DUE to the pandemic, face masks have become a necessity every time we go out and meet other people.
Despite its medical purposes, donning on a simple medical mask doesn't seem to be enough, so people have started to revamp its shape and colour to accommodate the recent air quality.
For example, LG has updated with high-tech mask with the new LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier mask, which offers a modern design with impressive functionality.
Trendy look
At a glance, the mask looks aesthetically similar to the ones you'd find in Dune or Tokyo Ghoul with a white exterior that juts out of your face.
Being LG's 2nd generation of LG's Wearable Air Purifier, the mask has a futuristic design with a slightly curved polycarbonate front and LG PuriCare logo sitting at the mid-left side of the mask with two stripes of VoiceOn microphone right below it.
There are adjustable ear loops at the sides that come with an extender that's perfect for hijabis who'd prefer to clip the loops at the back of their heads.
When you turn it over, the sides are housed with inverter fans and slots for your HEPA H13 filters, which you have to change monthly.
You do have to struggle a bit when it comes to slamming the slots if your filters aren't placed properly. Just push the filers further back if such matters occur.
The given inner cover needs to be placed at the centre part of the mask and a silicone faceguard is magnetically attached to it to secure them in place. An effort for extra comfort they say.
There is an all-purpose power button that turns the mask and VoiceOn speaker on and off, with a USB Type C port next to it for easy charging.
In the box, there's also a charging cable, plastic pack, and a portable pouch for you to safely put it away when you're eating.
The experience
The PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier lets you breathe in clean air with its HEPA filters that block out allergens, dust, and bacteria.
With the help of the dual fans that automatically spin as you inhale, it acts as a respiratory sensor that detects your breathing and adjusts the fan speed according to the depth of your breath.
LG claimed that it can remove 94 per cent of micro dust, 94.9 per cent of bacteria, and 97.1 per cent of virus particles.
After trying it out, I do get that breath of fresh air which is slightly cooler than the air I normally inhale through my medical mask.
But the fans get a little crazy when I'm in the lift and resume working properly after I walk out. It probably had something to do with the air pressure.
Surprisingly, the device barely makes noise even in a room as quiet as the library. So no grimaces from the public for my part.
However, despite it being only 94g, it feels cumbersome after long hours of use and it'll take some time to get accustomed to it.
Perhaps because I'm comparing it to the paper-thin medical mask, but it does weigh your face down even when the faceguard is a perfect snug.
Of course, I prefer something lighter but given the filters and technology behind the size, I just have to make do with the current weight until they've designed something that compromises my delicate face.
Not to mention, you'd get all that condensation build-up and makeup smudged on the faceguard after that heavy panting under the sweltering sunlight, which isn't a flattering look for a date.
Also, due to your mixed saliva and sweat, the faceguard tends to have a pungent smell after a while. But no worries, you can always wash it or get a new one.
VoiceOn feature
Given its hulky size and faceguard that cups your face, it'll be hard for people to make out what you're saying and an attempt to converse would only result in muffling.
Thankfully, LG has included the VoiceOn speaker that amplifies your voice volume by simply tapping the power button to turn it on.
Even though the robotic-like sound of my voice brings me joy, everything is set up using the power button and the only way to tell if it's on or off is by the tiny beep it makes.
An indicator like a voice saying "VoiceOn speaker is on" or a separate button would help a lot since the LED light and power button are below the mask.
It takes about two hours for you to fully charge it, which lasts for 7 to 8 hours in my experience and even less with the VoiceOn Speaker turned on.
Conclusion
To be frank, the LG PuriCare Wearable Air Purifier Mask is helpful for breathing and filtering out unwanted particles as an alternative, however not so much when it comes to comfort.
At RM849, it is pricey for the air quality that it serves, and not only that, I'd have to invest more in its HEPA H13 Filter (set of 6 is RM106) and Inner Cover (Set of 60 is RM106) per month too.
Maybe when the price is affordable, people will get their hands on them but for now, I think I'll stick with the conventional medical mask until desperate time calls.
Verdict: 3/5
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