Air-Purifying Collar Aims To Bring Allergies To The Cuff

If you’ve been sniffing all allergy season, here’s an accessory that might be a breath of fresh air. Health tech firm Respiray has designed a wearable air purifier that blows a “bubble of clean air” around your face while you go about your day.

The result of 117 prototypes, the ‘Wear A+’ is made to be worn around the neck like a collar—clearing airborne allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold within your personal circle without obstructing your face, so you can talk, eat, and drink as usual. 

The gadget then pushes clean air, purified by a HEPA filter which removes 99.9% of allergens from the surroundings, into your nose and mouth.

It’s especially lightweight, weighing only 8.8 ounces following feedback about another of the Estonian company’s wearable air purifier.

Image via Respiray

The device has an adjustable magnetic strap to be fixed for comfort. It can be used for about 200 hours before its HEPA filter needs replacing, and you’ll know when that time comes when its indicator light is activated.

Respiray developed the collar as a drug-free alternative to alleviate effects of allergies, which are said to affect over 50 million Americans. The Wear A+ has been tested by the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation and a lab at SGS Michigan to promising results.

The company adds that, in its own study of over 200 people, the collar has helped 90% of individuals lessen or combat symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery eyes. Time to hold your pet closer!

Despite being built for all-day comfort, the Wear A+ collar isn’t technically for full-day wear. That’s because it’s optimized for indoor use, as strong outside winds may interfere with the cleansing process.

Unveiled at CES this year, the gadget is currently at the crowdfunding stage, though it has already nearly tripled its goal.

[via Dezeen and Yanko Design, images via Respiray]