While we all try to stay at home, it is unavoidable for most of us to go and carry out essential tasks and activities. No matter how we look at it, this Covid-19 pandemic is here to stay and since the onset of this pandemic, face masks have become the norm when going out in public.
Masks are now the new normal, but not everybody is suitable for wearing traditional masks. The elderly and people who might have breathing difficulties tend to find reusable cloth masks too stuffy and hard to breathe through, while disposable masks aren’t great for the environment either. LG has solved that issue, and the new LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier provides an option for people who can’t use cloth masks.
The new LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier Mask is a literal breath of fresh air. This “smart mask” uses the latest electronics and medical-grade filters to make sure that its user breathes clean air, sifting out pollutants, allergens, bacteria, and even virus-carrying particles, according to LG.
LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier is essentially an electronic mask device with H13 HEPA filters to filter out up to 99.95%* + of airborne bacteria, viruses, dust, and allergens.
These filters are the same ones used in clinics and hospitals. But unlike regular masks, which can make breathing a bit more difficult, this smart mask uses battery-powered fans to suck in air, thus making breathing under a mask easier and a much better experience. There are also sensors to detect the rate of breathing and adjust the fans interval and speed to match the user's respiration.
That’s not all, the mask also features a built-in VoiceOn microphone that helps to amplify your voice when needed. The new model no longer muffles your voice, and you may even sound better when speaking compared to when you wear a standard facemask.
All this is powered by a built-in non-replaceable 1,000mAh battery that’s rated for about 8 hours of usage before needing a recharge.
The design of the wearable air purifier looks good. Build quality is solid with absolutely no flex. The material has this nice smooth matte texture on the front and back. This definitely will be a mask that catches everybody’s eye when you’re out and about. It’s all white, and it’s super bulky. At 126 grams, the mask is heavier than normal masks and may cause discomfort after prolonged usage. Fortunately, the device also comes with a strap extender that wraps around the back of the head, for a more secure and comfortable fit.
The Puricare Wearable requires some assembly out of the box. You need to install the 2 HEPA filters on each side of the mask. Then you install the cloth-like inner cover which filters the air you exhale. Finally, you install the silicone faceguard, which conveniently attaches to the unit using magnets. You also need to charge Puricare Wearable before you can use it. Charging takes around 2 hours, but after that, you can use it for a full 8 hours.
Battery life for the fan at low speed can last up to 8 hours, and at high speed for up to 2 hours. The low-speed fan is good for walking. Medium speed is good for slight activity, e.g. cycling. High speed is for running, basically doing things that will make you sweat. And when a wearable air purifier is not worn for 20 seconds, it will power off automatically. The battery is rechargeable via the USB-C port, but not replaceable.
From a purely functional standpoint, the LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier Mask makes for a highly effective solution that directly addresses several of the traditional pain points seen when wearing normal surgical or fabric masks. It makes breathing easier and is more comfortable to use while the VoiceOn feature helps with social interactions but the cost of expendables and the initial high cost of entry may be a daunting factor. If your budget permits, this is something worthy of consideration. The price for this futuristic mask is QAR 699 and is available in all the LG stores and major outlets. Breathe fresh Again!
Technical Details
- Case sold separately
- Battery Capacity: 820 mAh
- Form Factor: Portable, rechargeable air purifier
- Motor: Dual Inverter Motor
- Filtration: H13 HEPA Filter (2 EA)
- Ports: USB-C
- Sensor: Respiratory Sensor
- Battery Life: 4 hours (min) – 8 hours (max)
- Charging Time: 2 hours