All over the world, masks are now part of everyday life, and people must wear them in public places, including in hospitals and other medical institutions.
Although the recommended maximum wearing mask depends on a number of factors, the US evidence-based medicine center and the World Health Organization published their recommendations in this regard, which limit the use of masks by four - six hours.
The British company Insignia Technologies has developed an intelligent label designed to ensure safer practicing masks. This label placed on the protective mask changes the color to submit a signal when the shelf life of a disposable face mask is coming to an end, or when the reusable mask requires replacement.
In the absence of existing rules guaranteeing the permanent change of masks, the decision of Insignia is aimed at creating an additional level of confidence both for hospital personnel and for patients, ensuring that the safety of everyone remains the highest priority.
Similar "smart" labels Insignia Technologies, designed back in 2012, are used in the food and beverage sector.
After the start of the pandemic, the team of Insignia's scientists reworked the labeling technology so that it could be applied to the facial masks.
Dr. Graham Skinner, Product Development Manager in Insignia Technologies, says:
We modified our labels in such a way that they correspond to the recommended time frame specified for the efficient use of the mask. The label is located on the outside of the mask and changes the color, indicating that the end of the recommended time has already been reached, which is easy to use a visual reminder and a confidence marker.
Along with the adaptation of its changing color of labels for use on facial masks, Insignia also modified the version of the label intended for use in other areas of medicine and healthcare. For many medical instruments and devices, such as endoscopes requiring replacement after a certain period, technology helps to control this period, allowing personnel to observe, check and replace the medical instrument or device accordingly. The label can provide safe use of medical devices, helping at the same time prevent infection.