# Breath-Tracking Face Mask Devices The 'FaceBit' Monitors the Vital Signs of Frontline Workers By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2022-01-14 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebit References: [newatlas](https://newatlas.com/wearables/facebit-face-mask-vital-signs/) & [news.northwestern.edu](https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2022/01/fitbit-for-the-face-can-turn-any-face-mask-into-smart-monitoring-device/)  The 'FaceBit' is an advanced piece of healthcare equipment for frontline workers that would enable them to continuously [monitor their vital signs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vital-belt) throughout the day and/or their shift to ensure they are staying healthy. The device works by being positioned into a face mask and would monitor vital signs as well as detecting for leaks in the seal of the mask to ensure proper filtration. About the size of a quarter, the device would be capable of being attached onto any kind of mask via a small magnetic and would draw energy from the wearer's breathing throughout the day. The 'FaceBit' is currently being develop at [Northwestern University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Bio-inspired-vision-systems) and was commented on by lead scientist Assistant Professor Josiah Hester who said, "FaceBit provides a first step toward practical on-face sensing and inference, and provides a sustainable, convenient, comfortable option for general health monitoring for [COVID](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visible)-19 frontline workers and beyond. I’m really excited to hand this off to the research community to see what they can do with it." Image Credit: Northwestern University ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Continuous Vital Signs Monitoring:** A trend towards wearable devices that continuously monitor vital signs throughout the day for a more proactive approach to healthcare. - **Health Monitoring Wearables:** Wearable devices that track health data are becoming more popular as people prioritize their health and well-being, creating opportunities for innovation in this market. - **Medical Wearables Innovation:** Advances in wearable technology are driving innovation in healthcare by providing new ways to monitor and manage health conditions, creating new possibilities for medical wearables. ### Where This Applies - **Healthcare:** The healthcare industry can benefit from the development of wearable devices that monitor vital signs and health data, which can assist in remote monitoring and proactive care. - **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):** The PPE industry can incorporate health monitoring capabilities into their products, such as the FaceBit, to improve safety and performance of frontline workers. - **Research and Development:** The FaceBit and other similar wearable devices offer opportunities for R&D into new on-face sensing and inference technologies for general health monitoring and medical wearables. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Wearer-Analyzing Respirators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ebcare-mask.md) - [Smart Health-Monitoring Mouthpieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mouthio.md) - [Noninvasive Breathing Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/home-breath-analysis.md) - [Wearable Sleep Care Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/linkface-niteaura.md) - [Wearable Breathing Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alveos-one.md) - [Health-Tracking Key Fobs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portal-vital-monitor.md) - [Headphone-Shaped Vital Signs Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vital-signs-monitors.md) - [AI Heart Health Mirrors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/faceheart-cardiomirror.md) - [Air-Controlling VR Masks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airres-mask.md)