Summary Reader Response (Innovative Face Mask) Draft 2

 According to the article “ ‘Helloface’ is an innovative transparent alternative to Type IIR NE14683 medical face masks made up of a 3-ply construction that prevents large particles from reaching patients”, written by University of Hertfordshire (2022). The usage of masks greatly increased during the Covid 19 Pandemic and the creator of Helloface, Dean Ezekiel found that face masks were creating an obstacle for talking between people, thus he launched a new company to face that problem by producing clear face masks. The plan to start the company was inspired by his wife who is partially deaf and needed lip reading to help her understand when she could not hear the person. Dean understood that being able to communicate via lip reading and face expression is important as there are 11 million people in the UK registered as deaf or blind and it would help in the medical sector and industries where facial recognition is crucial.

The article emphasizes why having facial recognition is crucial for communication in the medical sector due to the large number of people being deaf or having difficulty in hearing. Having a typical mask to prevent Covid 19 may be effective but having a clear and innovative face mask where others can be able to read your lips may be more essential for people who are deaf or have difficulty in hearing. 

Besides having a face mask to reduce the reach of Covid 19, they are rapidly becoming daily fashion accessories for all of us. As face masks are quickly becoming a part of our daily routine, many people are choosing to showcase their individual style through them. According to the article “Do you know about Innovative Face Masks?”, written by (Neda Ali, 2020), it has been said that fashion brands are getting more creative with Coronavirus face masks. 1 of the fashion brands called “Voravaj Bangkok'' has said that he wants to create a fun and unique campaign that not only encourages people to self-protect with flair, but also inspires others to turn their talents into creativity during lockdown. With fashion being a platform for self-expression, I believe that innovative face masks are another way of showing off their fashion and at the same time protecting them from Covid 19.

There are many people who complain that they have difficulty breathing while wearing a mask. However, the newly innovative mask can provide filtration all day long and maximum airflow without leakage ensuring oxygen flows freely in. According to the article “MEO The Most Innovative Face Mask On The Market”, written by a MEO Admin, he said that the mask provided an ergonomic design paired with their natural filter technology which reduces the build-up of moisture and heat during wear. Besides that, the flirtation technology filters out at least 99.99% of airborne bacteria including viruses. I believe that wearing a mask is essential and it should be comfortable for daily users, and with newly innovative face masks that can provide comfort yet protect us from viruses, it will satisfy the community when wearing a mask.

With technology catching up to us nowadays, mask technology is being taken to the next level. As people find ways to monitor their heart rate such as using apple watches, mask technology is also being able to monitor heart rate without skin contact and also monitoring respiration rate via temperature change. I feel that this technology makes it efficient for the community to track their health related information as people are required to don a mask at most places. From the article “ ‘Smart Face Masks’ - Researches Have Created A Way To Digitize Masks” written by (Sai Balasubramanian, MD, 2022), he said that “Face masks are passive devices, however, and cannot alert the user in case of improper fit or mask degradation. Additionally, face masks are optimally positioned to give unique insight into some personal health metrics”. With technology being so advanced, these innovative face masks can provide us with more information and safety from Covid 19. 

Despite having innovative face masks, I find that a typical surgical mask or the N95 mask is capable enough to protect us from Covid 19 and other viruses. Many people also have negative attitudes about face masks during the pandemic and this might also result in ineffectiveness when creating innovative face masks. From the article “ Negative attitudes about face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic: The dual importance of perceived ineffectiveness and psychological reactance” written by (Steven Taylor, 2021), he said that “Although the public has been generally adherent to mask wearing, a small but vocal group of individuals refuse to wear masks. Anti-mask protest rallies have occurred in many places throughout the world, sometimes erupting violently”. With people protesting against wearing a mask, I feel that having an innovative face mask might be a waste of resources and would not interest certain groups of people.

All in all, I find that both normal surgical masks and innovative face masks are necessary in the current pandemic. Despite a normal surgical mask being able to protect us from viruses, the innovative face masks sound quite unique and also provide us with different benefits such as fashion, comfort and also providing health information. 

References:

Neda, A. (2020, December 2) Do You Know About Innovative Face Masks? https://www.opengrowth.com/resources/do-you-know-about-innovative-face-masks

MEO The Most Innovative Face Mask On the Market. MEO Admin. https://www.meoair.com/meo-the-most-innovative-face-mask-on-the-market%EF%BF%BC/

Sai, B., M.D., J.D. (2022, January 13) 'Smart Face Masks' - Researchers Have Created  A Way To Digitize Masks. https://www.forbes.com/sites/saibala/2022/01/13/smart-face-masks--researchers-have-created-a-way-to-digitize-masks/?sh=49fbe97c55ae

Taylor, S., Gordon, J., G, Asmundson. (2021, February 17). Negative attitudes about facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: THe dual importance of perceived ineffectiveness and psychological reactance. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0246317