# Air-Controlling VR Masks The AirRes Mask is a VR Headset that Covers the Mouth and Controls Air By Colin Smith | Published 2023-01-12 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airres-mask References: [gigazine.net](https://gigazine.net/gsc_news/en/20220516-airres-mask-virtual-reality-breathing-interface/)  A team of researchers at the [University of Applied Sciences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breathing-ball) in Salzburg, Austria, created the 'AirRes Mask,' a mouth-covering mask intended for [virtual reality worlds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-vr-headset). The AirRes Mask is multifunctional. It covers the wearer's mouth, effectively muting them to the surrounding physical world, while still allowing for the insertion of a microphone for voice capture in the virtual world. The second feature and main innovation in the AirRes Mask, though, is its air control system. The AirRes Mask uses breathing resistance as output modality, allowing for complex analysis and control of breathing. This means the tool could be used to simulate the real experience of playing a wind instrument in VR, while also stimulating scenes in games where a character is unable to breath well. It is important to note that the device does have a "killswitch" of sorts that allows the user to breath normally when required. Image Credit: Markus Tatzgern ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 14% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Virtual Reality Masks:** The development and production of versatile masks for use in virtual reality, with the potential to change the entire VR experience. - **Air Control Systems for VR:** The burgeoning demand for air control systems for virtual reality to create additional simulations brings new opportunities for innovation. - **Breathing Resistance Devices:** The development of breathing resistance devices that can simulate unique experiences within virtual reality presents a significant opportunity for innovation. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Virtual Reality:** The AirRes Mask opens up greater potential for innovation within virtual reality, creating a unique market of immersive experiences. - **Gaming:** The AirRes Mask provides developers with an opportunity to create more engaging and intense games that take advantage of breathing resistance simulation, providing a completely unique gaming experience. - **Music:** Developments in technology mean that musicians can train and create new music in virtual reality using the AirRes Mask, with the breathing control system offering real-life simulation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Fluidless Scent-Releasing Facemasks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-face-mask-1.md) - [Wearer-Analyzing Respirators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebcare-mask.md) - [Air-Blowing Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-mask.md) - [Soundproof Microphone Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-phasma.md) - [Voice Suppression Microphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mutalk.md) - [Smell-Oriented Virtual Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/city-university-of-hong-kong.md) - [Breath-Tracking Face Mask Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebit.md) - [Voice-Quieting Face Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/voiceabsorbing-face-mask.md) - [Multipurpose Scent-Releasing Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nosewise.md)