To what extent does such a mask help to contain the corona pandemic?
Yeretzian: It helps because it also offers a very high level of self-protection. Many masks primarily protect the environment. The air the wearer breathes is filtered. But if the mask of an infected person is contaminated, it poses a risk of infection. By allowing our now-developed masks to clean themselves repeatedly and at the push of a button, they are prevented from becoming such sources of contamination. In addition to masks, the self-disinfecting technology can be applied to all kinds of textile surfaces, such as armrests or seat covers in public transportation, or protective clothing in hospitals and other places of operation, as well as for security forces.
Approximately when should the mask be launched on the market? How much will it cost?
Yeretzian: It will be launched in the spring. We still want to optimize the battery – it should be smaller. The inventor and industry partner Osmotex is also expecting very high demand, so they will have to increase production capacity.
The final price will depend in particular on the number of units produced. The masks will not be sold by Osmotex itself, but will be purchased in bulk from wholesalers who will then distribute them to hospitals, pharmacies and other medical institutions. We are already in talks with intermediaries here.