With the use of masks now common amid the spread of the novel coronavirus, attention has shifted to auxiliary items for face coverings that create space around the mouth to ease breathing and reduce heat buildup.
Tokyo Chikuma Kasei Co., a company based in Nakahara Ward in the city of Kawasaki that produces plastic parts for electrical appliances, has developed such a support component for masks, which the firm calls an "inner spacer." If the product, which measures 4.5 centimeters by 9 centimeters and weighs 3.5 grams, is placed on the nose with a mask over it, space is created around the mouth. This allows the user to wear the mask comfortably for a longer time while maintaining the efficacy of the facial covering, the company said.
The inner spacer is also designed to prevent lipstick from adhering to the mask and make it easier for people to converse while wearing masks.
The product is sold online for 868, yen including tax, for a pair. The company said it is currently developing an inner spacer for children.
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