ClearMask, a privately held U.S. medical company, designed the mask so that the bottom half of your face is fully visible to improve communication while still providing protection against COVID-19, according to the company’s website.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval to the world’s first fully transparent surgical mask in production and can be purchased online.
The mask was developed before the coronavirus pandemic. Still, it was quickly viewed as a practical alternative when traditional masks and face coverings began to present problems for people who depend on reading lips to communicate effectively.
“After three years of research, development, and testing, we are thrilled to bring a human-centered mask to everyone who needs it, especially those who can benefit from improved visual communication, such as children, older adults, people who are deaf and hard of hearing.” said Allysa Dittmar, President of ClearMask.
The company has provided the masks in bulk volumes, typically in the tens to hundreds of thousands. The consumer masks can now be purchased through ClearMask’s website at www.theclearmask.com, starting at a box of 24 masks.