Battery-powered face mask with fans unveiled by LG
The LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier employs two H13 HEPA filters, the same as those used in the South Korean firm’s air filtration devices.
More significantly, the mask comes with an 820mAh battery that is used to power the inbuilt fans, supposedly making it easier for users to breath through the mask whilst wearing.
The fans can run for up to eight hours on low power mode, although this reduces to just two hours on high power.
A “patented Respiratory Sensor” also allows the mask to detect the cycle and volume of the wearer’s breath and adjusts its three-speed fans accordingly.
It has been designed to fit as snugly as possible onto a users’ face to minimise air leakage around the nose and chin, which should also make it more comfortable when wearing it for hours at a time.
Even the mask’s case comes with a UV-LED designed to kill harmful germs while it recharges, along with the ability to sync to a smartphone in order to display a notification for when the filters need to be replaced.
LG describes the mask as an “environmentally responsible solution” because every element of the mask can be replaced or recycled. Nevertheless, with most masks forgoing any kind of electronics whatsoever, these masks unusually have the potential to contribute towards the world’s growing e-waste problem.
LG said it solves the “dilemma” of both homemade masks, which are typically of inconsistent quality, and disposable masks that are in short supply.
The PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier will be available starting in Q4 2020 in “select markets”, LG said, although it has not revealed a price yet.
Dan Song, president of LG Electronics said: “At a time when consumers are seeking ways to make life safer and more convenient, it’s important that we’re able to offer solutions that add measurable value.”
Earlier this month, researchers demonstrated how rice cookers can be effectively used to sterilise N95 respirator masks for reuse.
