infections, fewer antibiotics, and improved operational efficiency.”
A revolutionary yet accessible technology
Soffì is more than a device—it’s a new way of thinking about operational hygiene.
Technologically advanced yet intuitive to use, it offers a practical solution for professionals who want to provide safer environments for their patients. They can achieve this without the high costs and complexities of building sterile rooms.
Stertec’s mission goes beyond hardware: it’s a cultural shift, aimed at transforming how we approach sterility in healthcare.
Bringing surgical air quality wherever it’s needed most—that’s the breath of innovation Soffì delivers to modern medicine.
