Facemasks are not technically, err, tech. But the tech built into some facemasks qualify them eminently in this category. In 2021, however, this is likely to become a major marketing differentiator in the race to own the face.
The starter’s gun went off at last month’s annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), staged virtually for the first time. One of the highlights of the show was the prototype of a high-tech mask for gamers, unveiled by Razer, best known for some of the coolest gaming accessories around.
Its Project Hazel face mask features an N95 medical-grade respirator with detachable and rechargeable ventilators to regulate airflow. Smart pods designed for bacteria filtration keep out 95% of airborne particles — including those containing the Covid-19 virus. A mobile app warns when filters need to be replaced. Despite this, its transparent design allows others to see the wearer’s facial cues and allow lip-reading. The coolest element of all, however, is interior LED lighting that activates automatically in the dark, and allows people to see one’s mouth in low light. And an amplifier projects one’s voice.
Not very practical? Of course not, but it shows what is possible. And it is still just a concept, so technophiles will have to find their masked thrills in more mundane options. These are the best of the high-tech face masks we have tried (some of these were also covered in our roundup of the best serious tech of 2020):
Best high-end air filtering mask: AirPOP Original Mask
Before there were Covid-19 masks, anti-pollution masks were commonplace in the East. A leader in the field, Shanghai-based Aetheris Technology, lays claim to pioneering the “Air Wearables” category with its AirPOP range. At the ultra high-end, its intelligent facemasks filter airborne pollution and contaminants — including bacteria and viral matter. It offers optional sensing capability to analyse surrounding air pollution and record data through a smartphone app.
However, South Africans are being introduced to the “standard high-end” via a well-known high-tech outlet, the iStore. Top of its range is the newly launched AirPOP Original Mask, which is packaged with four replaceable and washable filters, each of which promises around 40 hours of use.
The Original sets itself apart from the opening of its packaging: it is an experience akin to the unboxing of the more regular tech one expects in an iStore, and highlights the quality of materials and information provided.
Made from soft-touch microfiber, it has more than 300 micro-apertures to channel air to the nose and mouth evenly, according to Aetheris. This ensures optimal heat and moisture exchange.
“With its patented 360 degrees sealing, medical-grade soft touch membrane, and super light construction, the Original mask filters adaptively seal to the contours of your face,” says the company. “Our specialised 3D structure creates a canopy of air that keeps the mask off the face for effortless breathability. Paired with low resistance materials, the Original mask delivers unrestricted airflow for easy breathing.”
The claimed numbers are dramatic: 99.3% particle filtration (PFE) and 99.9% bacterial filtration (BFE), along with fluid resistance. Its costs R1,199 from the iStore.
Go to the next page to read about the best mid-range, fashion, sports and low-end face masks.
Best mid-range air filtering mask: AirPOP Light SE
The AirPOP Light SE draws on the same legacy of air filtering and design to provide one of the safest face masks available over the counter. A cushioned nose seal makes it one of the few masks to eliminate eyewear fogging completely, while its 3D shape creates an air canopy that offers enhanced breathability. Ergonomic wings and adjustable ear loops round out a unique look and feel. The makers claim the same 99.3% particle filtration and 99.9% bacterial filtration and fluid resistance as for the Original. The mask goes for R199 for 1 or R599 for a pack of 4 from iStore.co.za or Takealot.com.
Best fashion mask: Sophie Moda Ice-cooling 3D mask
The lightest mask we have yet used, also happens to be one of the most stylish: it fits snugly over the nose, sits comfortably on the face, thanks to adjustable earloops, and looks good compared to typical shapeless and even 3D masks. Microfibre materials also protect from passive smoking and waste gas, while it also claims to be dust-proof and to act as a sunscreen. Hand-washable and reusable, the masks start from R129 for a pack of 3 from Takealot.com.
Best sports mask: UA Sports mask
Many runners still refuse to wear masks, arguing that they are “too uncomfortable”, when they really mean they are too entitled. The UA Sports mask from Under Armour helps eliminate the excuse, with the first dedicated Covid-19 sports mask brought into South Africa. It is both snug and spacious, standing off the face while sealing the upper edges with a mouldable nose-bridge. This means that one has more breathing space inside the mask, so that airflow to the eyes — and therefore fogging — is reduced. And it is both comfortable and stylish. The sports mask costs R499 from underarmour.co.za.
Best low-end face mask: Disposable 3-play face-masks
There is one fundamental problem with all of these high-tech face masks: for people who have to wear masks most of every day, and need to replace them during the day, the cost adds up rapidly. To the rescue comes another high-tech intervention: daily deal sites that offer large packs of disposable surgical masks at ridiculous prices. These 3-play masks are lightweight, with mouldable nose strips, reducing spectacle fogging and increasing comfort. They promise to protect against micro-organisms, body fluids, and small air particles. Best of all, catch the right deal on the right day, and it can cost less than R1 per mask. One Deal A Day recently offered a pack of 100 masks for R99, while One Day Only offered packs of 10, 30 or 50 MaskSense disposable 3-ply medical masks, starting at R159 a pack.
With Covid-19 vaccines likely to take much of the year to roll out, masks will be as important as ever in protecting ourselves and those with whom we come into contact. Masks are not only for you to stay safe, but also to help keep everyone else safe.
- Arthur Goldstuck is founder of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram on @art2gee.