A new transparent face-mask design from University of Alabama Birmingham could begin rolling out in the next few months.

Designed by UAB's School of Medicine Chief Innovation Officer Dr. Rubin Pillay, this mask is entirely see-through, with clear plastic mouth covering, nose and chin barriers, ergonomic looped ear fasteners to replace elastic strings - this allows for the wearer to lift the mask above the head without removing it when eating or drinking.

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The mask prototype production is composed of 3 versions:

  • Version 1 = Standard Transparent Model
  • Version 2 = Transparent Model, N-95 Grade Filtering Capability
  • Version 3 = Smart Model, with COVID-Detection Capabilities

On The Steve Shannon Morning Show with 95.3 The Bear, Dr. Pillay expressed his excitement towards the project's development.

"I think its'a tremendous innovation in the sense that it not only affords protection against COVID, but actually helps diagnose the patient, very very early on, and we have have it opted for any other viral infection as well. So, you know, it's multifunctional," said Dr. Pillay.

Versions 1 and 2 of the mask are expected to be available sometime in October, with the Version 3 Smart Mask coming later down the line - Dr. Pillay expects two months.

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