The Airwise AWSR160X3 is a 160mm diameter, 3-metre length of semi-rigid aluminium ventilation duct. The 160mm bore makes it the companion flexible connection piece for MVHR main distribution spigots, solar air heating runs, and other 160mm ventilation systems where rigid duct cannot navigate a particular obstacle. Like the 150mm version, it is considerably stronger and more crush-resistant than standard aluminium foil flex, holds any bend formed by hand, and has a smooth seamless inner bore for low pressure drop. Supplied compressed to 0.6m for easy site handling, extending to 3m on installation.
About Airwise: A leading UK and Ireland ventilation products supplier based in Tetbury, Gloucestershire — known for quality, integrity, and competitive pricing across the full spectrum of ventilation ducting, valves, and accessories.
Aluminium/Polyester
Construction
Hand-Bendable
Shape-Retaining
160mm System Compatibility: The 160mm bore matches the spigot size of many MVHR units, Verplas Self-Seal Thermal Ducting runs, and solar air heating distribution systems. The AWSR160X3 provides a flexible, hand-formable aluminium connection at this diameter — ideal for navigating building structure obstacles within an otherwise rigid 160mm duct system.
Non-Insulated — Cold Spaces: The AWSR160X3 is not thermally insulated. In cold loft voids or roof spaces where the duct surface could fall below the dew point of the airstream, use insulated flexible duct or thermally insulated rigid duct (such as the Verplas EPS thermal range) for these sections. If semi-rigid must be used in cold spaces, wrap with duct lagging after installation.
Key Features
160mm Bore — MVHR Compatible
The 160mm internal diameter matches the main spigot size of many UK MVHR units and distribution systems, making this the correct semi-rigid connection at the MVHR unit itself for vibration isolation and minor positional adjustment.
Stronger Than Standard Foil Flex
Aluminium/polyester laminate construction is significantly more rigid and crush-resistant than plain single-layer foil duct, holding its circular cross-section under normal installation loads and subsequent building activity.
Permanent Bend Retention
The body can be bent by hand to navigate joists, beams, and rafters — holding the formed shape without springs back, allowing the duct to follow a fixed path cleanly through structural elements.
Smooth Seamless Inner Bore
The seamless aluminium inner surface minimises turbulence, keeping pressure drop lower per metre than corrugated flexible duct — important in 160mm MVHR systems where the main unit static pressure is carefully balanced.
Compressed for Easy Handling
3m extended length compresses to just 0.6m — easy to carry up loft ladders, through hatches, and into confined installation spaces without the handling difficulties of full-length rigid pipe.
Tool-Free Installation
Cut to any length with tin snips, a hacksaw, or a utility knife. Connect to 160mm spigots with worm drive clips. No specialist tools or pipe-cutting equipment required.
Specifications
| SKU |
AWSR160X3 |
| Brand |
Airwise |
| Diameter |
160 mm |
| Extended Length |
3,000 mm (3 m) |
| Compressed Length |
Approx. 600 mm |
| Construction Material |
Aluminium / polyester laminate |
| Inner Surface |
Smooth, seamless |
| Colour |
Silver |
| Compatible Systems |
160mm round duct, MVHR main spigots, solar air heating 160mm distribution |
| Typical Applications |
MVHR unit connection, solar air heating last-metre flex, routing 160mm duct around structural obstacles, fan vibration isolation |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this compare to the Verplas EPS thermal duct at 160mm?
The Verplas TSS-160 EPS thermal duct is rigid, insulated, and uses push-fit self-seal connectors — ideal for long cold-space main runs where condensation prevention is the priority. The AWSR160X3 is flexible, non-insulated, and manually bendable — ideal for short connection sections where flexibility is needed around an obstacle. The two products complement each other in the same system.
Can this duct be used to connect directly to an MVHR unit?
Yes — a short section of 160mm semi-rigid duct between the MVHR unit spigot and the first rigid duct fitting is best practice for vibration isolation. It decouples the unit from the rigid duct run, preventing vibration from the MVHR fan from transmitting into the building structure as structure-borne noise.
Is 160mm semi-rigid duct the same size as 150mm?
No — 160mm and 150mm are distinct, incompatible duct sizes with a 10mm difference in diameter. Always verify the spigot size of your fan unit or fitting before selecting the duct size. Do not attempt to use 150mm duct on a 160mm spigot.
How do I seal semi-rigid duct joints for MVHR airtightness?
Secure each end with a worm drive clip (minimum 40mm spigot engagement), then seal the joint and any gap between the duct outer surface and the spigot with aluminium foil duct tape. This achieves the airtightness required for MVHR installation commissioning.
What is the minimum bend radius for this duct?
Avoid bending the duct tighter than a radius equal to the duct diameter (160mm). Tighter bends cause the corrugation to collapse on the inside of the bend, reducing the internal area and sharply increasing pressure drop through that section.
