Spill The Tea

In this day and age, ‘putting your face on’ has an entirely different meaning. Lipstick and foundation are replaced by masks, the wearing of which is mandated during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are plenty of masks available in the market — think: reusable masks in every colour of the rainbow, masks sporting impossibly cute patterns and cartoon characters, or even masks made out of foam for easy washing and drying.

However, have you heard of a mask that can be integrated with your smartphone, as well as a built-in microphone and earphones? Talk about having your cake and eating it too!

The future of masks

Marrying convenience and accessibility, a company called MASKFONE has come up with a mask that basically functions as an all-in-one tech hub. Achieving a good balance between practicality and aesthetics, the mask perfectly integrates with your daily on-the-go needs.

Designed with safety in mind, the built-in microphone — that even comes with background noise isolation! — allows users to safely take calls without moving their masks. Say goodbye to muffled conversations and hello to uninterrupted routines; the mask even comes with control buttons for you to adjust the volume as desired.

With a 12-hour playback when fully charged, the mask also enables voice projecting, and can be connected to Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant. You’ll now be able to control your phone or Smart TV just by talking into your mask — imagine that!

That’s not all: wireless earphones are clipped onto the mask’s ear hooks. These can also be removed when not in use, a.k.a. no more pesky wires getting in the way. The mask boasts adjustable elastic neoprene ear hooks as well, which help relieve pressure on the ears.

That’s not all: complete with replaceable medical-grade PM2.5 or N95 filters, the mask has an impressive filtration rate of 95%. Boasting an absorbent inner layer, three other filter layers, and a removable filter, the mask offers more than sufficient protection. Each filter can be used for up to 200 hours with refill packs available as well at USD19.99 (~SGD27). Available in two sizes — small/medium and medium/large — this mask, with an added security from a built-in stabiliser, is suitable for everyone.

Pre-orders are now available for the U.S. and Canada regions, with each mask going for about USD49.99 (~SGD68) and an extra USD9.99 (~SGD14) for international orders. This admittedly sounds a little pricey but rest assured that a portion of the proceeds for each mask will go towards the World Health Organisation to aid its fight against infectious diseases.

Jazz up your mask repertoire

Intrigued? Check out these other masks that are anything but plain vanilla.

For working out

Built with athletes and fitness enthusiasts in mind, the UA Sportsmask (~SGD35) aims to optimise sports performance. Reusable and water-resistant, the mask scores high on breathability and comfort. Offering three layers of protection as well as good airflow, the mask also sports a moldable nose bridge that helps to secure the mask in place.

For good skin

This mask created by Dr Teo Wan Lin, a Singaporean dermatologist from the TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, boasts anti-ageing and anti-acne properties. With a one-size guarantee, the copper ions in the fabric actively promote collagen production, reducing pigmentation in turn. Each mask is going for SGD70 per pop, with 25% of the proceeds going towards Bartley Community Care Services for their LCC Project #SGUnited.

For Apple staff

The Apple Mask, on the other hand, is only available for their staff but it’s well worth a mention (and a gawk!). Designed by the same team that’s behind Apple’s iPhones and iPads, the reusable mask has a simple and polished design, with three filter layers. The upper and lower edges of the mask have wings, which can be pulled out to fully fit the face.

Next up, Apple is also launching the ClearMask, a transparent mask that’s hearing-impaired-friendly.

For clean filtered air

Finally, take things up a notch with LG’s PuriCareTM Wearable Air Purifier — which brings the idea of breathing in clean air to a whole new level. Equipped with high-performance replaceable filters, dual fans, and a patented respiratory sensor, this mask only lets in clean filtered air. What’s more, the fans automatically speed up and slow down to aid the process! This mask will only be available towards the end of 2020, so stay tuned.