A new N95 mask for young children aged three to six years old will offer much needed protection in times of the haze and other days with poor air quality. The mask comes after years of research and trials by Innosparks, an ST Engineering Open Innovation Lab.

It was a weekday, yet all the schools were empty.

The date was 24 October 2015. The 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) had soared beyond 300, turning Singapore’s air quality hazardous.

This forced the Ministry of Education to shut schools for the day.

“It was hard for my kids because they couldn’t go outdoors...they were coughing, with itchy throats and eyes,” said Mrs Elaine Low, a housewife.

The only form of protection for her children, then aged eight and three, would have been to wear N95 masks. But the poor fit meant they could not prevent the youngsters from breathing in the haze.

It was a different story for parents when the haze hit our shores again in September this year, thanks to new N95 masks designed for young children between the ages of three and six.

Rigorously Tested

N95 masks protect users by filtering out 95 per cent of the non-oil-based particles in the air. But they are manufactured for adults in a standard international size, which do not fit children and Asian adults well.

This changed in 2015, when Innosparks and Temasek Foundation launched the AIR⁺ Smart Mask. Designed to fit Asian faces, the mask comes in three sizes, the smallest of which fits children aged seven years and above.

But there was still a gap to be filled – N95 masks for preschool-age children. 

Hence, the two organisations continued their research and after two years of development and trials, the AIR⁺ N95 Kids mask for children aged three to six years was launched in September 2019.

Mr Lim Hock Chuan, Chief Executive of Temasek Foundation Ecosperity, said: “Temasek Foundation funds innovations that will improve the liveability of Singapore. We are happy that with this new product, families now have an option to protect their vulnerable younger children when they are outdoors facing the haze or other air pollutants. Temasek Foundation will continue to support and bring innovative research from the laboratory and into the marketplace and the community to enhance our quality of life.”

“3D facial scans were performed on over 350 pre-schoolers from PCF Sparkletots to determine the best shape for the mask,” said Mr Jerome Lee, Head of Engineering at Innosparks.

Then the researchers used industry-standard quantitative fit-test equipment on more children to determine if the mask was secure enough.

“As part of the development process, we also tested various iterations. Some didn't work out very well, such as one which had a single-strap solution. The feedback was that the mask kept falling off, so that was when we went back to the drawing board,” said Mr Lee.

One innovation that survived the rigorous testing was the Flexi-Strap ear loop. It has an innovative tear-to-adjust feature that allows for a more precise fit. Users could tear along a notch to fit larger heads.

While the mask can be used on its own, Mr Lee recommended that it be paired with the AIR⁺ Nano Fan for greater breathability and comfort.

“The fan is designed to draw out the user’s exhalation, helping to reduce the dangers of breathing in recirculated air. It is also quiet and light,” he explained.

In a thermal imaging test, the device had also been shown to cool down the facial area covered by the mask, he said, adding that the fan can be charged via micro USB for a usage of two and a half hours.

A survey was also conducted on the same children, who were asked if they felt comfortable wearing the mask and fan. Their response was a resounding yes.

The mask, which is benchmarked to meet international protective mask standards, is available at retail pharmacies. Sold separately, the mask costs $7.90 for a three-piece pack, while the Nano Fan comes bundled with one AIR⁺ N95 Kids mask at $31.90.