The haze usually comes in the 3rd quarter of the year but due to seasonal weather changes, it has been choking us as early as March. Actually, ’haze’ is an euphemism which should be correctly be termed ‘smog’ for it contains sinister toxic smoke and fine microscopic carbonized dust particles which are detrimental to health. This phenomenon is caused by deliberate forest fires in Indonesia, these irresponsible acts affect the economies and welfare of neighbouring countries, causing flight cancellations, flight delays, health complications and not to mention extensive ecological impacts to our environment.
With Singapore engulfed by haze, the newly launched AIR + Smart Mask has taken Singapore by storm (and rightly so). They are the brainchild of InnoSparks, an ST Engineering subsidiary.
Why is the AIR+ Smart Mask taking Singapore by storm? Quite simply, because it is designed to fit almost everyone (even for children as young as 7 years old). It is the world’s first N95 certified respiratory mask which comes in 3 sizes to offer advanced means of protection against haze, volcanic ash and other air-borne viruses / particles. We should not underestimate the need for a good mask because even though the haze seems to have abated these past few days, the PM2.5 Air Quality Index still registers hovers between 150 to 170 – in the unhealthy range.
Mr. Fong Saik Hay, Chief Technology Officer of ST Engineering, explaining rationale behind the innovation of the AIR+ Smart Masks:
A good protective mask would help us with the problems (caused by haze) but because we haven’t been able to find one with the level of comfort and easy-breathing quality we desired, so we set out to create it for our world.
Taking a fresh look at existing masks and their limitations, we focused our design on proper fit, and enhanced comfort for prolonged use. To do so, we applied our engineering and technical skill sets to challenge the status quo and invented what we can confidently say is the next generation of respirators.”
Innovation #1: New Smart Masks give Superior Fit
Finally, an effective and affordable face mask that would fit children 7 years old and up. Through its painstaking process, the team at InnoSparks has come up with 3 differentiated sizes (of small, medium and large) to provide a superb fit for a broad age range for most typical Asian face profiles, even for young ones. To help wearers choose the right mask size with a proper fit, the engineers also designed a measurement gauge integrated into the product packaging.
To find your right size, simply hold up the measuring chart found at the side of the Smart Mask packaging to your face. Match the distance from your eye to the bottom of your chin and select the closest size indicated. Here’s a video showing how to wear the mask.
The sizes fit snugly even on children’s faces (Approx. 7 years and over)
Innovation #2: A Built-in Smart Valve
The engineers have deigned all masks to come with built-in Smart Valve to allow warm and humid air trapped within the mask to escape faster and easier, so that we can breathe cooler fresher air.
The Air+ Smart Mask, gives us protection from the haze comfortably.
Innovation #3: The AIR+ micro ventilator improves the effectiveness of the Smart Mask
Conventional masks seal the area around the wearer’s mouth and nose. After prolonged wear, perspiration and condensation from the trapped air would make wearers stuffy and uncomfortable. Talking while wearing the masks would just amplify the problem, with some even misting up our spectacles! Not so with the AIR+ Smart Mask.
The Smart Masks can be used with the optional AIR+ micro ventilator – a detachable, rechargeable and lightweight, square-shaped micro ventilator which eliminates the unpleasant build-up of heat, moisture and carbon dioxide inside a conventional mask. The AIR+, when used together with the Smart Mask, is able to reduce humidity inside the face mask by up to 40% and reduce temperature by up to 4°C! This makes prolonged usage more comfortable.
All about the AIR+ micro ventilator:
The Smart Mask, on its own, offers wearers adequate protection against airborne contaminants but when the AIR+ mirco ventilator is fitted to the Smart Mask, we will experience improved breathing comfort and cooler airflow over extended period of time.
The AIR+ micro ventilator is powered by a built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer battery for up to 2 hours continuous use. Once the battery is drained, we can easily re-charge via USB to a computer system or power adaptor. It is light-weight and fits onto any size of the Smart Mask.
The AIR+ is highly recommended for children, as it removes accumulated carbon dioxide that may result in giddiness or headache. It is designed to fit only the Smart Masks and not compatible with other N95 masks in the market.
The average shelf life of the AIR+ micro ventilator is up to 1000 battery hours. If used every day, it can be used for over a year.
Benefits of the AIR+ Smart Mask
The micro ventilator comes complete with a USB charger
- The Smart Mask’s ergonomic design helps to ensure the best fit and well-sealed protection for you and your child (7 years and up)
- Smart Masks come in 3 sizes to fit a range of small to large faces
- Fully adjustable straps provide better fit and flexibility with no messing up of your hairdo
- Plush cushions ensure complete seal without compromising comfort
- Innovative filter mesh structure makes the masks more breathable without compromising on the level of protection
- Flat-folding for convenient portability
- The Smart Mask can be used for up to 8 continuous hours and should be replaced when you find it hard to breathe.
- The AIR+ micro ventilator transforms the affordable disposable Smart Masks into advanced masks with better performance and greater comfort
- Most importantly, the AIR+ Smart Mask (Similar to existing N95 masks) filters at least 95% of all airborne particles, including haze, volcanic ash and small particles (PM2.5) down to 0.1- 0.3 microns.
Watch our video here.
While air purifiers have earned their standing in our homes, face masks of all shapes and sizes have also gradually claimed its spot in our office drawers, handbags, schoolbags and when the haze reaches unhealthy levels, on our faces so that we can go about our everyday lives as normally much as possible. The AIR+Smart Mask is everything we are looking for in a protective mask which offers us peace of mind against pandemics and airborne threats to our family.
The Smart Masks are priced at S$7.20 per box (3 masks in each box) and the AIR+ micro ventilator is at S$29.90 each. Get yours today at all Watsons, Guardian and Unity Pharmacies islandwide!
To find out more about the AIR+ Smart Mask, visit its Website or Facebook Page.
For haze updates, visit the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), the haze microsite (www.haze.gov.sg), NEA Facebook (www.facebook.com/NEASingapore) and NEA Twitter (@NEAsg), or download the myENV app.
FLASH GIVEAWAY!
Thanks to our sponsor, we have 5 sets of AIR+ Smart Masks to be given away to 5 readers (1 set per household; each set comes in 3 sizes: S, M and L plus 1 AIR+ micro ventilator). To participate, simply do the following:
This giveaway ends on 22 September 2015, 11.59pm and is open to readers in Singapore. The winner will be contacted using the contact particulars provided when entering this draw and will have 24 hours to respond, failing which a new winner will be drawn. All incomplete and unverified entries will be disqualified. All entries will be verified before the winners are announced. To be fair to our sponsors, please note that all fake Facebook accounts (e.g. accounts set up purely to take part in contests with no or very few real friends) will be disqualified. All the best!
It the air micro ventilator
Fb Julie tan
Email [email protected]
Name: Karen Low
Email Address: [email protected]
Name one benefit of the AIR+ Smart Mask which impresses you: Comfort!!! – due to its ergonomic design, plush cushion and the micro ventilator!
Name : Ong Lay Lay
Email: [email protected]
I love the AIR+ Micro Ventilator .. no more mist on my glasses while wearing mask 🙂
The micro ventilator with USB charger!
Khor Lee Ling
[email protected]
Its the air micro ventilator
Fb susie teo
E mail . [email protected]
Air micro ventillator
Fb susie tei
Email. [email protected]
Name: Tan Janette
Email: [email protected]
I appreciate how AIR+ Smart Mask’s ergonomic design, plush cushion and the micro ventilation would allow the user a more comfortable wearing experience.
Thanks for the giveaway
Fb name chengling
Email [email protected]
No mist on the glasses when wearing the mask. Its air micro ventilator.
Jaime chan chueimei@gmail,com
Build in valve
name: rina lim
Email: [email protected]
one benefit of the AIR + Smart mask that impress me is the Air+ Micro Ventilator as it removes accumulated carbon dioxide .
Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
Name: Clarice Tan
Email: [email protected]
I like the Air + Micro Ventilator which allows improved breathing comfort and cooler airflow!
FB : Kong meifong
Email – [email protected]
One of the benefits is the micro ventilator as my girl is asthmatic, it helps her to breathe better while the mask comes in various sizes , suitable for my younger kids too . I love it for my whole family and I wish to protect them from the haze
Thank you
Jia jun, [email protected]
Cooler airflow over extended period of time. No matter how comfy or well protected. If it does not promote airflow. The user, especially children, will not be wearing it long enough!
Flat-folding for convenient portability
Yokie Choy
[email protected]
Michelle Ng
[email protected]
The micro ventilator and it’s ergonomic design that also come with different sizes for the face.
The AIR+Smart Mask is good for young kids.
Name : Venicia Tay
Email : [email protected]
Benefit : Comfortable with the help of innovative filter mesh structure, AIR+ micro ventilation and plush cushion.
Name : Venicia Tay
Email : [email protected]
Benefit : Comfortable with the help of innovative filter mesh structure, AIR+ micro ventilation and plush cushion.
Name: Stephanie Loy
Email: [email protected]
Benefits: Air+ micro ventilator which acts like a mini mobile air purifier as well as the 3 different sizes to fit all at home
I like that it comes in smaller sizes that fit children’s smaller faces. It means a secure fit for better efficiency of keeping the haze out.
[email protected]
Carol Mei Mei Lim
Name: Amie Chen
Email: [email protected]
Answer: Its ergonomic design helps to ensure the best fit and well-sealed protection.
Name : Tricia
Email : [email protected]
Benefits : Convenient because flat-folding
Joanne sen
[email protected]
Air+ micro ventilator which acts like a mini mobile air purifier as well as the 3 different sizes to fit all at home
Love the built-in smart valve for cooler air and comfort plus the varied sizes!
Thank you for the giveaway!
FB: Gladys Tiyo
Email: [email protected]
Facebook:
Ang Chris
Email:
[email protected]
One benefit of the AIR+ Smart Mask:
Masks come with built-in Smart Valve to allow warm and humid air trapped within the mask to escape faster and easier, so that we can breathe cooler fresher air.
Fb name : Jianlong Mai
Email: [email protected]
The best thing about the mask is the ventilator!
Rosalie Parnes
[email protected]
I love this:
Innovative filter mesh structure makes the masks more breathable without compromising on the level of protection
I like that it is made in Singapore, and that this mask has an intelligent cooling system which will be greatly appreciated when using it for outdoor use in our tropical climate!
Additionally I hope that it will be supplied to construction workers who have to work in the haze.
I like the ventilator so it’s easier to breathe. I get lightheaded after wearing the regular N95 masks for a while.
FB name : Karen Koh
Email : [email protected]
The benefit of the Air+ Smart Mask is the ventilator.
This is especially good for young kids which they will not feel stuffy with this ventilator attached to the mask
I like the Micro Ventilator which improve breathing!
Leong Yee Ming
[email protected]
Facebook name: Elize Lim
EMAIL: [email protected]
One benefit for the AIR + Smart Mask:
The micro ventilator that allows humid air traps within the mask to escape hence better air flow when wearing mask and fights the haze with more comfort.
I’m impressed that the AIR+ Smart Mask folds flat, making it easy to carry around.
Wendy Tay
[email protected]
The micro ventilator is really unique! Love the invention.
Fb name: Ruby Lee
Email: [email protected]
One advantage is the built-in Smart Valve to allow warm and humid air trapped within the mask to escape faster and easier, so that we can breathe cooler fresher air.
FB: Joanna tan
iG: Jonana.tan
Twitter: jonana_tan
Email: [email protected]
Wow…. Very informative review. Really impress with the invention. Like the idea of micro ventilator. Extreme useful for kids with difficulty of breathing when wearing mask.
Facebook: Jimmy lim
It comes with the ventilator for cleaner, fresher n cooler air within the mask! Awesome!
Eileen Lim
[email protected]
Answer: One benefit that impresses me is the AIR+ micro ventilator which transforms the affordable disposable Smart Masks into advanced masks with better performance and greater comfort !
It is the Built-in Smart Valve that catches my attention!
Facebook name : Kylie Teo
Email : [email protected]
Name: Patricia Tan
Email: [email protected]
Benefits: Air+ micro ventilator
Fb: laisiewling
Email: [email protected]
Innovative filter mesh structure to make us breath easily
FB: Mabel Chua
Email: [email protected]
AIR+Smart Mask being able to expels heat & moisture and eliminates the Cardon dioxide buildup internally. This allows us to breathe effortlessly without compromising on the level of protection and comfort.
The Smart Mask’s ergonomic design helps to ensure the best fit and well-sealed protection for you and your child (7 years and up)
The air micro ventilator allows trapped exhaled air to escape and makes breathing easier. This innovation is what I’ve been looking for.
Fb name : Li Mae
E mail . [email protected]
Phyllis Tan
[email protected]
The micro ventilaor impressed me the most
The Micro Ventilator
Impressed with innovation #2, The Build-In Smart Valve! Finally, we can breathe cooler fresher air!
Email: everlasting [email protected]
Name : Valerie
Email : [email protected]
I like this mask as it had the micro ventilator. Really amazing function.
Definitely that it comes in small sizes as well – that would fit my girl. She refuses to wear the N95 masks as they are too big and uncomfortable.
Name: Jane
Email: [email protected]
yes I have Air+N95 Mask, but I don’t have Micro Ventilator. asking a lot Watson store but is sole out. Hope I can Get answer to get Micro Ventilator and email me. Thank you.
Hi Nelson
thanks for leaving a comment. We have checked with the supplier InnoSparks. The AIR+ micro-ventilators are still currently out of stock. I’m sure they are in the midst of replenishing production, once the stocks are available, I’ll make a shout out on the FB page.