Czech innovators create acclaimed transparent respirator to fight COVID-19 and keep smiles

Czech innovators have developed a transparent N95 class respirator with better breathing comfort, and they're looking for a way to produce the respirator on a larger scale, according to Lidovky.

3Dtiskárna, a Turnov company, created the new respirator after six months of development. The product is undergoing certification at VÚBP in Prague.

Unlike a traditional mask, this see-through mask allows you to see the user's facial expressions and their mouth. It also reduces sweat in the mask and allows the user to breathe more freely.

"We have responded to the needs of health professionals and teachers as a 3D printing company," owner Peter Knobloch said about his company's product.

"It occurred to us that it is possible to create a respirator with a high degree of protection and at the same time not cover their faces."

The new respirator offers H13 level protection, higher than FFP3, and works with Face ID as well.

The product will be especially useful in fields where a face mask that covers your mouth may pose a problem. For example, communicating with the hearing impaired, working with seniors, working with pediatric patients and more.

In addition, the transparent respirator can be used repeatedly, unlike most masks.

The innovative respirator recently received attention at the prestigious German Design Awards competition. The Turnov company received special recognition in the Medical, Rehabilitation and Health Care category.

Building the transparent respirator is much cheaper than other industrial-level filter masks, and even some disposable drapes. In total, the company has received more than 6.8 million Crowns from contributors.