THE WHAT? LG has unveiled a face mask with in-built, battery powered air purifier at IFA 2020. The PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier is said to represent the ‘future of healthy respiration’.

THE DETAILS The device will be available to buy from the fourth quarter of the current year and claims to create an entire new category of wearable air purifier technology: portable protection.

The wearable mask employs two replaceable H13 HEPA filters to supply fresh, clean air whether indoors or out and is ergonomically designed to fit snuggly and minimize air leakage around the nose and chin. It comes with a smart case equipped with UV-LED lights to help maintain hygiene between uses and a sensor to notify the user when the filters need to be replaced.  

“The PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier is an exciting addition to our growing lineup of products designed to deliver meaningful health and hygiene benefits,” said Dan Song, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “At a time when consumers are seeking ways to make life safer and more convenient, it’s important that we’re able to offer solutions that add measureable value.”

THE WHY? With masks widely mandated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore hot property everywhere in 2020, it was inevitable that someone would raise the game. The widespread health and hygiene paranoia caused by the pandemic will ensure a captive audience for LG’s launch, which is said to resolve the dilemma of homemade masks being inconsistent in quality and disposable masks in short supply.