The deadly COVID-19 pandemic now looks like a distant nightmare, but lest we forget, during the darkest moment of the pandemic, we saw many doctors, nurses, caretakers, and elderly were infected, and many of them died from it. One of the key reasons was due to ineffective masks or respirators being used, such as surgical masks, and N95 paper masks.
From a respiratory protection perspective, surgical masks are intended only for preventing droplets from the caretakers to the patients in healthcare settings, and they cannot effectively protect the caretakers (or any wearers) from the airborne disease transmitted from the patients they take care of. N95 paper masks can protect wearers much better, however, the protection is not reliable, especially if not fitted properly, as facial leaks can be present easily with talking, sweating, and facial movement during use – an inherent issue resulting from the mask material – non-woven fabric, as they are not elastic to provide the needed adaptation to seal the contours of human faces.
In addition, being disposable, they generate a large amount of waste, adding further strain to our increasingly deteriorated environment.
However, during the peak COVID period, we did see some healthcare workers wearing industrial elastomeric non-powered air-purifying respirators (NAPR). Indeed, industrial NAPRs have greatly improved facial seals over N95 paper masks, and they are also reusable, however, as they are designed for industrial applications, they are not ideal for healthcare settings.
Key issues include:
- Not easy to clean and sterilize for reuse in healthcare settings.
- No exhalation filter to stop virus-laden droplets from spreading out.
- Can not see through the face to see the mouth movement and facial expression, thus affecting normal communication with patients.
- No build-in speech diaphragm thus affecting normal communication.
- Filters mounded on the mask making the respirator not low-profile on the face, affecting vision and normal operation.
Inspired by the need for better protection against COVID-19, Aimwell, the proud Australian breathing device manufacturer headquartered in Sydney, spent 3 years since mid-2020 inventing, developing, and rigorously testing the world’s first healthcare reusable respirator AYO HC.
Key features:
- Industrial-grade protection for non-industrial settings.
- At least 50 times better protection than N95 masks.
- Wearer droplet filtration capability.
- Low-profile and great field of view.
- See-through silicone mask – comfortable to wear and talk.
- Built-in speech diaphragm.
- Easy to clean and disinfect.
- Patented modular respirator structure with Push-fit & Twist-release connection.
- Future upgradable to AYO HC PAPR.
Benefits:
- Enhanced protection against COVID or similar airborne transmission in healthcare settings.
- Reliable prevention of pollen, dust, and air pollution-triggered asthma and COPD exacerbation.
- Long filter life and lower running cost.
- Reusable and environment friendly.
AYO HC: The World’s First Healthcare Reusable Respirator – The Respirator that Really Protects
