The COVID-19 pandemic has made the use of face masks an inevitable part of daily life. However, as the population adjusts to this unavoidable protection gear, it is encountering many a discomfort which hinders its usage to prevent the spread of the virus. SN Bose National Centre For Basic Sciences, SNBNCBS, Kolkata, has developed an active respirator mask with attached exhalation valve and filter against suspended-particles for comfortable and hygienic breathing. The SNBNCBS is an autonomous research institute in Kolkata under the Department of Science and Technology.

How is this mask different from the regular ones?

The active respirator mask is an innovative solution to the problem of rebreathing of carbon dioxide and exhaled moisture, inside the mask. It also protects mask wearers from exposure to airborne contaminants. The Active Respirator mask is an innovative solution to the rebreathing of carbon dioxide, exhaled moisture, sweaty and hot environment inside the mask.

Regular masks can lead to brain-hypoxia

The biggest problem in existing masks is rebreathing of Carbon dioxide (CO2), which may reduce human efficiency and lead to brain-hypoxia due to long hours of usage, moisture in the exhaled breath and sweaty and hot environment inside the mask. Hypoxia is a condition in which blood and body tissues do not get enough oxygen.

Institute has also developed a nano-sanitizer

A nano-sanitizer with an antimicrobial dispensing layer has also been developed by the centre. This innovative sanitizer is a solution to dehydration of skin due to frequent use. This innovative sanitiser technology assures comfortable and hygienic hand sanitisation for a longer duration. The target date of launching the first batch of both the products is scheduled for 15th August 2020.