Govt lab CeNS designs comfortable facemask

A team of researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bangalore, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, has developed a cup-shaped design of the mask that helps to create enough space in front of the mouth while speaking.

The design has been transferred to a Bangalore-based company for mass production, said an official press release. Patent application has been filed for the design.

“This snug-fit mask causes no speech distortion, no fogging on glasses, and packs well all around, leaving practically no room for leakage while breathing,” the release said. “Another important advantage is its high breathability, allowing one to wear it without any discomfort.”

Further, the researchers have chosen the fabric layers such that there is a possibility of deactivating pathogens by the electric charges that may prevail under mild friction due to the tribo-electric nature of the fabric. These advanced-level tests are being carried out.

"While an ergonomic design for Covid-19 protection mask is essential for its ease of use for long hours, it is often not paid much attention beyond a few standard designs. A good design should minimize the feeling of intrusion and leakage around the edges, but maximize the ease of breathing and talking while holding its place," said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.

With the increase of active Covid cases in India and other countries, the usage of facemasks has been advised for the general public. While the healthcare professionals can use the special and high technical quality medical masks, for the general public, a mask with moderate filtering efficiency should suffice. It should be comfortable to wear to encourage public to wear it for long hours.

CeNS has transferred this technology to Camellia Clothing Ltd., a Bangalore based garment company, established a couple of decades ago. The company wishes to produce and sell around one lakh mask per day through different distribution channels throughout India..