ASICS creates face mask for exercising during the coronavirus pandemic

Sportswear brand ASICS has designed air vents into its Runners Face Cover so that people can wear a mask while working out during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Runners Face Cover was designed to have extra space for breathing hard and strategically placed vents that allow for airflow without spreading droplets.

The ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) developed the face cover to have a unique curved structure, which carves out a pocket of space between the nose and mouth.

Air vents are located on the underside to minimise the risk of droplet spread.

The Runners Face Cover was made of a washable and water repellent fabric that consists of 31 per cent recycled materials.

It has adjustable cords with lock and pull tabs that loop around both ears and behind the head that were designed to hold the mask on as securely as possible during exercising.

"We know how important it is for runners to protect themselves and others when running, but also that many find face covers uncomfortable and restrictive," said ASICS executive officer Kenichi Harano.

"So, we created the ASICS Runners Face Cover, uniquely designed for runners with cutting-edge technology," Harano added. "The innovative design gives runners room to breathe comfortably while performing at their physical peak."

In a survey, eight in 10 regular exercisers told ASICS they found standard masks uncomfortable when running, but over half would prefer to wear a face cover during exercise.

"When I used to run with a normal mask it was hard to breathe, but with this mask, I was able to run very comfortably," said ASICS chief operating officer Yasuhito Hirota.

ASICS is a Japanese sportswear company founded in 1977. Adidas, another sportswear company also designed a branded reusable face cover for the pandemic made from recycled material.

The World Health Organisation currently advises people to wear non-medical fabric masks that cover the mouth, nose and chin and to wash it once a day.

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