espire full face respirator reveals facial emotion while improving airflow

‘espire’ has a fully transparent front by rearranging the components of the traditional gas mask — the filter is relocated above the visor; the airflow is guided from the top of the mask to the mouth. this design increases comfort and acceptance, plus changes the archetype of respirators.

air filter has been relocated to above the visor — rendering

full face respirators have remained unchanged in their component arrangement for decades. they comprise a small visor, an inner mask and an outer mask to keep exhaled air from the visor, preventing fog. both the filter and outlet valve are always at the bottom of the mask. additionally, more often than not they have a complicated strap system, keeping them in position on the head. carlos schreib, an industrial designer based in berlin, germany undertook researched with professional varnishers and painters. this process clarified that no user actually enjoys wearing a gas mask. so, the question was born from these circumstances and creating something more user-centered was long overdue.

exploded perspective highlighting ‘espire’s’ components — rendering 

the ‘espire’ full face respirator was created for professional varnishers and painters who use masks daily. the spin-on filter is now located at the top of the mask, freeing the users face with a transparent mouth section. thus, reducing the feeling of alienation felt when seeing somebody wearing a traditional gas mask. the air flow is now guided in a linear stream from the top of the mask, where the air interacts with the visor first to keep it free from fog. the air then flows through a valve in a divider between the viewing and mouth area. afterwards, air is exhaled through the outlet valve located at the chin, thus no exhaled air comes into contact with the visor‘s viewing area. schreib believes this arrangement optimizes air flow and drastically changes the aesthetics and archetype of a respirator. the fully transparent front and compact design increase communication ability, comfort and acceptance for the user. additionally, the decreased volume of the mask reduces the risk of accidentally lifting the mask from the user‘s face.

comparative guide of airflow in traditional mask vs. ‘espire’

carlos schreib‘s research included many interviews with professional users of gas masks then analyzing their behavior. many prefer to avoid using them while working, which poses a serious health risk. aversion comes from the impractically small viewing area, the bulkiness causing strain after prolonged use, and the poor usability when adjusting the awkward straps.

schreib comments, ‘most people still associate gas masks with fear and danger resulting from the wars they’ve been used in. it was long overdue to change this for good novelty’.

step-by-step guide showing how to use the modern respirator

the designer is now in dialogue with manufacturers to produce a one-off prototype to test the functionality with a real filter and professional grade rubber material. using this he intends to create a small series for wider feedback from users to refine the final details of the concept, with which he plans to bring to market.