Researchers from the swiss University EPFL and the centre swiss federal materials science named Empa teamed up to develop a surgical mask transparent. In order to put on the market, new hardware, a startup has been created : HMCARE. It has just raised the equivalent of $ 1 million.
Everything started from an observation : we are social beings, and this feature does not stop at the doors of health facilities. The medical staff is the first face a universal problem : how to treat them humanly when we can’t convey our emotions on our face ?
The mask surgical classic worn in order to protect the patients and the medical staff, renders impossible the transmission of emotions. Gold empathize, or even a simple smile can change a lot of things. Beyond reinforcing the feeling of exclusion of the sick, the classic masks reinforce the distance and the frustration of the nursing staff to not be able to handle a person more human and more normal.
A mask with innovative features
This mask called “HelloMask” is the result of two years of research and meets the sanitary standards of surgical masks. It is composed of a new material almost entirely biodegradable – derived 99% of the biomass – at a low cost. In addition to being transparent and resistant, material microporous enables you to stop the virus while allowing better breathing, which brings a true comfort to one who wears it. The masks have a transparent plastic does not provide this comfort, and can create mist.
The idea of this new mask belongs to Klaus Schonenberger, who heads the EPFL. He has worked in West Africa during the Ebola epidemic. He said :” It was very touching to see that the nurses covered from head to toe with protective gear – who pinned pictures of themselves on their chest so that the patients can see their faces “.
In a first step, the company will be supplying the health workforce in 2021. Then, depending on the application, the masks can be marketed to the general public.
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