For several months now, buying and putting on face masks have become a daily routine. But prolonged use of the mask can cause adverse effects such as headaches, rash, acne, and skin problems. As masks cover most of the face except the eyes, it can also derail communication, especially for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
A New York design company, Solight, has created a radical alternative to traditional N95 face masks dubbed SEEUS95. This futuristic transparent mask does not have those uncomfortable elastic straps and adheres to the face through an effect skin-friendly suction cup, which eliminates the tension of the strings behind the ears. At the same time, it takes care of the skin thanks to the use of quality organic materials, which lower the cost and are easily recyclable at the end of their life.
This earloop free, self-adhesive, and kind to your skin mask is made with a medical silicone support structure, which is transparent and easily washable. To protect you from pathogens, SEEUS95 wears a natural filter made of bamboo, silk, silver, and carbon. Bamboo and cotton help filter dust and moisture from the air, while the natural electrostatic properties of silk help attract and trap viruses. Nanosilver particles release ions that kill these microorganisms, while carbon helps neutralize odor molecules, giving fresh, clean air with every breath. In addition, natural filters can be replaced periodically, without waste.
The mask also boasts a skin therapy layer made of a skin healing material called chitosan – a natural biopolymer with moisture harnessing properties used in skin rejuvenation for burn victims, hip replacements, and cosmetic application. Besides, the SEEUS95 has an anti-FOG coating on the inside surface of the mask, which will prevent fogging.
Its completely transparent design allows us to show our faces – to smile and show feelings, does not prevent the face ID of smartphones. However, the absence of an ear hook is the most innovative feature of all, as the coating helps the mask to attach naturally and securely, even with those with beards. The SEEUS95 is designed to last for years, can be washed in the dishwasher, or sterilized in the microwave, or simply with soap and water.
Tested in the MIT laboratories in Boston, it has obtained the certifications of reusability, hygiene, recyclability as well as being antimicrobial and BPA-free. The SEEUS95 mask project is currently a subject of the Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign.