More Breathable, More Comfortable Face Masks
It is widely agreed that face masks are an effective barrier against viruses such as COVID-19, as its primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets that are released not only when sneezing or coughing, but even
when talking.
Some masks, similar to the surgical mask, have been in production and use in hospitals in Germany and the USA since 1920, and pharmaceutical manufacturers producing sterile products introduced masks into their 'clean rooms' in the 1930s. The gold standard N95 mask was invented in 1995 and is now used universally by employees engaged in the manufacture of therapeutic products worldwide.
Having used the N95 in a production setting, it was no surprise to find others had also found it uncomfortable and an improved design was a necessity. In late 2021 the US Department of Health and Human Services initiated a challenge to find masks that are comfortable and provide excellent protection against airborne viruses.
A report published in Medscape July 12 examined the results of the Mask Innovation Challenge with ten finalists selected from over 1500 submissions.
Some designs were made of transparent or partially see-through materials so you could see people's expressions, others were made from bio based and nano materials.
The finalists included: ReadiMask 365 using nano fibre filters that seal to your face - believed to be very comfortable
Clear Mask - a design inspired by one who is deaf, enabling lip reading
4C Air - made from nano-material that provides high levels of filtration and breathability
Air99 - fits better, works better, looks better says the designer
Air Flo Labs - this company conducted hundreds of facial scans and offers two nose bridge sizes
Georgetown University produced a smart mask of metallic foams that can be cleaned and reused
Levi Stauss & Co aims to activate the apparel supply chain as a source of low cost - high performance masks
Matregenix - a mask made of transparent nano fibre claiming clearer communication while having high filtration
StaySafeNow - A team from Harvard developed a re-useable, cost effective clear mask that allows people, such as teachers, to communicate more clearly.
You can look up the details of all of these masks on the web. Some are already being produced and are available in Australia.
The report emphasised that this is not the end of the N95 but an attempt to find a comfortable mask that meets the risk of going to the Supermarket compared with a health care setting.
Geoff
Coming Soon More Comfortable Face Masks article Medscape July 12,2022
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