Singapore makes transparent medical masks for speech therapists

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Sengkang General Hospital (SKH), and local masks manufacturer Forever Family have announced the development and deployment of a medical-grade disposable face mask with a transparent window that allows patients to view the mouth movements of healthcare professionals, and vice-versa. With mask-wearing still required indoors, especially in patient-facing areas, this transparent medical mask is particularly useful for speech therapists working in hospitals, schools, and other settings to assist patients with speech, language, communication and even swallowing difficulties. This transparent medical mask has a 3D design and an anti-fog shield to maintain visibility. It is rated ASTM Level 2 for its performance as a medical mask, while Forever Family, manufacturer of the masks, has achieved ISO 13485 certification and approval by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for its manufacturing processes related to the production of these masks. The project builds on the first-generation reusable transparent face mask manufactured by Forever Family and supplied to help the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This collaboration combines manufacturing and product development expertise from A*STAR’s Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) with Forever Family’s textile expertise.