Why to wear a Shilma mask during coronavirus pandemic
With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus, the spread of airborne pathogens has become a great concern because of its potential impact, hence the need to wear a Shilma mask.
Surgical masks, also known as face masks, are intended to be worn by health professionals during healthcare procedures. They are designed to prevent infections in patients and treating personnel by catching bacteria shed in liquid droplets and aerosols from the wearer's mouth and nose on exhalation, coughing or sneezing. They are not designed to protect the wearer from breathing in airborne bacteria or viruses whose particles are smaller.
With respect to some infections like influenza they appear as effective as respirators, such as N95 or FFP masks; though the latter provide better protection in laboratory experiments due to their material, shape and tight seal.
During the coronavirus pandemic, people must wear masks. Unfortunately, very few wear the mask properly, most of the time leaving their nose out accusing the mask of being uncomfortable, blaming on the difficulty to breath, the fact that the glasses are steaming, especially when the temperature drops, etc. We totally agree with them; it is quite uncomfortable to wear a mask during the entire day. Improper wearing of the mask is equivalent to not wearing it at all. Although surgical masks are designed for single use only, most of the people use a mask for several days, increasing the likelihood of coronavirus transmission.
In addition, recent research has shown that surgical masks on the market, even if worn correctly, release a lot of expired air from the top, in the eye area, which explains the fogging of the glasses.
A big problem is that wearing a mask covers the face and facial expressions. Every day we communicate with our family, friends, colleagues and other people, but only a small percentage of what we communicate during each of these conversations is verbal. Research shows that the interpretation of a message is 7% verbal, 38% vocal and 55% visual.
The disadvantages are that the masks are difficult to wear for extended periods, especially by people who wear glasses, cannot filter all the small particles, such as viruses, and completely or partially hide the figure of the wearer, with social effects especially on children and young people.
We propose a new and simple design of a fully transparent, reusable mask, which protects against the spread of coronavirus and which ensures easy breathing, without respiratory discomfort and foggy glasses.
Shilma, the invisible mask.
The Shilma team
