atmos faceware makes clean air an accessory you can strap to your face

AO air’s atmos faceware is the latest in climate change technology positioning a high-tech personal filter to remove pollutants from the air you breathe. unveiled at CES 2020, the wearable gadget wants to be a solution to bad air quality.

live from las vegas: designboom is covering all the latest launches from CES 2020 from the trade show grounds. stay connected for the future of technology as it debuts.

images courtesy of atmos faceware

the device is a clear mask that goes across the face, covering the mouth and nose. incorporated is a system of fans and that adapt to the wearer’s breathing and cleans the air coming through the mask.

air filtering masks are popular in other parts of the world, like india, the country with the world’s most polluted air. they are also commonplace in china where ‘courtesy masks’ — surgical masks worn to prevent their germs from infecting others — are considered a polite thing to wear if you’re sick. however, only certain types actually include exhaust valves with levels of filtration performance.

the mask’s debut is timely considering the bushfires happening in australia and growing concerns over climate change that could make fire seasons longer and more intense. in addition to flames, the pollutant-filled air caused by smoke is incredibly dangerous and can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions leading to stroke, heart disease and even cancer.

AO air claims up to 50 times better protection than its competitors, which it attributes to independent testing by the auckland university of technology. the mask cleans the air at about 240 liters per minute and its filters last about one month, depending on the environmental air quality. the batteries last about five hours, depending on lung capacity, physical activity, and air quality.

‘a standard mask requires your lungs to do the work by pulling the air across the mask filter before it goes in your lungs; a negative pressure system,’ AO air explains on the FAQ section of its website. ‘the atmos works for you by pushing the air across the filters with the li-ion powered fans. this generates a pocket of clean air in front of your face ready, for your next breath, a positive pressure system.’

the mask will eventually retail for $350 and comes with four extra filters. only a ‘limited number’ of the masks are currently available for presale during CES.