25 Innovative Examples of Face Masks and Face Shields
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During these troubling times, many countries are now demanding that citizens wear face masks when out and about. But be warned, wearing a face mask or face shield is not 100% effective at preventing you from inhaling viral particulate -- especially if they have a poor face fit.
They are, however, pretty good at preventing you from spreading the virus, should you come into close proximity with others. It is always best to avoid crowded places as much as possible and ensure that you regularly clean your hands.
For the best up-to-date information on protecting yourself during the current pandemic, always consult sites like the CDC for best practices.
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What are some great examples of face masks and face shields?
Here are some great examples of face masks and face shields from around the world. This list is far from exhaustive and is in no particular order.
1. These facemasks display customized animated LED messages
These cool face masks have been specially designed to display customized, animated messages. They do this by using integrated LED technology.
2. A clever little boy scout has invented "Ear Guards" for medical face masks
A boy scout has devised a 3D printable face mask accessory to help medical staff who are wearing them hours on end. Called "Ear Guards," his invention is open-source and can be printed license free for anyone with a 3D printer.
3. A kitchen utensil company has started to churn out silicon reusable face masks to help meet demand
A kitchen utensil company called Get it Right (GIR) has switched part of its production to the creation of reusable silicon face masks. Given the current enormous demand, and short supply, of useful face masks for medical staff, this is a fantastic initiative.
4. These amazing face masks are very sophisticated
Called the Guardian G-VOLT, these face masks are something very different indeed. Made by LIGC Applications, they use graphene filters with integrated electrical charge technology to repel viruses and bacteria.
5. These face masks have been developed to help the hearing impaired
As face masks tend to be opaque and hide the wearer's mouth and nose, it is often impossible for the hearing impaired to lip read. For this reason, one company has begun to produce face masks with a transparent plastic opening.
6. This 3D printed adaptor turns snorkeling masks into ventilators
This amazing invention allows people to convert their regular snorkeling face masks into ventilators. The best part is that it is open source so anyone can print them if they have a printer.
7. These face masks can be washed and reused up to 50 times
Developed by a company called Mitsufuji, these amazing face masks can be washed and reused up to 50 times. Called the "Hamon AG mask," this will really help fight the current face mask supply drought.
8. One of the inventors of the N95 mask believes they can also be reused
One of the inventors of the N95 face mask, Peter Tsai, believes there is a way to be able to reuse those too. He is currently developing a heating technique that should kill the virus without damaging the integrity of the mask.
9. This initiative is helping people create custom-designed 3D printable masks
An initiative called "My Mask Movement" is working together to create a way for people to 3D print masks customized to their own faces. Long the dream of PPE creators, this could help prevent a lack of face masks in the future.
10. This biomedical engineer has created a face mask that could neutralize SARS-CoV-2 in 5 minutes
“So when the virus-carrying droplets sit on the surface of salt-coated filters, the salt dissolves and when the liquid evaporates… it basically destroys the virus,” says Hyo-Jick Choi, University of Alberta Engineer. https://t.co/KOEpEICs6q
— 660 NEWS Calgary (@660NEWS) April 7, 2020
A biomedical engineer at the University of Alberta, Canada, has created a new face mask with a special salt coating. This coating, he says, can neutralize viruses, like SAR-CoV-2, in less than five minutes.
11. Toronto-based designers have launched their own custom-fit, 3D printable face masks
A Toronto-based group of designers has created their own range of custom-fit, 3D printable face masks. Called LuxMea studio, the team has been working on their design for several years prior to the current pandemic.
12. An Italian architect has recently released their concept for a reusable face shield
Italian Architect Massimo Iosa Ghini has recently released their concept for a reusable face shield.
13. This face shield can be created from plastic using the power of origami
Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Queensland have collaborated to create a special origami design for a face shield. Called the "HappyShield" it can be folded out of a single sheet of plastic in no time.
14. These face masks use activated carbon to help protect you
A company called Sugar Lash Pro, have developed a range of face masks that use activated carbon filters. Made of cotton, these masks are also designed to provide a very good face fit.
15. These face masks are also reusable
These face masks are also specifically designed to be reusable.
16. These face masks are designed to look that you aren't wearing one
These NIOSH N95 face masks have been specifically designed so it looks like you aren't actually wearing one. Each one features a printed image of your own mouth and nose.
17. Add a little bling to your face masks with these disco-ball versions
These disco-ball face masks really do add a little glamor to your face mask-wearing outfit.
18. These face masks are "Tiger King" themed
A local design shop is making Tiger King facemakes ???and I need one #TigerKing #facemasks pic.twitter.com/v1s3BGK4Xz
— Zach Blubaugh (@Raishiwi) April 10, 2020
One company has begun producing "Tiger King" themed face masks. We are not entirely sure what to think about these.
19. Fancy a bit of old school?
?Why wear a simple facemask, when you could be Covid-19 sheik!?monkeywork?#TPApocalypse #PlagueDoctor #facemasks pic.twitter.com/3frllfTqIc
— Author? John DeLaughter? (@HPL_JDeLaughter) April 5, 2020
Given the current plague-like aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, perhaps it is time to make the old "Plague Doctor" masks a thing again? However, we must stress that they are probably not very effective.
20. Here are some more cool 3D printable face masks and shields
My wife manages a 3D printing lab at UTS called ProtoSpace. They're pivoting to printing face masks and respirators. Pretty cool if you ask me. #protospace pic.twitter.com/MgdSm7Ovrj
— Daniel Reynolds (@ReynoldsJDaniel) April 8, 2020
This chap's wife's employer, ProtoSpace, have designed their own range of 3D printable face masks and face shields.
21. How about a "Plague Doctor" face masks that actually works?
Lowkey serious but can we bring back Plague Dr Masks but actually functional?
— Chilly Chilly Bang Bang?? (@ChillyVapor) April 3, 2020
-Filters our air
-Protects eyes
-Protects face from us forgetting to not touch our face like idiots
-Looks cool as fuck
-Govt won't provide med masks so we gotta do it ourselves but look cool pic.twitter.com/tssS4KXfHj
Further to example 19. above, why not get one that actually works?
22. These face masks have integrated Bluetooth and speakers!
Antimicrobial Face Mask with Bluetooth Module & localized speaker.
— BioppeUSA (@bioppeUSA) April 4, 2020
Cool Skin or Soft Cotton Material - washable - custom colors & logo placement available. #masksforall #CDC #Masks #MasksSaveLives #MasksWork #masks4allUSA #MasksForAmerica pic.twitter.com/VU4G9sITZC
These cool face masks actually have integrated Bluetooth tech and speakers! Now you can listen to your favorite tunes while protecting your respiratory system at the same time.
23. Some Georgia Tech students have designed and created thousands of 3D printed face shields
A group of @GeorgiaTech researchers made 10K face masks for Atlanta hospitals using 3D printers and laser cutting machines. Such a cool story!https://t.co/GbAHStb5xE
— Midtown Atlanta (@MidtownATL) April 3, 2020
These handy face shields have been designed and 3D printed by a group fo Georgia Tech students.
24. These face shields look pretty stylish
Don't let the need to wear PPE stop you looking your very best during the pandemic.
25. This Alien Facehugger-themed face mask will certainly keep others away
Smart: An Alien Facehugger Face Mask https://t.co/8AhKocDIkJ pic.twitter.com/NckuJNTP5o
— Sam Pateste (@carneconpapa) April 10, 2020
And finally, this Alien Facehugger-themed face mask will certainly make others keep their distance. While its utility as an actual piece of PPE is probably questionable, it will help with social distancing.
Unfortunately, this face mask is a unique item -- you can't buy one for yourself.
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