Respirator masks are the first line of defense against air pollution and airborne diseases, yet many forgo them because they are uncomfortable to wear and seldom fit well. Developed by homegrown engineering firm Innosparks, we worked in collaboration with the Innosparks team to engineer a protective mask that delivers protection without compromising comfort.
The AIR+ Smart Mask is truly an engineering breakthrough through its smart system of disposable masks and detachable micro ventilators, offering certified protection for a variety of face sizes, including that of young children. The AIR+ Smart Mask transforms a passive object for filtering air into one that actively “breathes” for the user.
AIR+ Smart Mask translates a ground-breaking technology into a simple and considered user experience. The design breaks apart the conventional archetypes of powered respirators, replacing it with a system of disposable masks, offered in three faces sizes, and two types of detachable USB-powered micro ventilators. Such a hygienic, convenient and portable design allows users to customise a protective solution for different environments.
The AIR+ Smart Mask is innovation in action, from its revolutionary concept, breakthrough technology and its novel use of technology to inspire design.
To inform the mask size design, Innosparks engineers measured the face sizes of 850 Asian adults and children though 3D scanning and physical measurements. To envision the micro ventilator’s benefit to the consumer, engineers research the breathing patterns and airflow dynamics within masks through simulation studies. The result is a differentiated product that fits typical Asian faces and delivers cool comfort.
For the first time, children aged 7 years and up have a respirator that fits them. Despite the challenge of a small surface area, the AIR+ Smart Mask is able to offer high performance certified to industrial standards due to its engineering and design ingenuity. AIR+ Smart Mask comes in small, medium and large sizes to fit the whole family, and the designs were tested to fit typical Asian face profiles, using data derived from 3D-scanning the faces of over 800 individuals.
During the prolonged haze of 2015 in Singapore, AIR+ Smart Mask emerged as the preferred choice of protective masks among consumers and was well reviewed by the city’s major newspapers and online media. In 2016, the design also clinched industrial accolades from the likes of the President*s Design Award, Red Dot Award and the iF Design Award.
Respirator masks are the first line of defense against air pollution and airborne diseases, yet many forgo them because they are uncomfortable to wear and seldom fit well. The AIR+ Smart Mask is truly an engineering breakthrough through its smart system of disposable masks and detachable micro ventilators, offering certified protection for a variety of face sizes, including that of young children. The AIR+ Smart Mask transforms a passive object for filtering air into one that actively “breathes” for the user.
ClientInnosparks Pte Ltd (A Member of ST Engineering)ServicesPhysical Product Design, Innovation Collaboration, Ergonomics, Branding, PackagingYear2014Linkhttp://www.airplus-asia.comDesign DirectorDonn KohDesign LeadLim Chi YongTeamTze Lee, Yong Jie Yu, Ng Xin Nie, Cheng Siew MingEngr DesignJerome Lee, Gareth Tang, Fong Saik Hay, Karl Erik Birgersson, Daniel Tan, Steven Sak, Li Fuyun, Lin Jin-Jyr, Natalie LinAwardPresident's Design Award 2015AwardRed Dot Product Design Award 2016AwardiF Product Design Award 2016