FreeBreathe Case Study How INSTRKTIV turned compliance into a competitive edge

Industry: Water Sports Equipment

Location: Miami, Florida, USA

Customer overview

FreeBreathe is an American startup reshaping underwater exploration with its flagship innovation: a lightweight, portable breathing device that lets users dive up to 15 feet (4.5 m), powered entirely by natural body movements. Backed by three decades of development, the patented technology removes the limitations of traditional snorkelling and diving gear, enabling longer, safer, and more enjoyable aquatic adventures.

Customer needs

As FreeBreathe prepared for its first product launch, the team needed:

• A user manual fully compliant with both US and EU safety and legal standards.
• Clear, user-friendly instructions to protect consumers and strengthen their professional image.
• Documentation flexible enough to evolve alongside product design updates.

Given their lean team and focus on product innovation, FreeBreathe lacked in-house expertise and resources to manage documentation and compliance complexities.

The challenge

FreeBreathe faced several challenges ahead of launch:

• Complex compliance requirements across both US and EU markets.
• The need for clear, accessible safety information to protect users.
• Frequent manual updates required as the product evolved during development.

For a startup with a single flagship product, the manual wasn’t just about compliance. It was a key tool for building trust with customers, investors, and crowdfunding backers - and for reinforcing the brand’s professional image in a highly competitive market.

The solution

INSTRKTIV delivered a comprehensive, tailored documentation solution:

Compliance expertise

Our legal team classified the FreeBreathe device for both EU and US markets and supported the risk assessment process.

• In the US, we consulted multiple authorities to gather all relevant standards, overcoming the lack of a centralised database.
• In the EU, we leveraged our expertise in harmonised standards to streamline compliance.

User-focused manual creation

Technical writer Erwin worked closely with FreeBreathe to:

• Capture key product information, intended use, and user scenarios.
• Develop clear, step-by-step instructions covering safe use, warnings, and emergency procedures.
• Address essential topics such as: swimming and diving techniques, safe water conditions, supervision guidelines, and maintenance.

Flexible collaboration during product evolution

As the design developed, we updated the manual quickly and efficiently, keeping costs down and ensuring the documentation always matched the product.

Professional design

Our designer created a sleek, intuitive layout - available in both PDF and HTML - that reinforced FreeBreathe’s premium brand positioning.

The PDF Manual

 

The HTML Manual

Implementation summary

• Regulatory classification and risk assessment for US and EU markets.
• Step-by-step safety instructions designed for ease of use.
• Ongoing updates aligned with product improvements.
• Professional design for both print and digital formats.

Optional: Video integration (future-ready)

To enrich the user experience, FreeBreathe is developing instructional videos that will be embedded in the online manual. These will provide interactive, visual guidance alongside the written content.

Results

Compliance across US & EU markets

The manual meets all legal and safety standards, giving both FreeBreathe and its customers complete peace of mind.

Enhanced product safety & user experience

Step-by-step instructions build user confidence, encouraging safe, responsible enjoyment of the product.

Flexibility to support product evolution

We kept the manual aligned with product changes, ensuring accuracy without delays or extra cost.

Ready for international growth

With compliance foundations in place and multilingual-ready formats, the manual supports FreeBreathe’s international expansion.

Professional brand presentation

The polished design enhances FreeBreathe’s professional image, building trust with customers, investors, and backers.

Customer testimonial

"As a startup, we needed a partner who could take compliance off our shoulders and deliver a professional manual that matched our brand. INSTRKTIV made the entire process smooth, clear, and stress-free."

Conclusion

For startups launching innovative products, professional documentation isn’t just about compliance - it’s about credibility, customer trust, and a successful market entry.

INSTRKTIV helps you achieve all three. Our flexible, cost-effective approach ensures your manuals are compliant, clear, and designed to elevate your brand - so you can focus on growing your business.

Ready to launch with confidence? Contact INSTRKTIV today.