A heterogeneous-structure facial mask for thermal and humidity regulation in cold environments.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41271732.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-025-66489-y and PMC identifier 12749790.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
- Because redistribution is not established, this page shows the abstract only. Follow the links below for the full text.
Abstract
Wearing a mask can help prevent respiratory diseases. However, it remains challenging to simultaneously keep the face warm and humid while ensuring sufficient oxygen intake. Forced convective airflow during respiration reduces the heat exchange efficiency of current wearable masks, especially in cold environments. Here, we present MetaMask, a heterogeneous-structure mask that employs a synergistic strategy combining asymmetric radiation control with condensation-evaporation. MetaMask recovers 82.1 ± 0.7% of heat and 94.1 ± 1.1% of moisture from exhaled air to warm and humidify the inhaled air. In a - 20 °C environment, it raises the inhaled air temperature to 26.2 °C while maintaining adequate oxygen intake. MetaMask also provides anti-frost and UV protection. This design offers an effective solution for facial protection in extremely cold conditions.
Medical subject headings
- Masks
- Humidity
- Cold Temperature