FDA Approves First-Ever Transparent Smart N99+ Mask That Sterilizes Itself

While there’s a firm emphasis placed on wearing face covers during the COVID-19 crisis, prolonged usage of masks can make you feel uncomfortable, hot, and out of breath. They also restrict communication, not only because they tend to leave voices muffled, but also because they shield facial expressions and lips, a pain particularly felt by the hard of hearing.

At long last, a reliable option closest to the experience of not having a mask on is here. The lightweight, inventive gear, developed by Detroit-based Redcliffe Medical, is called the LEAF Mask. It’s the world’s first FDA-registered transparent mask with N99-quality air filtering and self-sterilizing qualities, and was built using aerospace technology with 100-percent recyclable optical-grade materials.

LEAF’s unibody mask is designed with clear medical-grade silicone, offering a universal fit and, finally, literal transparency in communicating, with the N99+ HEPA\HEPA-Carbon filters strategically placed around the chin to keep the bottom half of your face visible. It also means you will be able to unlock your smartphone without removing your face mask.

A possible drawback of transparent face covers is their tendency to fog up as you breathe. However, LEAF’s version has a self-defogging feature that keeps the area clear at all times.

The mask is available in three variants: a basic Leaf HEPA version, and Leaf UV and Leaf PRO masks. All three arrive with N99+ HEPA filtration and Active-Carbon filtration to destroy odors and organic substances, but the latter two come with a small UV-C light in their filter housing that kills pathogens at the DNA level. The most premium option, LEAF PRO, also has active smartphone app-controlled ventilation and air quality sensors.

LEAF is currently on crowdfunding mode and has exceeded its US$30,000 goal by 3,266 percent.