Scientists reveal a fully transparent surgical mask

The mask has been developed by researchers at Empa and EPFL and is the end product of two years of hard work.

The idea behind the transparent ‘HelloMasks’ is to allow more personal contact and communication between healthcare professionals and patients. These masks also aim to overcome any issues with partially transparent masks, which tend to make it difficult for the wearer to breathe and often fog up easily.

The fully transparent masks are made from a polymer which is developed specifically for this application. They are designed with small gaps to allow air to pass through, but to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria. A biomass-based material is used to fabricate the masks, and Thierry Pelet, HelloMask project head, said: “We’ll keep working on them until they’re completely eco-friendly.”

Completion of a CHF one million fundraising round has been announced, and the company are ready to develop the industrial process, with a planned market launch in early 2021. Researchers have created a start-up called HMCARE to market them, and initially the masks will be sold to the medical community.