DST institute to modify mask design after Government warns against use of valved respirator N95 masks

S.N.Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences has said that it will make the required changes in the N-95 masks to give adequate protection to people from the virus.

Just days after the government has warned people against the use of N-95 masks with Valved respirators, the S.N.Bose National Centre For Basic Sciences has said that it will modify the design of the mask to ensure it provides adequate protection from the virus. The institute comes under the Department of Science and Technology. It has developed an active respirator mask with an exhalation valve and suspended particulate matter filter for comfortable and hygienic breathing.

"The active respirator mask is an innovative solution to the re-breathing of carbon dioxide, exhaled moisture, and sweaty and hot environment inside the mask. It also improves the clarity of speech of a person with a face mask and assures comfortable, hygienic breathing to protect the wearer from exposure to airborne contaminants,” the Ministry of Science and Technology said in a statement.

The Centre has reached out to all the states and union territories warning them against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators, as they do not help in preventing the virus from spreading out and are detrimental to the measure adopted for containing the virus. 

Samit Kumar Ray, Director of the institute said that the design of the mask will be modified to ensure adequate protection is provided by the masks from the virus.

The Director General of Health Services (DGHS), in a letter to the principal secretaries of state health and medical education departments, said it has been observed that there is "inappropriate use" of N-95 masks, particularly those with valved respirators, by the public other than designated health workers.

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