Recognizing that there's a need for an alternative to single-use disposable masks, MIT researchers set out to create a solution that has the potential to be as effective as the revered N95 respirator. As James Byrne, a radiation oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and research affiliate at MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research says: “We really put our heads together to try to come up with something that was sustainable, and that’s how we really came up with this reusable, scalable, conformable, flexible mask."
The mask is made from durable silicone and this material means that the design can easily be sterilized without damage. Notably, the mask includes two breathing holes that work with small, replaceable N95 filters and overall, it has a clear design to support communication.
Image Credit: MIT
What's Driving This Trend
- Reusable Masks
- MIT's reusable silicone mask demonstrates the need for more sustainable facial protection options.
- Dual-filter Masks
- The idea of a reusable mask with removable dual-filters can drive research and innovation in the PPE space.
- Sterilizable Mask Designs
- Developing sterilizable mask designs can minimize cost and provide an eco-friendly alternative to disposable masks.
Who This Affects Most
- Healthcare
- Reusable masks with replaceable filters offer potential in the healthcare industry as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional PPE.
- Manufacturing
- Creating sterilizable mask designs offers innovation opportunities in the manufacturing industry to improve PPE production practices.
- Sustainability
- The emergence of more sustainable mask options highlights the need for greater focus on eco-friendly products and practices in the sustainability industry.
