The Dankotuwa Porcelain Steam Inhaler is a two-piece porcelain vessel designed to deliver steam through an angled spout, for use at home or in healthcare settings such as hospitals and quarantine centres. It comes from Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, a Sri Lankan manufacturer incorporated in 1984 and headquartered in Dankotuwa, whose core business is fine porcelain tableware and giftware. The steam inhaler represents a considered step beyond their usual portfolio — one developed with input from a specialist in surgery — and is built to the same material standard as the company's export-grade porcelain.
The construction is straightforward and purposeful. A rounded base body with two loop handles holds the water; a separate conical lid with an integrated angled spout sits on top, with a small vent hole on the lid. The body is made from glazed white porcelain throughout. Taking the lid off reveals a wide open aperture in the base, making filling and cleaning uncomplicated. The spout on the lid directs steam in a focused stream, and the two loop handles on the base allow a firm, steady grip.
Using the inhaler follows a simple sequence: boiling water is poured into the base body, the lid is placed on top, and steam is inhaled through the spout. A safety note accompanying the product advises checking the steam temperature by holding a palm near the spout before use — the water temperature should be comparable to that of a hot cup of tea. The product packaging directs users to the accompanying handbook for the full directions of use, recommendations, and safety information.
Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC is a publicly listed company on the Colombo Stock Exchange with around 1,500 employees as of 2023. The company is a recipient of the Presidential Export Awards in the ceramic and porcelain category and took the Gold Award at the NCE Export Awards 2019. The steam inhaler is available in two designs — Design A and Design B — in addition to the standard version, allowing buyers to choose according to preference.
